SWITZERLAND: Wengernalpbahn has taken delivery of the first of three Hem 4/4 narrow-gauge electro-diesel locomotives that it ordered from Stadler Bussnang in October 2019 at a cost of SFr13·5m for use on the Wengen Shuttle service.
The first locomotive was delivered on February 3. The remaining two are expected to arrive in early April and late May. The four-axle locomotives are 13·5 m long, with a maximum power output of 300 kW, tractive force of 240 kN and a maximum speed of 28 km/h.
The 19·1 km Wengernalpbahn in south-central Switzerland is 800 mm gauge and electrified at 1·5kV DC. The rack line has gradients of up to 25%, and carries visitors up and down the foothills of the Jungfrau peak, connecting with several other mountain railways in the area.
