Ferrovia Monte Generoso
800 mm
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96
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It is 11 am, and the train is waiting for departure at Capolago Lago station
4 June 2004
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98
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Demonstration of rack systems
4 June 2004
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From Capolago Lago station there is only one train daily, offering an excellent connection from the boat coming from Lugano. The actual terminal is rather Capolag-Riva San Vitale, which is only 300 m away from here. But before reaching this station, the train passes a small exhibition of the widest spread rack systems, used on the world's rack railways, from left to right: the Riggenbach-, Strub-, Abt- (e.g. the Monte Generoso Railway) and Locher-systems.
Capolago-Riva San Vitale (274 m)
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109
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Capolago station.
The standard gauge tracks are located on the other side of the building.
4 June 2004
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110
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Steep gradient above Capolago. The train climbs 433 until the first station.
October 2003
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108
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Steep gradient above Capolago. The train climbs 433 until the first station.
October 2003
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131
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The first station is San Nicolao, 707 m above sea level
4 June 2004
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123
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The cab of the Bhe 4/8, running downhill before the San Nicolao tunnel
4 June 2004
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The Abt system rack railway reaches its highest inclination of 220 per thousand between San Nicolao and Bellavista.
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139
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When reaching Bellavista station, the driver throws the switch with own hands
4 June 2004
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114
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The trains running upward and downward meet here. This is the last crossing place before the summit station.
4 June 2004
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104
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Indeed, the vista is beautiful.
Although the actual belvedere is a few minutes walk from here.
4 June 2004
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The history of the Monte Generoso Railway began in 1867. In this year was built the Hotel Belavista, the hotel of Dr. Carlo Pasta. The doctor from Mendrisio wanted to help the numerous excursionists - coming mostly from the Lombard aristocracy - who desired to enjoy the wonderful panorama of Monte Generoso. At that time only a footpath led to the mountain, and most of the hikers didn't like the idea to climb 1500 m in one day. In his hotel, Dr. Pasta offered a rest under luxury circumstances halfway. Even so, the way to the summit remained very tiring, therefore Dr. Pasta came up with the idea to build a mountain railway. In 1886, his joint stock company won the concession for its construction and operation.The 9 km long, 800 mm gauge, steam operated railway was inaugurated on 4th June 1890. But despite all expectations, the new railway operated at a loss. After the death of Dr. Pasta, the company went bankrupt several times, so the service had to be terminated in 1939. The line was threatened by demolition, until Gottlieb Duttweiler, founder of MIGROS supermarket chain bought the railway. The operation started on 27th March 1941 again.The Ferrovia Monte Generoso is part of MIGROS until present day. The cog railway line was electrified with 800 V DC at the early 80's.
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94
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An the train departs to fight the last section to the summit...
4 June 2004
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91
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An the train departs to fight the last section to the summit...
4 June 2004
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The four class Bhe 4/8 electric trainsets had been built by SLM Winterthur and Siemens. They are in service since 1982. These trains can carry 96 seated passengers. Maximum speed allowed is 22 km/h uphill, and 14 km/h downhill.
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87
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Leaving the woods, the train climbs on the alpine meadow
4 June 2004
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77
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Common Peony (European Peony - Paeonia officinalis) above Galleria Poncone
4 June 2004
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81
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On the saddle, between 2 tunnels
4 June 2004
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85
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This tunnel, the Galleria Vetta is situated at km 7.9 of the railway, at 1430 m above sea level. It is only 25 m long.
4 June 2004
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80
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After the tunnel, the track still meanders steep upwards
4 June 2004
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76
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The train must climb here 162 m in 1.1 km
4 June 2004
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73
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The terminal is already visible from here
4 June 2004
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77
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The terminal is already visible from here
4 June 2004
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107
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The terminal: Vetta (summit)
4 June 2004
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85
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The terminal: Vetta (summit)
4 June 2004
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70
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Two Bhe 4/8 are waiting for a descent
4 June 2004
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72
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The terminal, seen from a higher altitude
4 June 2004
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56
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'Bella Italia, alfin ti miro...'
Border stone on the terrace of the restaurant
4 June 2004
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45
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Green Hellebore (Helleborus viridis) near the top
4 June 2004
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56
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The top of Monte Generoso
4 June 2004
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44
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360° panorama
4 June 2004
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15
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The Monte Rosa Massif is visible from here, and the Matterhorn as well
4 June 2004
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