Friday 12 September 2025 - The Last Hurrah

Today we left Yverdon-les-Bains and traveled back to Zurich in preparation for return to Canada tomorrow. In the morning we took an ICN through Neuchatel to Oensingen. We left four minutes late but with a tight throttle and the banking on these trains we left Neuchatel on time - it was an exciting ride.

At Oensingen there was quite a lot to see. As well as the main line freight a single manned diesel switcher went across the main line a couple of times to pick up empty cars. 


The two narrow gauge trams from Solothurn and Langenthal came in and reversed. 


Main line freight

The standard gauge line to Balstall was using an SBB train with TPN markings. 

In addition there was a magpie poking around on the ground, and a couple of kites flying around. 

We went on to Olten for lunch at the Migros restaurant. 

After lunch we took a short trip to Daniken on the main line. Just after we got there we saw three freight trains with Re 420s on them and a further SBB Vectron on freight trains all within the space of five minutes. In addition that were a lot of true passenger trains. In fact I counted thirteen trains within a period of fifteen minutes,

BLS Vectron on freight

A Re 420 on a postal train


We wanted to see the older electrics Re 420 and Re 620. There are still a lot around although it is anyone's guess for how long. We return to Canada tomorrow. I titled this blog "The Last Hurrah". This trip with Paul has been great. Will I be able to do another one next year? I hope so.

Comments

  1. Fr.FredSeptember 12, 2025 at 12:57 PM

    Thank you, Colin, and Paul, greatly, for taking us all along on your latest, and past Railroading Adventures...it is very generous of you to include us, your Friends.
    Now, finally, we will again have the GREATER pleasure, of you face to face, on line or in person, right here at home...
    Have a SAFE, and enjoyable trip home, Young friends.
    Fred Mills

    ReplyDelete
  2. Bernie GSeptember 12, 2025 at 1:44 PM

    I truly enjoyed your daily adventures. Many of the town/city names were familiar to me, although when one is skiing, it is difficult to railfan. Safe journey home.
    Bernie

    ReplyDelete
  3. MarkSeptember 12, 2025 at 7:34 PM

    I love your beautiful photos and relished every word of your trip, Colin. And thanks for bringing up the memories of playing conkers when we lived in Highbury when I was a kid.
    Cheers,
    Mark

    ReplyDelete

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