Good afternoon everyone. Today I'll return to Switzerland, to propose you one of the country's most iconic and famous metric routes: Montreux- Zweisimmen (Lenk im Simmental) Railway; also known as Chemin de fer Montreux Oberland Bernois (MOB), or simply "Golden Pass". In detail, its main stretch, from Montreux to Zweisimmen. We're in southwestern Switzerland, on French/German-speaking areas border; between Vaud, Fribourg and Bern Cantons. Our route begins on the so-called "Riviera", on the southeastern shore of Lake Leman (Lake Geneva). The tracks leave Montreux with the characteristic series of steep hairpin bends, which climb the considerable slope above the iconic town. This up to Les Avants. Here begins a long tunnel that goes through the "Col de Jaman", emerging in the "Gruyère", further north-east. Now the route enters the area of the so-called "Oberland Bernois" (near Saanen); Reaching Sweisimmen, our final destination. A highly technical/scenic route, characterized by steep slopes and many curves/tunnels in the first section. Then it becomes a pleasant "stroll" through the green meadows and valleys above the Riviera. The lake, the Alps, the valleys and the mountain villages. This is my MOB Goldenpass: Montreux to Zweisimmen! MOB Intro Link: https://assets.contenthub.dev/h24db...5e091855f63cca49/MOB_presentation_EN_2023.pdf GENERAL FEATURES This route features: - 62.4km(39mi) total length (main stretch). - 20 tunnels/galleries, including the longest 2.4km(1.5mi). - 12 viaducts/bridges, some of them very scenic. - Stop on request. - Dynamic gauge change (metric<->standard) and neutral section (DC/AC) at Sweisimmen. - Shared terminals (metric/standard gauge). - Intersection with other local lines. - Mix of direct and local services, with different patterns. The line is served by: - Single track, metric gauge (1000mm/3 ft 3+3⁄8 in), electrified 900V DC OHLE. Except for common areas of Montreux, Chamby, Montbovon and Zweisimmen; equipped with double metric track, shared between various lines. Max gradient reached: - 7.3% (73x1000) (especially first section). Max achievable speed: - 30/45km/h(18.6/28mph) first section, 45/60km/h(28/37mph) rest of the route (up to 70km/h-43mph). The entire path is equipped with: - Bs (Block-système), also known as Spacing/Cantonment Block (with dedicated light signals), as signaling system adopted. - ZSI 127 supported, as safety system adopted. - DMR (Digital Radio System) ready, as regards comm. Line and passenger service are managed by: - MOB SA, also through its MVR subsidiary. Public/private group, synergy between local cantons. Other operators (nearby lines): - Tpf SA (Transports publics fribourgeois), public local transport company. [Montbovon]. - BLS AG, largest private Swiss rail operator. [Zweisimmen]. - SBB-CFF-FFS SA/AG, public Swiss rail operator. [Montreux]. There are also 2 railway enthusiasts groups, carring out railtours on this route (Chamby and Montbovon based). ROUTE AND STATIONS This route features a total of 33 active stations/stops, including the two Montreux and Zweisimmen terminals. The calls are, as follows: - Montreux MOB-MVR Terminal, Simplon Line shared facilities. Km0*. - Montreux-Collège Stop, Km0.6*. - Vuarennes Stop, Km1*. - Belmont-sur-Montreux Stop, Km1.5*. - Châtelard VD (Vaud) Stop, Km2*. - Planchamp Stop, Km2.6*. - Fontanivent Station, Km3.3*. - Chernex Station, Km4.3*. - Sonzier Stop, Km5.5*. - Chamby Node station, Km7*. - Sendy-Sollard Station, Km9*. - Les Avants Station, terminal of some Régio services. Km10.8*. - Jor Stop, Km12.6*. - Les Cases Station, Km15*. - Allières Station, terminal of some RER services. Km17*. - Les Sciernes Station, Km20.4*. - Montbovon Node station, terminal of some RER services. Km22*. - La Tine Stop, Km25*. - Rossinière Station, Km28*. - La Chaudanne-Les Moulins Stop, Km29.4*. - Château-d'Œx Station, terminal of some Régio services. Km32.7*. - Château-d'Œx La Palaz Stop, Km33.5*. - Les Granges-Gérignoz Stop, Km34.6*. - Les Combes Stop, Km36*. - Flendruz Station, Km37.4*. - Rougemont Station, Km39.3*. - Saanen Station, Km43.4*. - Gstaad Station, terminal of some Régio services. Km46*. - Gruben Stop, Km48.3*. - Schönried Station, Km51*. - Saanenmöser Station, Km53*. - Oeschseite Stop, Km57*. - Zweisimmen MOB Terminal, next to BLS one. Km62.4*. * Distance from route origin, Montreux (Km0). Reference depots are: - Montreux MOB-MVR Depot. - Chernex MOB-MVR Maintenance Plant. - Montbovon Tpf Depot. - Zweisimmen MOB Depot. ROUTE PLAN Top: General view of the route. All main stations are indicated. Mid: Detail of first section, with its famous 4 hairpin bends. Green: Simplon Line (SBB). Bottom: Detail of Zweisimmen Terminal. All major facilities are indicated. Blue: MOB tracks; Green: BLS tracks; Orange: Neutral section and gauge change. General outline of the route. PASSENGER SERVICE RÉGIO MOB-MVR - R30: Montreux - Les Avants - Montbovon – Château-d'Œx - Gstaad - Zweisimmen 12/13Tpd each direction, driveable with different patterns. Morning/evening mainly. - R31: Zweisimmen - Lenk im Simmental 1Tph each direction, shuttle service (AI Only at Zweisimmen). - R32: Gstaad – Zweisimmen - Lenk im Simmental 1Tph each direction, driveable Zweisimmen<->Gstaad. - R34: Montreux – Les Avants – Château-d'Œx 1Tph each direction, driveable Montreux<->Les Avants/Château-d'Œx. GOLDENPASS PANORAMIC MOB - PE30(A): Montreux - Les Avants - Montbovon – Château-d'Œx - Gstaad – Zweisimmen 1Tph/1Tp2h each direction (replaced by Goldenpass Belle Époque of that hour). Driveable Montreux<->Zweisimmen. GOLDENPASS BELLE ÉPOQUE MOB - PE30(B): Montreux - Les Avants - Montbovon – Château-d'Œx - Gstaad – Zweisimmen 2Tpd each direction (replacing Goldenpass Panoramic of that hour). Driveable Montreux<->Zweisimmen. GOLDENPASS EXPRESS MOB-BLS - PEGPX: Interlaken Ost – Spiez – Zweisimmen – Montreux 4Tpd each direction, driveable Zweisimmen<->Montreux. Variable gauge trainsets. RER FRIBOURG Tpf - S50: (Allières) Montbovon - Bulle - Châtel-St-Denis – Palézieux 1/2Tph each direction (AI Only at Montbovon). Extended 4 times/day to/from Allières (driveable). MOB Timetable Link (2025): https://assets.contenthub.dev/h24dbpy2mqzk/8e4fc583150f5fb214e53a78a61b3ab0/WEB_Horaire_2025.pdf Weekly railtours on the Chamby-Blonay and Montbovon-Bulle sections (AI Only at Chamby/Montbovon), occasional heritage events covering the Chamby-Montreux, Chamby-Zweisimmen or Montbovon-Montreux itineraries (driveables). ROLLING STOCK TRACTION - MOB/MVR ABe 4/4 & Be 4/4 Stadler Alpina, ABeh 2/6 Stadler Surf & Be 4/4 5000, for Régio and Goldenpass Panoramic services. a) ABe 4/4 - Be 4/4 "Alpina" DC metric electric railcars [mandatory]. Used on Goldenpass Panoramic services. They differ only in first class (ABe). b) ABeh 2/6 "Surf" DC metric EMU[mandatory]. Used on northern/southern Régio services. c) Be 4/4 5000 DC metric electric railcar+cabcar trailers[optional]. Used on northern Régio services. COACHES - MOB Ast Superpanoramic & Crystal Panoramic, As, Bs/BDs, for Goldenpass Panoramic services. a) Ast 116-117 "Superpanoramic"[optional]. 1st class panoramic cabcar. b) Ast 151-152 "Crystal Panoramic"[optional]. "" d) As 110-114[optional]. 1st class panoramic coach. e) Bs/BDs 220-227[mandatory]. 2nd class panoramic coach. f) Bs 231-238[mandatory]. "" Used on Goldenpass Panoramic service formations. DLC - MOB Ast, ABst, As, Bs Stadler Panorama & Ge 4/4 III 8000, for Goldenpass Express services. a) Ast 181-184 "Panorama". 1st class panoramic cabcar. b) ABst 381-384 "". 1st /2nd class panoramic cabcar. c) As 191-194 "". 1st class panoramic coach. d) Bs 271-274 "". 2nd class panoramic coach. e) Bs 281-284 "". 2nd "" accessible coach. f) Ge 4/4 III 8000 DC metric electric loco. 4 Complete variable gauge trainsets (except locos). Standard<->Metric. GPX Data Link: https://assets.contenthub.dev/h24dbpy2mqzk/94e78416d99ea5ad68e37ad3d13390ae/GPX_FAQ_EN_v062024.pdf Plus all SBB, BLS and Tpf stock in their respective areas (AI Only)! Please, put your LIKE here first, Thank You! Continue Below...
Page 2 LAMPOIL L - Licensing: Don't know (probably yes) We don't know if MOB is willing to provide material/access to the route/stock involved. Given its local, almost public ownership, I don't think it's that difficult to get what DTG needs! Considering their website, they seem quite collaborative (many brochures etc...). A - Anticipation: Yes Of course! Players would love a change of scenery from the previous RhB Arosa and Bernina lines; having an excellen progression in scenery along the way and being able to pass through some iconic places (like Montreux and its connection to international music world!). Ranking Swiss metric routes, well, this could be a "Top 3" choice! M - Mix: Yes Service mix is good on this route: Régio, Goldenpass Panoramic & Express form an excellent service overlap (4/6Tph at some sections and moments!). We can say that gameplay is in line with previous Rivet metric releases, offering in addition the new dynamic gauge change feature. This could be useful if you wanted to expand this route towards Interlaken (new BLS operator needed)! P - Prominence: Yes Just mentioning Montreux, that alone would be enough to attract players, given its musical vocation (Freddie Mercury lived here and Queen worked here for many years!). In addition, the entire Alpine area above it (e.g. Gstaad) is famous for its winter resorts and skiing. Among the most famous artifacts/structures, the Statue dedicated to Freddie Mercury (Montreux Promenade) certainly takes first place! There are also several other symbolic/historical and railway valuable landmarks. The stock is quite standard, with the exception of GPX trainsets (world unicum!). O - Opportunity: Yes The addition of Goldenpass Express would certainly be a further incentive for players (DLC?). It is definitely popular among European rail enthusiasts! It's also possible to integrate this route, creating the standard gauge Zweisimmen-Spiez-Interlaken Line (BLS), or the Tpf Montbovon-Bulle Line (both later additions/standalone DLCs). These would provide valuable layers! I – Intelligence: Yes Certainly, key dates here are: - Château-d'Œx International Balloon Festival (late January). - Montreux Jazz Festival (early July). - Freddie Mercury's Birthday (Montreux, with related celebrations), September 5th. These are all very important dates at an international level! L – Limitation: No Perhaps, just gauge change could be a challenge, but it would be enough to make the whole thing fictitious (also possible Irl). STATIONS Montreux Southern terminal, Located front of the famous "Promenade". Its structures are integrated into the namesake SBB stop, located on the Simplon Line. Left to Right, Clockwise: Chernex, located halfway up the initial climb. Note the MOB maintenance workshop in the background. Chamby, which shares its tracks with local rail enthusiasts association railway. Montbovon, shared with the line to Bulle (Tpf). Here, the second rail enthusiasts group it's located. Les Avants, located at the top of the first climb. It's directly connected to the local funicular. Left to Right, Clockwise: Rossinière, facing Lake Vernex, lost in the Vaud alpine valleys. Château-d'Œx, important station in the upper route area. Saanen, first stop on German-speaking territory. Located near local airport. Rougemont, last stop on French-speaking territory. Route midpoint. Left: Gstaad, important Saanenland stop, located on a wide hairpin bend in the local urban center. Right: Saanenmöser, at the start of the small descent towards Zweisimmen. Zweisimmen Northern terminal, Located in the Oberland Bernois, shares its facilities with the line to Spiez (BLS). Neutral section and gauge change point. ROUTE VIDEOS Cabview Montreux-Zweisimmen, PE30 Goldenpass Panoramic service. Cabview Zweisimmen-Montreux, PE30 Goldenpass Panoramic service. Cabview Montreux-Montbovon, Régio 30/34 service. Cabview Saanen-Zweisimmen, Régio 32 service. Continue Below...
Page 3 ROUTE PICS Montreux (up) and Zweisimmen (down) views, the stark contrast between Lake Geneva and Swiss Alps! A) Freddie Mercury Memorial in Montreux. It's located about 300 m from the station, on lakeside. B) Châtelard panoramic view, Lake Leman(Geneva) and Montreux in the background. C) Châtelard Castle, on the hill northwest of Montreux. Completely surrounded by vineyards! D) Châtelard A9/N9 Flyover, important passage above one of the main Swiss motoroads. A) Chamby Résidence Le Mirador, impressive structure, located right above the stop. B) Blonay-Chamby Railway Museum, Located about 400m from the mainline, it's served by a dedicated 3km link. It hosts an incredible metric stock collection from all over Switzerland! C) Le Châtelard Boarding School, prestigious international college, right next to Les Avants station. D) Les Avants-Sonloup Funicular(1910), steepy 500m climb to an upper resort. A) Jaman Tunnel, between Jor and Les Cases. Longest tunnel (2424m). Route apex. B) View of Monbovon, squeezed into the narrow La Tine gorge. Terminus towards Bulle. C) Lake Vernex, alongside Rossinière. Artificial reservoir and dam. D) Grand Chalet (Rossinière), huge alpine structure from 1754! This town is famous for its historical Chalets! A) Château-d'Œx and its International Ballons Festival. This colors its sky in January. B) Saanen and its Airport (private flights/general aviation). C) Gstaad Palace, fairytale vip resort (Roman Polanski filmed here!). D) Grubenbach Bridge, one of the different rail structures present. Famous trainspotting location. Caravatt .
This would make a lovely route, though I fear if Rivet did it we would get Zweisimmen to Chateux de Oux only (or Montreux to Chateux de Oux) only.
This would be a great route to feature in tsw5, especially the scenery, love it! great suggestion ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Route /Loco Suggestions Route - Cp Portugal Northern Line (linha Do Norte) | Dovetail Games Forums Loco - Tgv Reseau Duplex | Dovetail Games Forums Route - Budapest Metro M3 Line | Dovetail Games Forums Route - Central Coast & Newcastle Line | Dovetail Games Forums Loco - Class 88 | Dovetail Games Forums Route - Warsaw Metro M1 Line | Dovetail Games Forums Loco - Amtrak Alc-42 | Dovetail Games Forums Route - London Underground Northern Line | Dovetail Games Forums Route - Schnellfahrstrecke Bern - Rothrist | Dovetail Games Forums Loco - Class 442 | Dovetail Games Forums Route - London Underground Jubilee Line | Dovetail Games Forums Route - Bahnstrecke Wuppertal - Dusseldorf | Dovetail Games Forums Route - Marc Camden Line | Dovetail Games Forums Loco - Ns Dm90 | Dovetail Games Forums Route - Mml: London St Pancras - Bedford | Dovetail Games Forums Loco - Et420 Plus | Dovetail Games Forums Route - Ringbahn Berlin Circle | Dovetail Games Forums Route - London Underground District Line For Tsw5 | Dovetail Games Forums Route - Chiltern Mainline | Dovetail Games Forums Loco - Class 99 For Tsw5 | Dovetail Games Forums Route - Dart Commuter | Dovetail Games Forums Loco - Tpe Class 397 'civity' | Dovetail Games Forums Route - Wien S Bahn: Wien Hauptbahnhof - Wiener Neustadt | Dovetail Games Forums
Was actually my introduction to the Swiss metre gauge on my first visit in 1983. Of course back then, if you were travelling over the line on a normal service train rather than the Panoramic Express you got the very basic second class accommodation with rigid plastic seats!
Like Luzern Sursee it took them ages to fix some of the issues, and it still ended up feeling mediocre. I wouldn't doubt with something like gauge changing, they'd manage to mess that up too.
Plus their half a route effort for Bernina and their penchant for releasing traction with poor physics and sounds.
Nah, if they put their mind to it, they would easily do it! This case, would be correct to call it lazy cash grab... Because that's exactly what it is, Lazy cash grab! And what makes you go crazy is that Bernina is a great route! They should think about completing it first!!
