Stadler delivers to MOB six metre-gauge locomotives

On 15 October 2024, Montreux-Berner Oberland-Bahn (MOB) and Stadler signed a contract for delivery of six new high-performance metre-gauge locomotives. Four electric locomotives will be used for passenger services operated by the GoldenPass Express (GPX) premium train on the MOB metre-gauge line. The two other similar locomotives with hydrid propulsion are intended for infrastructure inspection purposes, rescue of stranded trains, snow clearance and hauling of infrastructure maintenance trains.

Thanks to this order, the company’s old vehicles will be replaced by modern ones in the typical design of the Stadler locomotive family. The locomotives were purchased as part of a joint tender with Transports de la Région Morges-Bière-Cossonay (MBC). The latter plans to purchase three locomotives, one of which is a Class Gem 4/4, but before the contract can be signed, organisational matters have to be completed, which will take several months.

These adhesion locomotives to be operated on the Zweisimmen - Montreux line with the 1,000 mm track gauge wil be designated Class Ge(m) 4/4. They will have the steel bodyshell, the machinery room arrangement will allow versions with and without diesel engine. They will have a Bo‘Bo‘ axle arrangement, a top speed of 100 km/h and will be designed for the 900 V DC supply voltage. Their continuous power will be 1,800 kW, the maximum output 3,000 kW and a starting tractive effort 220 kN. The dimensions are: length over couplings 17,000 mm, locomotive width 2,650 mm, locomotive height 3,881 mm above TOR, bogie wheelbase 2,608 mm, wheel diameter 1,070 mm when new.

The Class Gem 4/4 locomotives for infrastructure purposes wil be fitted with two 480 kW bio diesel engines, which can be controlled individually. At the wheel, this results in approx. 700 kW with two engines, although this can vary depending on the consumption of the auxiliary converter and the altitude at which the locomotive is used. Alternatively, the engines can also be operated with a mix of HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oils) and diesel, as well as 100 % with HVO. The latter operation allows for a CO2 reduction of up to 90 % compared to conventional diesel fuel. Particulate emissions can also be reduced by up to 50 %.

“The arrival of these modern, innovative locomotives will secure the long-term future of the GoldenPass Express, one of the most beautiful trains in the world. This opens up new horizons for us to satisfy an increasingly numerous and demanding clientèle,” says Georges Oberson, MOB CEO, who thanks the cantons of Waadt, Freiburg and Bern, as well as the federal government, for their confidence in the development of the Goldenpass Express. The last sentence reflects the fact that this procurement is related to the Swiss processes for financing of regional passenger transport (for the ClassGe 4/4) and performance agreements for infrastructure operators (for the Class Gem 4/4), which involve and are approved by the cantons and the federal government.

Both locomotive versions, to be built in Bussnang, are new developments that have been customised precisely to the requirements of MOB and other operators. They are scheduled to start regular service in 2028. Of the four existing Class Ge 4/4 III electric locomotives currently hauling GPX trains, one is expected to remain with the MOB for use on shunting and service duty, the future of the other three is not yet clear.