FW (Frauenfeld – Wil – Bahn) in the snow

Fourty years ago, snow was a little more common in the Swiss Mittelland, but high fog was already a permanent fixture back then. That’s why it was a rare stroke of luck on 16 February 1985 to encounter a combination of sunshine and freshly fallen snow on the FW (Frauenfeld – Wil – Bahn) railway line. I can’t remember whether there was a special reason for this photo shoot or whether it was simply my intuition and the hope of getting some great pictures… In any case, it was worth it and resulted in a photo series that is well worth seeing!

With this photo series, we at the SGEG board would like to wish all our members and supporters good luck in the new year, with hopefully many happy experiences!

When the Be 4/4 205 left the village of Matzingen in the morning, the main road was still covered with a little snow. The Be 4/4 trains often ran alone because the volume of traffic was relatively low. Matzingen, 16 February 1985 © Photo: E. Meier, Bülach
The Be 4/4 206 was the second railcar to run that day. In the forest between Matzingen and Jakobstal, the trees were still beautifully dusted with white. Near Jakobstal, 16 February 1985 © Photo: E. Meier, Bülach
A little later in the day, the Be 4/4 206 was travelling with the B 23. The forest is still beautifully covered in snow, but the road now shows bare ruts. The scene is complemented by the wooden pole and the unguarded level crossing with St. Andrew’s cross directly adjacent to the main road (without stopping areas). 16 February 1985 © Photo: E. Meier, Bülach
From below, nothing can be seen of the road directly behind the train (if you are lucky enough that there is no car on the road). The Be 4/4 206 with the B 23 is running through a perfect winter landscape. Before Wängi 16 February 1985 © Photo: E. Meier, Bülach
The Be 4/4 205 was also underway with the B 23 during the afternoon. Here it is shortly before Münchwilen. The forest in the background has shed most of its snow and now appears dark. 16 February 1985 © Photo: E. Meier, Bülach
The Be 4/4 206 pulled the D 66 on a journey from Frauenfeld to Wil, which inspired me to give chase in my car… Looking at the state of the roads today, this was probably not without its dangers. OK, there was less traffic back then… Near Lüdem 16 February 1985 © Photo: E. Meier, Bülach
The Be 4/4 206 with the D 66 near Matzingen in front of a wonderfully snow-covered forest. 16 February 1985 © Photo: E. Meier, Bülach
he Be 4/4 206 with the D 66 near Jakobstal. The road is behind the train and barely visible. The old factory building, the forest and the warning crosses frame the train. 16 February 1985 © Photo: E. Meier, Bülach
Near Rosental, there is a level crossing on a quiet side road, so it was easy to get to the photo spot. 16 February 1985 © Photo: E. Meier, Bülach

Comments and additions to this railway history can be sent to EG at sgeg dot ch, or use the form to our Vice President Edi Meier. Thank you for your help.

 

Back to railway stories.