Chemin de fer Montreux-Glion-Rochers-de-Naye

The Chemin de fer Montreux - Glion - Rochers-de-Naye is an electrically operated rack and pinion railway in Switzerland, with a track gauge of RailGauge|800, which links the places mentioned in its title.

History

The line, as we know it today, was built by two independent companies, the Chemin de fer Glion-Rochers-de-Naye (GN), which linked the two places in its title and opened in 1892, and the Chemin de fer Montreux-Glion (MGl), with which it made an end - on junction, and which opened in 1909. Prior to this opening in 1909 the GN line formed a cross -platform connection with the Chemin de fer funiculaire Territet-Glion, a feature which still operates today and forms part of the station at Glion. The line operates on 850 V DC with overhead electrical pick up. The line is built to a gauge of 800 mm and is totally a rack and pinion system based on that devised by Roman Abt.

In 1987 the two companies merged to form the Chemin de fer de Montreux–Glion–Rochers-de-Naye (MGN). Five years later, 1992, the Chemin de fer funiculaire Territet-Glion (TG) joined the club and the company changed its name to Chemin de fer Montreux–Territet–Glion–Rochers-de-Naye (MTGN). 2001 MTGN was merged into Transports Montreux-Vevey-Riviera (MVR).

The Line

The railway from Montreux, which departs from platform 8 of the main line station begins to climb steeply almost as soon as it leaves the station and enters the first of many tunnels. The line changes direction by a series of minimum radius curves, views of Lake Geneva alternating from side to side, before reaching the station at Glion. This is the upper terminus of a funicular which commences opposite the main line railway station at Territet and which gave access to (the clean air of) Glion before the coming of the direct railway from Montreux. The workshops and depot are alongside the line as it leaves Glion the main shops accessed from a traverser off a side line.

The line continues higher to the small village of Caux passing through Alpine meadows which, in the Springtime, are full of wild growing Narcissus, Forget - Me - Nots and others, before reaching its upper terminus at Rochers-de-Naye, the home of the Marmot Paradise, a centre where seven varieties of these small mammals can be seen in a natural environment. From here there are spectacular views over Lake Geneva and across to the French Alps, well worth the trip alone.

The line, which is 7.6 km long has a vertical climb on the Montreux - Glion section of 305 m, whilst that of the Glion - Rochers-de-Naye is 1273 m, giving a total of 1578 m.

Since 1st January 2001 the railway has been part of the MVR and is marketed under the "Golden Pass Services' banner.

Locomotives, Railcars and Rolling Stock

Abbreviations.
*(a) At 4/2008 still carries BRB red livery with name and crest on one side only.
*(b) Fitted for multiple working with one other class member to form 4 car unit.
*(c) Carries "Marmot Paradis" livery
*(d) Carries "Pere Noel" livery, (marking the visit of Santa to Rochers de Naye).
*(e) No.302 carries "Veytaux" nameplate low down on cab side on front (uphill) cab. Name removed from locomotive No.3 which is now un-named.

*BBC...Brown Boveri et Cie
*SLM...Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works, Winterthur
*MFO...Machinfabrik Oelikon

Services

The line operates an hourly service in each direction; from Montreux, in the summer months to Rochers de Naye and at other times as far as Caux. The trains are timed to offer connections at Montreux with main line services of the SBB-CFF-FFS and MOB.

Closures

In May 2008 the Montreux to Glion section of the line was closed so that work on the lining of the Tunnel de Valmont clould be carried out. It reopened on schedual on 2nd June ready for the summer season. During thuis closure the Glion to Caux and Rochers de Naye section had operated normally with the Montreux to Glion section being cover by a replacement bus service.

References

* Official publications of the MOB (and the companies under its marketting banner).
* "24 heures, Riviera Edition".
* Livery details by personnal observation, last updated August 2008.