In 1900, the Burgdorf – Thun – Bahn BTB built a depot workshop at Konolfingen especially for its electrically operated line. The buildings were used by the EBT, which absorbed the BTB, until the end of November 1965. In 2010, the Dampfbahn Verein Bern (the Bern Steam Railway Association) DBB was able to take over the buildings for the maintenance and parking of its vehicles.
Dampfbahn Bern has a very large fleet of vehicles with many unique and lovingly restored steam locomotives. There are also some remarkable vehicles in the fleet, but they date from the later period of electric operation. In view of the huge task with these many beautiful steam locomotives and due to a lack of funds (many members were still apprentices), it was unfortunately missed to secure contemporary trailer cars for steam operation at an early stage.
Normally it is strictly forbidden to enter the old Konolfingen depot workshop, which now belongs to the Bern steam railway. An exception was made for the SGEG. 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
The technical manager Urs Gerber of Dampfbahn Bern DBB (in the orange protective vest next to our organiser Werner Weber) welcomed the company and gave us permission to explore the whole area freely, pointing out the dangers of open pits and dirty clothes. He also asked us not to interfere with the many works, as several steam locomotives were being prepared for next Saturday's boiler test. It was a pity that he mentioned almost nothing about the great vehicles and the DBB's plans for its rolling stock. 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
The Bi 523 (Sennhütte) and 524 (Schmucktruckli) come from a series of 4 coaches from 1934 and were procured by the EBT together with the BDe 2/4 railcars. These are the first light steel carriages in Switzerland and are therefore historically important witnesses of the past. They are painted yellow and red with ornamentation. 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
The B2 3503 with double windows was very popular with the guests because it matches the steam locomotives. 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
Several examples of these two-axle ÖBB frame carriages are in the possession of the Bern Steam Railway. In the critical eyes of the well-informed visitors, they don't really fit in with the great steam locomotives. 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
One of the most unusual cars is SBB's ABDi 4652, which was once built as a trailer for the Red Arrows. The coach is currently painted in light blue but will be restored eventually and painted in SBB green. Unfortunately, the original interior is no longer installed. 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
Externally beautifully refurbished K2 30771 with BLS Tm 225 056. 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
Another K2, number 30893, is painted light grey and shows signs of weathering, which unfortunately quickly occurs when being left outdoors. 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
Two Te I of the EBT, on the left the red 157, on the right the green 155, are available for shunting duties. 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
A Seetal aluminium car, presumably the BC 5117, undergoing extensive overhaul in the workshop 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
A bogie frame most probably for the Seetal BC 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
Visitors animatedly discussing and photographing at the open gate to the depot workshop with the SBB Eb 3/5 5810 Habersack. 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
The beautifully restored SMB (Solothurn - Moutier - Railway) Ec 4/5 11 presents itself in fitting surroundings. Note the hall pillars and the roof structure. Who would have thought that this locomotive, which stood plinthed as a memorial at Oberdorf for years, would be restored to running condition... 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
The EB (Emmentalbahn) Ed 4/5 8 stands in the rear part of the shed and is obviously waiting to be refurbished, not only externally. 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
BSB (Bern Schwarzenburg Railway) E 3/4 51 awaits new duties in the depot workshop. The truss construction of the roof is once again clearly visible. This locomotive also endured a dreary existence plinthed at Schwarzenburg for many years. 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
The smokebox door of JS (Jura Simplon Railway) E 3/3 853, built in 1890, is open for an inspection. The rearmost part of the depot workshop has a different roof construction. 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
Unusual view of a steam locomotive without its cab superstructure. You can guess how time-consuming it is to transform old steam locomotives into roadworthy pieces of jewellery. This is the "Lise", ex Bern gas works. This E 3/3 was the first steam locomotive on the Bern steam railway 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
The wheelset store with older and newer units behind the shed above the road entrance. 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
2. AGM and diner
The time-honoured Gasthaus Bären, which now serves as Konolfingen’s local museum, hosted us for an excellent lunch. The tree for the main beam of the pillar building was felled in 1601 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, BülachOur founding member Werner Weber and his team from the museum catered for us with a delicious lunch. A salad and fresh crispy «Züpfe» (plaited bread) were served as a starter. This was followed by Burehamme (ham) with a delicious potato gratin. Last but not least, a chocolate mousse (no, not Stalden cream, but home-made) 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
After the AGM, which, apart from the resignation of Gian Brüngger, was concluded without any special events after a short time, we stepped down one or two floors in two groups to the museum with the really worthwhile Special exhibition on the history of the “Railways of the Emmental”. Werner Weber charmingly drew our attention to special exhibits and background stories. For those who weren’t there: the exhibition can still be visited until November 2025. Have fun, it’s worth it!
Here is a display case referring to the time when the Burgdorf - Thun - BTB railway operated with three-phase current. Not only the photos are historical, but also the poster. It was created by Hans Schaffer 25 years ago. He was depot manager at Konolfingen, Burgdorf and Oberburg at the time. 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
Another well-known shot of a three-phase locomotive that hardly anyone has been able to admire as such a large-format shot. 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
Another well-known shot of a three-phase locomotive that hardly anyone has been able to admire as such a large-format shot. 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
An original speed indicator from a BTB three-phase locomotive. Definitely an eye-catcher! 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
A storage box well stocked with Edmondson's cardboard tickets and a date stamping machine in an anteroom are reminiscent of our youth. For those who have never been able to stamp a ticket themselves, there are tickets on the counter advertising the special exhibition that can be stamped and taken along. 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
Several showcases contain models of railway vehicles in the Emmental. Here the CFZm 1/3 32 steam railcar of the RSHB (Ramsei - Sumiswald - Huttwil - railway) 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
The many display cases contain an exciting mix of models, photos, explanatory texts and original documents. 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
The marvellous model of the EBT's BDe 2/4 can be seen in several examples. The reason: Werner Weber's pupils were allowed to build such a model as part of their school craft lessons. I would have loved to have been there too! 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
Old and new in a display case. Although the "new" has already disappeared from the real railway in the meantime... 9 March 2024 Photo: Edi Meier, Bülach
We would like to thank Werner Weber for organising this fantastic day.
We would also like to thank the Bern Steam Railway Association for allowing us to visit the depot workshop.
Our final thanks go to the team at the local museum at Konolfingen for their hospitality and the delicious meal.
