Switzerland’s first electric railcars were built in the 1890s. They became widespread on the country’s narrow gauge lines in Edwardian times and on the standard gauge network by the 1920s. Multiple units as such have only been commonplace on Swiss railways since the start of the 21st century, however.
This book explains how this evolution came about and discusses the differences between the two types of vehicle (not always obvious). It identifies the many varieties in this 320-page A4 hardback book with some 970 photographs, most of which are in colour and including some train interior views.
There are also over 50 tables of technical data, and inside the front and back cover there is a map of the Swiss rail network showing the lines run by SBB and the various private operators. Standard gauge railcars and units (adhesion then rack-and-pinion) are covered first, followed by the same for narrow gauge.
Superbly-illustrated throughout with over 900 colour and black & white photographs. Hardback. 320 pages.