In 1902, the company Tram Neuchâtel electrified its line 5 from Place de Pury to Cortaillod / Boudry and procured the Ce 2/4 41 to 47 railcars with the associated C 111 to 114 trailer cars from SWS and MFO for this purpose. From the outset, they had a high-voltage multiple control system for double traction and push-pull operation. They were 12.5 metres long, had longitudinal benches with seating for around 30 passengers and reached speeds of 50 km/h. Around 1925, the original two 35 hp motors were replaced by 50 hp (36.5 kW) engines.
These vehicles handled practically all the traffic on the Neuchâtel – Boudry line until the four articulated trams from Genoa were added in 1962. Two-axle vehicles were used for the Areuse – Cortaillod branch line.
Until 1980, these trains were used every year for the winegrowers’ festivals in Neuchâtel, usually as a push-pull train with a railcar at each end and one or two intermediate carriages.
The inauguration ceremony for the new trains took place on 13 June 1981. On this occasion, the old trains could be photographed for the last time. More pictures from this special day will follow in a later story.
The Be 2/4 47 + B 112 + B 111 + Be 2/4 44 on their farewell runs shortly before arriving at Boudry on 13 June 1981. Photo Edi Meier, BülachThe Be 42 + B 114 + Be 2/4 46 near Serrières on the shore of Lake Neuchâtel on the occasion of the winegrowers’ festival on 28.09.1980. According to the green sign on the front of the Be 2/4 42, the veteran vehicles are travelling as an express train “directe”. September 28, 1980 Photo Edi Meier, BülachThe Be 2/4 44 + B 112 + Be 2/4 45 were also en route near Serrières on 28 September 1980 for the winegrowers’ festival. The historical route boards as shown in the first picture have been replaced by large red boards indicating the intermediate stops. September 28, 1980 Photo Edi Meier, BülachThe Be 2/4 45 + B 112 + Be 2/4 44 on 28.09.1980 during the wine festival near Colombier. September 28, 1980 Photo Edi Meier, BülachThe same consist with the Be 2/4 44 + B 112 + Be 2/4 45 on September 28, 1980 on the way to the wine festival near Auvernier. September 28, 1980 Photo Edi Meier, BülachAt Areuse, the scenery has changed from urban to rural. The Be 2/4 45 + B 112 + Be 2/4 44 on September 28, 1980 in front of a splendid vineyard 28.09.1980 Photo Edi Meier, BülachThe Be 2/4 44 + B 111 + B 112 + Be 2/4 47 are just leaving the station at Colombier Castle. Built on a Roman villa site, it served as an aristocratic palace, castle, manor house and military barracks. June 13, 1981 Photo Edi Meier, BülachThe same train with the Be 2/4 47 + B 112 + B 111 + Be 2/4 44 from the other end also on 13 June 1981 near Colombier. June 13, 1981 Photo Edi Meier, Bülach
