Virtual Railfan Tour of Switzerland - Thursday - Frauenfeld Will Bahn


FW train at Wil
Returning from St. Gallen to Zurich one afternoon, Paul and I decided to take a break and ride the meter gauge tramway from Wil to Frauenfeld and back.  This 16.9 km line uses 1200 V DC for its five three unit trains built by Stadler in 2014. There are two other units built in 1992. The line is now managed by the Appenzellerbahnen but manages to keep a distinct livery.

The platform at Will is very conveniently located close to the SBB station. The line (green) to Frauenfeld runs to the north west.

Wil

The workshop at Wil. This shows one of the older units painted in a bizarre red and white scheme. The two older units are now permanently coupled and held in reserve.
The line is essentially a roadside tramway with street running in Frauenfeld. The ride is through pleasant but unspectacular countryside with several small villages.

At Frauenfeld the FW terminates in the station forecourt which it shares with the local buses.

The transport network is well integrated at Frauenfeld.

This video shows the FW older units in a subdued livery

Video showing the older units in their eye catching red and white livery

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