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BLS Lötschbergbahn

The BLS (Bern-Lötschberg-Simplon) is the largest standard-gauge private railway company in Switzerland and has a route mileage second only to that of the metre-gauge Rhätische Bahn. Until fairly recently, the BLS, which was originally formed to operate the international mainline through the Lötschberg tunnel and the important branch to Interlaken, also had three subsidiary companies: BN.... Bern-Neuenberg (Neuchatel), GBS....Gürbetal-Bern-Schwarzenburg and SEZ....Spiez-Erlenbach-Zweisimmen. These companies operated services in their respective areas using locos and rolling-stock in BLS livery but carrying their own initials although in reality they were "common user" and would often appear on any route in the system. The individual identities have now disappeared and all stock carries BLS branding. As can be seen from the photos a great deal of joint working used to take place with the SBB, especially on the Lötschberg and Interlaken routes and virtually any combination of loco and rolling-stock was possible. Important changes took place in 2004 when the SBB took over the operation of all long-distance services using the Lötschberg and Interlaken routes leaving the BLS to concentrate on freight and regional passenger services. Yet more changes came in 2006 when the BLS merged with Regionalverkehr Mittelland bringing most of the the Bern standard gauge local services under one operator. The following photos are a selection taken during the last fifteen years and show examples of most loco types used during this period.

Please click on the thumbnail for a larger photo.

1

BERN: One of the four SBB Re4/4 lV locos entering the Hauptbahnhof with a Lötschberg route express from Brig. Much of the technology used in these locos would later see use in the Re460's and this arduous route was an excellent testing ground. This class did not enter series production and were later sold to the SOB.

25/8/1991

2

SPIEZ: BLS Re4/4 no.173 "Lötschental" about to depart with the 14:00 Brig-Basel IC service. Spiez is the junction for the routes to Zweisimmen and Interlaken Ost.
28/1/2001

3

SPIEZ: BLS Re4/4 no.180 "Ville de Neuchatel" and an unidentified BLS Re465 leaving the main BLS depot. At this time no.180 was still carrying it's BN initials.

Winter 1996

4

SPIEZ: BLS Ae4/4 no.258 entering the station with the 14:20 RX service from Zweisimmen. This class of loco still sees regular use on this route.

28/1/2001

5

SPIEZ: BLS Ce4/4 no.316. This class of loco was originally built between 1920-4 and rebuilt between 1954-6. At the time this photo was taken the loco was allocated to the GBS. Compare the grassy background with the more recent shots of Spiez taken since the station re-building.

30/8/1991

6

SPIEZ: BLS ABDe4/8 no.749 waiting in the station with an Interlaken-Zweisimmen local service.

30/8/1991

7

SPIEZ: GTB (Gürbetalbahn) E3/3 no.3 shunting coaches for an enthusiasts special later in the day. This is not my wife's favourite loco......white clothing and steam locos do not go together !!

30/8/1991

8

SPIEZ: As above.

30/8/1991

9

NEW

SPIEZ: BN liveried Be4/4 no.761 entering the station with a local service to Reichenbach.

8/8/2002

10

NEW

SPIEZ: Three generations of BLS motive power. On the left is the 1980's built ABt of an RBDe4/4 propelled service to Zweisimmen. On the centre track an Ae4/4 from the 1950's propels an RX service to Interlaken and on the right a pair of recently built Class 485 locos await their next turn of duty.

29/9/2003

11

NEW

SPIEZ: Recently built BLS Class 485's nos. 002/001.

29/9/2003

12

NEW

SPIEZ: Superpower for the daily clay train. BLS Class 485001/002 and a pair of DB AG Class 185's prepare to head south. There was also a BLS Re4/4 bringing up the rear !!!

29/9/2003

13

NEW

SPIEZ: A pair of DB AG Class 185 locos waiting for a path over the Lötschberg with a southbound china clay working.

22/9/2003

14

NEW

LEISSIGEN: GTB E3/3 no.3 and ex-Bern Gasworks E3/3 no.1 "Lise" wait for an SBB Re460 to clear the single track section from Spiez. The steam locos were working a special shuttle service between (Bern)Thun and Interlaken.

21/9/2003

15

NEW

As Above

16

NEW

LEISSIGEN: Later the same day the two E3/3's depart for Interlaken after waiting for a service train to pass.

21/9/2003

17

INTERLAKEN OST: BLS Ae 4/4 no.258 about to depart with a Sunday service to Spiez and Zweisimmen.

Summer 1991

18

INTERLAKEN OST: Pristine looking BLS Ce4/4 no.313 is another GBS allocated loco and is pictured between duties standing in a siding .

26/8/1991

19

INTERLAKEN: An example of joint running: An SBB Re 4/4 ll piloting a BLS Re4/4 and train between Interlaken West and Ost stations.

Summer 1991

20

INTERLAKEN: An SEZ ABDe4/8 railcar shortly after leaving Interlaken Ost station with a local working to Spiez.

Summer 1991

21

NEW

INTERLAKEN OST: An SBB Ae6/6 no. 11420 "Appenzell A.Rh" running round it's tank train before heading back towards Spiez.

26/9/2003

22

NEW

MUELENEN: No.165 leads a pair of BLS RE4/4's on a southbound Hangartner intermodal service.

25/9/2003

23

NEW

REICHENBACH: NINA 01 the first of the BLS's new type of local trains departs with the hourly shuttle service to Spiez.

22/9/2003

24

NEW

REICHENBACH: A pair of BLS Re465 locos headed by 465008 in "Golden Pass" promotional livery on a southbound HUPAC "rolling road" service. These trains carry heavy goods vehicles between Germany and Italy and the drivers are able to rest in the coach behind the locos.

22/9/2003

25

KANDERSTEG: The 10:00 Brig-Romanshorn IC crosses the River Kander and starts its decent of the Lötschberg north ramp. The driving trailer is in the new SBB IC livery and the train was powered by an SBB Re460 loco.

20/1/2001

26

KANDERSTEG: BLS Re465 no.012 "Eurotunnel" entering the station with an early morning Basel-Brig IC service. As can be seen from the photo it was extremely cold and the noise caused by icing of the overhead conductor wire was unbelievable.

25/1/2001

27

KANDERSTEG: A "warmer" shot of BLS Re4/4 no.173 "Lötschental" heading a northbound express. The train has just left the Lötschberg tunnel and is approaching the car-carrying facilities.

30/8/1991

28

NEW

KANDERSTEG: Because of loco shortages two SBB Ae6/6's were employed on Lötschberg passenger services during 2002. In this photo 11503 "Payerne" enters the station with an early morning Basel - Brig service.

4/8/2002

29

NEW

KANDERSTEG: An Re465 assisting an early morning Basel - Brig service on the climb into Kandersteg. At the time this heavy train conveyed the overnight sleeping cars from Brussels.

August 2002

30

NEW

KANDERSTEG: A pair of SBB Re4/4's heading the Inter-City "Val D'ossola" service from Basel SBB - Milano. The southbound service is always double-headed due to the steeper gradients encountered.

20/9/2003

31

NEW

KANDERSTEG: With the sun about to disappear behind the surrounding mountains SBB Re4/4 no.11251 approaches the station with the return Milano - Basel SBB "Val D'ossola" service.

20/9/2003

32

KANDERSTEG: BLS Ae6/8 no.205 pausing at the station with a short southbound works train. This classic loco is now withdrawn from regular service and has historic status.

30/8/1991

33

KANDERSTEG: An unidentified SBB Re460 approaching the station with Romanshorn-Brig IC service. The road to the left passes up the Kander valley and leads to the BLS car-carrying facilities.

26/1/2001

34

KANDERSTEG: A sad photo of BLS Ae8/8 no.273 standing out of use in the station sidings. The loco was still there several days later and I can only assume that it had failed. 273 and sister loco 275 were returned to service after being in store for many years in order to work spoil and ballast trains associated with the Lötschberg base tunnel project (see photo 43)

26/1/2001

35

KANDERSTEG: BLS Tem no.43 heading towards the Lötschberg tunnel with a short ballast train. At this time work was in progress to make the tunnel suitable for trains carrying HGV's.

30/8/1991

36

KANDERSTEG: A shot of 2 BLS Re465 locos bringing up the rear of a Germany-Italy china clay train. Because of it's weight this service was, at the time, worked over the Lötschberg route in several sections each worked by a combination of Re4/4 and 465 locos. The sections were eventually re-combined for their onward journey to Italy.The extra locos are required not only to provide power but to ensure adequate braking on the downhill sections.

20/1/2001

37

KANDERSTEG: SBB Re460 no.460-056 in Swiss TV advertising livery propelling the 12:00 Brig-Romanshorn IC service.

26/1/2001

38

KANDERSTEG: The BLS operate a regular car-carrying service through the Lötschberg tunnel between Kandersteg and Goppenstein. The service greatly reduces the journey time between the Bernese Oberland and Wallis and is very popular with motorists. All trains are operated in push-pull mode and powered by an Re4/4 loco. This photo shows one of the newer design driving trailers at the head of a southbound service.

30/8/1991

39

KANDERSTEG: A similar service but headed by one of the older style driving trailers. A gangway connects the main train to this coach and it is used for motor-cycles and their riders. Other motorists remain in their vehicles for the duration of the 15 minute journey.

30/8/1991

40

KANDERSTEG: BLS Re4/4 no.186 "Leissigen" standing at the loading/unloading platform with a Kandersteg-Goppenstein car-carrying service. Perfect alpine conditions.......overnight snow followed by sunshine !!

26/1/2001

41

KANDERSTEG: BLS Re4/4 no.187 "Mund" approaching Kandersteg with a car-carrying service from Goppenstein. Demand for the service is obviously high as the uncovered loading/unloading wagons are normally left empty.

30/8/1991

42

KANDERSTEG: BLS Re4/4 no.189 "Niedergesteln" on car-carrying duties during a snow storm. Every effort is made to keep the road to Kandersteg open during bad weather but very occasionally the service has to start from Frütigen lower down the valley.

Winter 2000

43

BRIG: Super power for one of the AlpTransit works trains !! BLS Ae8/8's nos.273 and 275 entering the freight yard at Brig.

21/1/2001

44

BRIG: BLS Ae8/8 no.273 entering the BLS loco depot. The loco was still in regular service at this time.

Winter 1992

45

BRIG: Be4/4 no.762 entering the station with a local service from Goppenstein. This photo illustrates the way the BLS group pooled their resources as this unit was officially allocated to the BN. Ae8/8 no.275 can be seen in the background.

Winter 1992

46

NEW

BRIG: Eleven years later and the Goppenstein - Brig local service is being worked by ABDe4/8 no.751. These units are soon to be retired from service.

24/9/2003

47

NEW

BRIG: A pair of DB AG Class 185 locos headed by 185136 coming off the Lötschberg south ramp with the daily china clay train from Germany to Italy. At the time this photo was taken the service was regularly hauled by German locos.

24/9/2003

48

BRIG: BLS Re465 no.005 "Niesen" entering the station with an afternoon Lötschberg service.

21/1/2001

49

NEW

BRIG: An Re465/Re4/4 combination powering a northbound Lötschberg HUPAC "rolling-road" service.

24/9/2003

50

BRIG: BLS Re4/4 no.186 "Leissigen" departing with an extra Lötschberg service. Weekend trains are often supplemented in Winter to cope with the high number of skiers and snowboarders.

21/1/2001

51

NEW

BRIG: BLS Re4/4 no.167 and an Re465 approaching the freight yard with a southbound intermodal.

24/9/2003

1	BERN: One of the four SBB Re4/4 lV locos entering the Hauptbahnhof with a Lötschberg route express from Brig. Much of the technology used in these locos would later see use in the Re460's and this arduous route was an excellent testing ground. This class did not enter series production and were later sold to the SOB.	25/8/1991
2	SPIEZ: BLS Re4/4 no.173 "Lötschental" about to depart with the 14:00 Brig-Basel IC service. Spiez is the junction for the routes to Zweisimmen and Interlaken Ost.	28/1/2001
3	SPIEZ: BLS Re4/4 no.180 "Ville de Neuchatel" and an unidentified BLS Re465 leaving the main BLS depot. At this time no.180 was still carrying it's BN initials.	Winter 1996
4	SPIEZ: BLS Ae4/4 no.258 entering the station with the 14:20 RX service from Zweisimmen. This class of loco still sees regular use on this route.	28/1/2001
5	SPIEZ: BLS Ce4/4 no.316. This class of loco was originally built between 1920-4 and rebuilt between 1954-6. At the time this photo was taken the loco was allocated to the GBS. Compare the grassy background with the more recent shots of Spiez taken since the station re-building.	30/8/1991
6	SPIEZ: BLS ABDe4/8 no.749 waiting in the station with an Interlaken-Zweisimmen local service.	30/8/1991
7	SPIEZ: GTB (Gürbetalbahn) E3/3 no.3 shunting coaches for an enthusiasts special later in the day. This is not my wife's favourite loco......white clothing and steam locos do not go together !!	30/8/1991
8	SPIEZ: As above.	30/8/1991
9 NEW	SPIEZ: BN liveried Be4/4 no.761 entering the station with a local service to Reichenbach.	8/8/2002
10 NEW	SPIEZ: Three generations of BLS motive power. On the left is the 1980's built ABt of an RBDe4/4 propelled service to Zweisimmen. On the centre track an Ae4/4 from the 1950's propels an RX service to Interlaken and on the right a pair of recently built Class 485 locos await their next turn of duty.	29/9/2003
11 NEW	SPIEZ: Recently built BLS Class 485's nos. 002/001.	29/9/2003
12 NEW	SPIEZ: Superpower for the daily clay train. BLS Class 485001/002 and a pair of DB AG Class 185's prepare to head south. There was also a BLS Re4/4 bringing up the rear !!!	29/9/2003
13 NEW	SPIEZ: A pair of DB AG Class 185 locos waiting for a path over the Lötschberg with a southbound china clay working.	22/9/2003
14 NEW	LEISSIGEN: GTB E3/3 no.3 and ex-Bern Gasworks E3/3 no.1 "Lise" wait for an SBB Re460 to clear the single track section from Spiez. The steam locos were working a special shuttle service between (Bern)Thun and Interlaken.	21/9/2003
15 NEW	As Above
16 NEW	LEISSIGEN: Later the same day the two E3/3's depart for Interlaken after waiting for a service train to pass.	21/9/2003
17	INTERLAKEN OST: BLS Ae 4/4 no.258 about to depart with a Sunday service to Spiez and Zweisimmen.	Summer 1991
18	INTERLAKEN OST: Pristine looking BLS Ce4/4 no.313 is another GBS allocated loco and is pictured between duties standing in a siding .	26/8/1991
19	INTERLAKEN: An example of joint running: An SBB Re 4/4 ll piloting a BLS Re4/4 and train between Interlaken West and Ost stations.	Summer 1991
20	INTERLAKEN: An SEZ ABDe4/8 railcar shortly after leaving Interlaken Ost station with a local working to Spiez.	Summer 1991
21 NEW	INTERLAKEN OST: An SBB Ae6/6 no. 11420 "Appenzell A.Rh" running round it's tank train before heading back towards Spiez.	26/9/2003
22 NEW	MUELENEN: No.165 leads a pair of BLS RE4/4's on a southbound Hangartner intermodal service.	25/9/2003
23 NEW	REICHENBACH: NINA 01 the first of the BLS's new type of local trains departs with the hourly shuttle service to Spiez.	22/9/2003
24 NEW	REICHENBACH: A pair of BLS Re465 locos headed by 465008 in "Golden Pass" promotional livery on a southbound HUPAC "rolling road" service. These trains carry heavy goods vehicles between Germany and Italy and the drivers are able to rest in the coach behind the locos.	22/9/2003
25	KANDERSTEG: The 10:00 Brig-Romanshorn IC crosses the River Kander and starts its decent of the Lötschberg north ramp. The driving trailer is in the new SBB IC livery and the train was powered by an SBB Re460 loco.	20/1/2001
26	KANDERSTEG: BLS Re465 no.012 "Eurotunnel" entering the station with an early morning Basel-Brig IC service. As can be seen from the photo it was extremely cold and the noise caused by icing of the overhead conductor wire was unbelievable.	25/1/2001
27	KANDERSTEG: A "warmer" shot of BLS Re4/4 no.173 "Lötschental" heading a northbound express. The train has just left the Lötschberg tunnel and is approaching the car-carrying facilities.	30/8/1991
28 NEW	KANDERSTEG: Because of loco shortages two SBB Ae6/6's were employed on Lötschberg passenger services during 2002. In this photo 11503 "Payerne" enters the station with an early morning Basel - Brig service.	4/8/2002
29 NEW	KANDERSTEG: An Re465 assisting an early morning Basel - Brig service on the climb into Kandersteg. At the time this heavy train conveyed the overnight sleeping cars from Brussels.	August 2002
30 NEW	KANDERSTEG: A pair of SBB Re4/4's heading the Inter-City "Val D'ossola" service from Basel SBB - Milano. The southbound service is always double-headed due to the steeper gradients encountered.	20/9/2003
31 NEW	KANDERSTEG: With the sun about to disappear behind the surrounding mountains SBB Re4/4 no.11251 approaches the station with the return Milano - Basel SBB "Val D'ossola" service.	20/9/2003
32	KANDERSTEG: BLS Ae6/8 no.205 pausing at the station with a short southbound works train. This classic loco is now withdrawn from regular service and has historic status.	30/8/1991
33	KANDERSTEG: An unidentified SBB Re460 approaching the station with Romanshorn-Brig IC service. The road to the left passes up the Kander valley and leads to the BLS car-carrying facilities.	26/1/2001
34	KANDERSTEG: A sad photo of BLS Ae8/8 no.273 standing out of use in the station sidings. The loco was still there several days later and I can only assume that it had failed. 273 and sister loco 275 were returned to service after being in store for many years in order to work spoil and ballast trains associated with the Lötschberg base tunnel project (see photo 43)	26/1/2001
35	KANDERSTEG: BLS Tem no.43 heading towards the Lötschberg tunnel with a short ballast train. At this time work was in progress to make the tunnel suitable for trains carrying HGV's.	30/8/1991
36	KANDERSTEG: A shot of 2 BLS Re465 locos bringing up the rear of a Germany-Italy china clay train. Because of it's weight this service was, at the time, worked over the Lötschberg route in several sections each worked by a combination of Re4/4 and 465 locos. The sections were eventually re-combined for their onward journey to Italy.The extra locos are required not only to provide power but to ensure adequate braking on the downhill sections.	20/1/2001
37	KANDERSTEG: SBB Re460 no.460-056 in Swiss TV advertising livery propelling the 12:00 Brig-Romanshorn IC service.	26/1/2001
38	KANDERSTEG: The BLS operate a regular car-carrying service through the Lötschberg tunnel between Kandersteg and Goppenstein. The service greatly reduces the journey time between the Bernese Oberland and Wallis and is very popular with motorists. All trains are operated in push-pull mode and powered by an Re4/4 loco. This photo shows one of the newer design driving trailers at the head of a southbound service.	30/8/1991
39	KANDERSTEG: A similar service but headed by one of the older style driving trailers. A gangway connects the main train to this coach and it is used for motor-cycles and their riders. Other motorists remain in their vehicles for the duration of the 15 minute journey.	30/8/1991
40	KANDERSTEG: BLS Re4/4 no.186 "Leissigen" standing at the loading/unloading platform with a Kandersteg-Goppenstein car-carrying service. Perfect alpine conditions.......overnight snow followed by sunshine !!	26/1/2001
41	KANDERSTEG: BLS Re4/4 no.187 "Mund" approaching Kandersteg with a car-carrying service from Goppenstein. Demand for the service is obviously high as the uncovered loading/unloading wagons are normally left empty.	30/8/1991
42	KANDERSTEG: BLS Re4/4 no.189 "Niedergesteln" on car-carrying duties during a snow storm. Every effort is made to keep the road to Kandersteg open during bad weather but very occasionally the service has to start from Frütigen lower down the valley.	Winter 2000
43	BRIG: Super power for one of the AlpTransit works trains !! BLS Ae8/8's nos.273 and 275 entering the freight yard at Brig.	21/1/2001
44	BRIG: BLS Ae8/8 no.273 entering the BLS loco depot. The loco was still in regular service at this time.	Winter 1992
45	BRIG: Be4/4 no.762 entering the station with a local service from Goppenstein. This photo illustrates the way the BLS group pooled their resources as this unit was officially allocated to the BN. Ae8/8 no.275 can be seen in the background.	Winter 1992
46 NEW	BRIG: Eleven years later and the Goppenstein - Brig local service is being worked by ABDe4/8 no.751. These units are soon to be retired from service.	24/9/2003
47 NEW	BRIG: A pair of DB AG Class 185 locos headed by 185136 coming off the Lötschberg south ramp with the daily china clay train from Germany to Italy. At the time this photo was taken the service was regularly hauled by German locos.	24/9/2003
48	BRIG: BLS Re465 no.005 "Niesen" entering the station with an afternoon Lötschberg service.	21/1/2001
49 NEW	BRIG: An Re465/Re4/4 combination powering a northbound Lötschberg HUPAC "rolling-road" service.	24/9/2003
50	BRIG: BLS Re4/4 no.186 "Leissigen" departing with an extra Lötschberg service. Weekend trains are often supplemented in Winter to cope with the high number of skiers and snowboarders.	21/1/2001
51 NEW	BRIG: BLS Re4/4 no.167 and an Re465 approaching the freight yard with a southbound intermodal.	24/9/2003