The railway line from Basel to Rodersdorf is not at the top of the list of priorities for railway photographers. Nevertheless, I do not regret my visit on 3 December 1983, shortly before the changeover to tram operation. With today’s railway history, I would like to remind you of the former operation with the blue and white SWP/BBC commuter trains from 1966 and at the same time show that there were definitely worthwhile photo spots.
Perhaps a trip on today’s tram on this line is a programme for the morning if you would like to join our excursion in Basel on the afternoon of 2 February…
The shuttle train consisting of the Be 4/4 15 + B 52 + Bt 21 is ready to depart from the terminus on 3 December 1983. One of the older B 51 to 54 coaches built by SWS in 1926 has been inserted as an intermediate coach. Today there is a turning loop here (outside the photo on the right). The station building still exists, but has no function. Rodersdorf December 3, 1983 Photo: Edi Meier, BülachBt 22 + B 62 + Be 4/4 12 just before the Rodersdorf terminus immediately after the border. All vehicles originate from the 1965 order from SWP/BBC, which went into service in 1966. After conversion to tram operation, the vehicles were sold to the AOMC and ASD, where they continued to serve well for a long time. December 3, 1983 Photo: Edi Meier, BülachThe train with the Be 4/4 16 + B 53 + Bt 25 crosses a short section of France between Flüh – Leymen and Rodersdorf. The view opens up to the Leimental. December 3, 1983 Photo: Edi Meier, BülachThe Bt 26 + B 54 + Be 4/4 13 leaving Leymen in the direction of Rodersdorf. December 3, 1983 Photo: Edi Meier, BülachThe Be 4/4 15 + B 51 + Bt 21 cross the plain with the harvested fields near Flüh. December 3, 1983 Photo: Edi Meier, BülachThe train with the Be 4/4 11 + B 61 + Bt 23 is clean as a whistle. At Witterswil the buildings become denser, but there was still enough room for a short free space. 03.12.1983 Photo: Edi Meier, BülachBt 23 + B 61 + Be 4/4 11 near Ettingen. At that time, the line still ran across an open field. Today the line is double-tracked in this area and there is a road right next to the railway line December 3, 1983 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach Be 4/4 12 + B 62 + Bt 22 near Ettingen. December 3, 1983 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
Be 4/4 12 + B 62 + Bt 22 near Therwil. In the background, you can see the tower of the catholic church of Therwil. Today there is a sports field in the foreground ecember 3, 1983 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
