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Rhaetian Railway (RhB) – Prototype and H0m Model Railroading

Steam on the Bernina Pass

      On February 21, 1998, the RhB offered a rather special event:
      “Rhätia,” the steam locomotive with the prestigious road number “1” (that's right; it was put into service in 1889! How many railroad companies in the world might still have their very first locomotive in operational condition?) made a special trip along the Bernina Pass. (Only hard-core rivet counters would object to this for historical reasons; admittedly, No. 1 never made this tour in its active time, but – what a sight!)

      On the Bernina line, “Rhätia” met a not less famous (though markedly younger – built in 1910!) vehicle, the steam snow plough Xrot d 9213.
      I am very grateful to Giorgio Deambrogi from Milan who was among the enthusiasts that went on this ride. He sent me some photos for publication on my website so that others can at least get an idea of this event – I deeply regret that I wasn't there, and when you have seen the pictures, you will probably feel the same!

      Let Giorgio himself tell you about the tour:

      “The train left Pontresina just before 9:30 a.m. with motor coaches 31 and 34 as front helpers. Two photo stops were done between Pontresina and Morteratsch and between Lagalp and Alp Bondo.”

Train with “Rhätia” double-headed by No. 31 and 34 at Alp Bondo

      “When we reached Bernina station, the train was alreday there, where it stayed for the day. Between crossings, it went north two or three times and south once, about half a mile, for pictures.”

“Rhätia” in front of the Ospizio Bernina station building

“Rhätia” leaving Ospizio Bernina station heading south

      “At 1:00 p.m., after a breakfast, we found ‘Rhätia’ and Xrot d side by side in front of the station.”

“Rhätia” No. 1 and Xrot d No. 9213

      “Coupled together, they stepped back (northbound) for a mile, disappeared, then climbed full steam the long and well exposed S-curve leading to the pass, No. 1 as train engine, No. 9213 as front helper.”

Xrot d No. 9213 in helper service

Text and pictures on this page Copyright © 1998 Giorgio Deambrogi, used here with his permission.
Responsible for contents: Christoph Ozdoba.
First version March 7, 1998, last edited February 17, 2008.

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