During a presentation by Werner Hardmeier on «rollbocks» and carrier trucks, we recently had the opportunity to learn some little-known facts. The corresponding report has been posted on this website in the last few days, which includes information on unconventional shunting operations using chains. Read the report with lots of photos!
However, even on standard gauge railways, there were some shunting manoeuvres that did not quite comply with Swiss accident prevention regulations… In 1975, the last year of passenger service, I wanted to immortalize the route between Huttwil and Eriswil in photos one last time and was able to document how freight wagons were moved at Eriswil…
Pure branch line idyll at the Tschäppel stop halfway between Huttwil and Eriswil. The push-pull train with the BDe 4/4 I 241 and ABt 341 is on its way to Eriswil. 3 May 1975 © Edi Meier, Bülach The Eriswil terminus had two tracks. Several freight cars were parked stepwise on track 1. The push-pull train with the BDe 4/4 I 241 and ABt 341 entered track 2. The Gms 21 85 137 4085-0 which was parked in front of the station building directly adjacent to the switch, was to be taken back to Huttwil by the next train. To do this, the freight wagon had to be moved over the switch in the diversion position to track 2 and to the end of the track, where it could be coupled. 3 May 1975 © Edi Meier, Bülach After the passengers had alighted, the BDe 4/4 I consist had to be moved back behind the freight car and then slowly advanced in order to wedge the wooden beam, carried by two men, diagonally between the buffers of the BDe 4/4 I 241 and the Gms. Another man was at the handbrake of the freight car. The locomotive driver leaned out of the side window at an angle to observe the manoeuvre closely. 3 May 1975 © Edi Meier, Bülach I don’t remember exactly what happened next. I imagine that the freight vehicle was only pushed briefly and then rolled backwards, controlled by the brakeman alone. The position of the train in the next picture also indicates this scenario. After a push, it could have come to a halt in this photogenic position in front of the station building. 3 May 1975 © Edi Meier, Bülach The consist then picked up the freight car at the end of the track and, after testing the brakes, was ready for the return journey… 3 May 1975 © Edi Meier, Bülach It took a few more minutes before departure, so I was able to drive comfortably to the Tschäppel stop in my car (borrowed from my parents). The small shelter, open on one side, was sufficient for the few farms in the area. 3 May 1975 © Edi Meier, Bülach The push-pull train with the leading ABt 341 and the BDe 4/4 I 241 took the Gms 21 85 137 4085-0 down the valley to Huttwil. 3 May 1975 © Edi Meier, Bülach A short time later, the shuttle train with BDe 4/4 I 241 and ABt 341 returned, and I was able to capture the scene from the other side as well. 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.
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