Weeds in the ballast can destabilise the track. For many years, SBB therefore removed weeds from its tracks using chemicals such as atrazine, which has since been outlawed. The first weedkiller wagons were built very early on. Between 1928 and 1934, no fewer than 20 ! 3-axle tenders of B 3/4 1300 and 1600/1700 were converted for this purpose. They were rebuilt on various occasions and were given new numbers from 1947 onwards. Between 1950 and 1953, a further 10 X3 weedkiller wagons were built from tenders of B 3/4 1300 and A 3/5 700. In addition, BLS, EBT and BT together received 4 weedkiller wagons from tenders of B 3/4 1300. 26 of these wagons were discarded between 1959 and 1962 and 3 were reused for the grinding trains. X3 92714 survived until 1970 and even received a new cab for the operating crew in 1961. X3 92714 in Winterthur. Photo: Stefan Unholz, Winterthur
After a single 4-axle tender of the A 3/5 731, which had already been rebuilt in 1928, two “new” 4-axle weedkiller wagons came into service in 1957 and 1959. These were again rebuilt steam locomotive tenders of the C 4/5 2705 and 2712. On the photo of the X 92720 shortly after commissioning on 23 September 1957, the old bogies of the steam locomotive tender and the riveted frame under the cistern are clearly visible. Photo: SBB Historics
In 1974, the latter were modernised and fitted with a new underframe and new bogies. However, it is more accurate to speak of a new construction using some existing parts…
The weeding trucks were always pushed during operation. The pushing traction unit was therefore exposed to the chemical spray and was often heavily soiled. In order to avoid the necessary cleaning, vehicles intended for scrapping were usually used.
Because atrazine was banned in Switzerland from 2012, the era of weedkiller vehicles came to an end. And since the outhouses have disappeared in the meantime, the weeds no longer grow as abundantly as they used to…
De 4/4 railcars were very popular, as they could carry a supply of chemicals in their small luggage compartment. On 24 April 1981, De 4/4 1679 pulls the Xas 97 30 901 weeding truck in Oerlikon to its next job. Photo: Edi Meier, BülachThe De 4/4 1680 pushes the Xas 97 30 901? weed control truck through the Linth plain. Through the Linth plain. Here, the luggage compartment of the De 4/4 is not used for the chemical supply, but a Gklm is towed along. June 1982 Photo: Werner Hardmeier, RümlangThe same train between Ziegelbrücke und Bilten. As the train was travelling relatively slowly during the spraying runs, the photographer could easily overtake. June 1982 Photo: Werner Hardmeier, RümlangThe Xas 97 30 901? weeding truck. In full operation near Bilten 06.1982 Photo: Werner Hardmeier, RümlangThe Ae 3/6 I 10669 waits on 22 May 1984 with the weed control truck Xas 97 30 901 in Glattbrugg for a longer train break for the treatment of the next section of track. Photo: Edi Meier, BülachThe same operation once again: Ae 3/6 I 10669 with the weed control carriage Xas 97 30 901 leaving Eglisau station. 22.05.1984 Photo: Urs Züllig, UerikonThe non-electrified Etzwilen – Singen line was a special case for weed control. Diesel locomotives had to step in here. For the sake of simplicity, the Winterthur – Etzwilen line was also sprayed. On 16 May 1980, the Bm 4/4 II 18451 with the Xas 97 30 901 weed control truck is waiting to continue its journey. 16.05.1980. Photo: Edi Meier, BülachThe same maintenance train with the Bm 4/4 II 18451 with the weed control truck Xas 97 30 901 now in full action near Seuzach on 16 May 1980. Photo: Edi Meier… and because it’s so beautiful: once again the Bm 4/4 II 18451 with the weed-killing truck Xas 97 30 901 on 16 May 1980 on the Hemishofen viaduct, which was already seen in our second railway story. Fortunately for the fish, the spraying was interrupted during the bridge crossing… 16.05.1980. Photo: Edi Meier, BülachFour years later, on 10 May 1984, the younger Bm 4/4 I 18426 assumed the duty in the weed control train to Singen. Here it waits together with the weed control truck Xas 97 30 901 for the oncoming train and clearance to continue its journey. 10.05.1984. Photo: Edi MeierWe can also show this one in full action: Bm 4/4 I 18426 with the weed control truck Xas 97 30 901 on 10 May 1984 near Waltalingen. Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
For comments and additions to this railway history, please contact our Vice President Edi Meier. Thank you for your help.
