If you had been a Swiss rail operator trying to title your newest and biggest practice, what would you name it? Would you choose some notable determine from historical past to honor, or would you go for one thing basic like Trainy McTrainFace? What about naming it in homage to Canadian music icon Shania Twain?
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Well, that’s precisely what Swiss companies determined to do with one of many new trains that may run on its Montreux Oberland Bernois (MOB) line, which is the oldest electrified rail line on the planet. From This Moment On, the road will run a brand new practice that’s been named after singer-songwriter Shania Twain.
The Brand New Golden Pass Express trains run from Montreux on Lake Geneva to Interlaken in central Switzerland. And to have a good time the launch of the brand new service, one of many locomotives has been badged Shania Train at an inauguration ceremony attended by Ms. Twain herself.
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Now, earlier than you persuade your self that you just’re simply Waking up Dreaming, this isn’t some elaborate early April Fools joke. The Canadian singer has lived in Switzerland for greater than a decade now, and owns a property close to Lake Geneva, which falls on the Golden Pass Express practice’s route. Clearly, the brand new high-tech trains are an indication that Life’s About to Get Good for the musician.
But, aside from being named after the “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!” singer, what’s so particular concerning the new trains? Well, whereas most trains we see right here in America Don’t Impress Me Much, those you’ll be able to experience in Switzerland are a lot cooler.
Firstly, the Golden Pass Express trains have to have the ability to run throughout two totally different observe gauges. This signifies that the axles on every carriage are constructed in order that the space between wheels will be adjusted whereas the practice is on the transfer. As Euronews Travel studies:
“The new trains are able to switch from the meter-gauge track of the MOB to the Swiss standard gauge by adjusting the distance between their wheels.
“Variable gauge mechanisms are nothing new – Spanish Talgo trains have been using them for decades – but the GPX trains stretch further, and are the first to shift between these two types of gauges. And they have another feature which makes them a world first, says MOB.”
But, what occurs for those who attain a unique sized platform, I hear you shout. Well, don’t fear, as a result of because of the brand new trains You’ve Got a Way to simply attain the platform. These trains additionally include vans beneath every carriage that may elevate the peak of the physique to satisfy platforms of various sizes.
The new trains, which had been constructed by Swiss practice maker Stadler and French transport large Alstom in partnership with Pininfarina, can elevate Up! from 350mm to 550mm off the bottom.
All these improvements imply that rail vacationers in Switzerland can now make the journey from Lake Geneva to Interlaken with out getting off to change trains.
Source: jalopnik.com