Good evening everyone. Today I'm here to propose my second cross-border route between two European countries. This is the Simplon Railway, a famous Alpine route between Italy and Switzerland, famous for its long tunnel, which crosses the mountain between the two states. This route is also famous for its particular technical and architectural characteristics, with particular solutions adopted to make the tracks overcome a strong height difference (almost 500m) in a short stretch of line. In addition to its main tunnel, almost 20km long, the well-known helical gallery is also worth mentioning (which, alone, allows the path to overcome a height difference of almost 300m!). One of the most exciting and challenging routes in the entire Alpine region, which represents a real test of skills for the player, driving passenger services and long, heavy freight trains! GENERAL FEATURES The route in question boasts 41km / 25.4mi of tracks. The line is served by double track (standard gauge - 1435 mm/4 ft 8+1⁄2 in), electrified 15kV AC, up to Domodossola station. The line supports ERTMS/ETCS (level 2) along its entire length, up to Domodossola station. The maximum gradient reaches 2.8%, inside the helical gallery. The maximum height of the route is reached inside Simplon Tunnel (701m). The line is managed by RFI (Italian Railway Network) up to the Iselle di Trasquera station, whilst the remainder is managed by FFS/SBB. The passenger service is operated by: - FFS/SBB, the Swiss Federal Railway company. - BLS, the largest Swiss private railway operator. - Trenitalia s.p.a, as regards Eurocity services, in cooperation with FSS/SBB. The freight service is operated by: - SBB Cargo International, SBB's freight department. - DB Cargo (Germany and Italy). - BLS Cargo, BLS's freight department. ROUTE AND STATIONS The route has 5 stations, including the two terminals of Domodossola and Brig. The stops are, as follows: "Domodossola II" freight yard, parking of good cars to and from Switzerland. - Domodossola RFI/SBB + underground station of the metric-gauge railway to Locarno, *km 0 Neutral section 3kV DC <---> 15kV AC. "Domodossola I" passenger operators yard and sidings (SBB, BLS and Trenitalia). Beginning of the Domodossola-Brig international section. - Preglia, *km 3. - Varzo, *km 12. Varzo helical gallery (2968m). - Iselle di Trasquera, End of RFI zone and start of FFS/SBB area of competence, *km 18. Simplon Tunnel (two single track tubes of 19803m and 19823m, respectively), Italy/Switzerland border. - Brig SBB, First station in Swiss territory and end of the international section, *km 41 Brig freight yard and maintenance facility (SBB-BLS). *distance from route origin, Domodossola. Each station has 2 platforms, except for: -Domodossola (5) : 2 SBB/BLS at 15kV AC, 3 Trenitalia at 3kV DC. - Brig (7) ROUTE PLAN PASSENGER SERVICE There are different types of passenger service on this route: - FFS/SBB-Trenitalia Eurocity service, from Basel to Milan and vice versa, from Geneva to Milan and vice versa, from Frankfurt am Main to Milan and vice versa. Service with 1 train per hour to destination, in both directions. - FFS/SBB Interregio service, from main Swiss cities to Domodossola International, passing through Brig. Service with a train every 60/80 minutes in each direction. - BLS Regio Express service, mainly from Bern to Domodossola International. Service with two trains per hour from Switzerland to Italy and one train per hour from Italy to Switzerland. FREIGHT SERVICE Mainly intermodal (containers and semi-trailers), with some car transporter and hopper wagon convoys (mainly falns). Freight services connect all the main Swiss, German and Italian destinations. ROLLING STOCK On this route, the following rolling stock is used: PASSENGER - ETR 610 / RABe 503 " New Pendolino"(Trenitalia) "Astoro"(FSS/SBB), Electric tilting train. For Eurocity services. Four-voltage fitted (1.5 and 3kV DC - 15 and 25kV AC), in Frecciargento Trenitalia and FFS/SBB Eurocity liveries. - Re 460 Electric locomotive + EW IV coaches + cabcar, for Interregio services. In FSS/SBB traffic livery - RABe 525 "Nina" BLS EMU, for Regio Express services. In BLS new livery (used individually or in formation with 2 or 3 525s). Continue below...
FREIGHT - DB 193/Re 475 VECTRON Electric locomotive, for freight services In SBB Cargo International, BLS Cargo and DB Cargo liveries. - DB 185-5 TRAXX Electric locomotive (four-current AC/DC fitted, with 4 pantographs), for freight services In DB Cargo livery. - Re 465 Electric locomotive (BLS version of the 460), for freight services In BLS Cargo livery. - Re 486 TRAXX Electric locomotive (1.5-3kV DC and 15-25kV AC fitted), for freight services In BLS Cargo livery. PS. Given the considerable gradient of this route, freight convoys always have a double or triple traction at their head! CAB VIEW Please, only consider the Brig-Domodossola stretch. STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES STRONG POINTS - The route presents a good timetable of both regional/cross-border and Eurocity services. - The route features intense freight traffic, especially intermodal. - The route has wonderful scenery and is quite simple to do (Half route is in the main tunnel). - The BR 185 is practically identical to the one already in the game. - The EU 193 it's the same as the in game Vectron, except for safety systems. WEAK POINTS - The route is half in tunnel. - The Italian side is a bit wild, practically a large forest near the tracks. CONCLUSIONS A particular route. A steep climb that overcomes the mountains between Italy and Switzerland. An endless tunnel that crosses the Simplon Pass under its woods and steep, green mountain meadows. Curves and galleries alternates with small train stations, where you can collect passengers and take tourists. This while a lot of freight convoys rattle past you. A route for those who love challenges, difficult routes and at the same time for those who prefer a peaceful mountain environment. This is Simplon Railway: Brig - Domodossola! Caravatt. PS. Below here, I put some photos of the route and its key points.
Some pictures of the Simplon Pass The Simplon Tunnel portals. On left: the North side (Switzerland). On right: the South side (Italy). Brig station in Switzerland. Note the presence of the Brig–Visp–Zermatt MGB metric-gauge railway terminal. Domodossola station, the southern terminus of the route.
At least you can populate Bahnstrecke Basel Olten Sursee Luzern because most of these things are actually going towards Milan past SBB Bahnhof Sursee & Emmenbrücke. Excellent idea overall
Yes, as I said a while ago, I wanted to look for a suitable route for the ETR 610. And here it is. Instead of the RABe 525 it would also be possible to introduce the brand new RABe 528, for commuter service on this line.
Potential future DLC: - Re 474 (ES-64) Electric locomotive, for freight services In SBB Cargo livery. - Re 420 (4/4 II), Multi-role electric locomotive In SBB Cargo livery (Possible original red livery). - RABe 528 "Mika" EMU, for Regio Express services In BLS traffic livery (One of my favorite EMUs ever). PS. Please like the first post above here, otherwise it will not appear in the forum preview, Thanks!
