Stadler to supply four more rack-and-pinion trains for Mount Rigi

Stadler to supply four more rack-and-pinion trains for mount Rigi Stadler and Mount Rigi Railways have signed a contract for the delivery of four additional tailor-made rack-and-pinion trains. Custom designed for steep mountain slopes, the new vehicles will contribute to comfortable, reliable and sustainable mobility on mount Rigi.  With this order, both lines of the Mount Rigi Railways will be served by new vehicles.

Since 2022, six Stadler rack-and-pinion trains have been operating in the impressive Swiss mountain landscape of Rigi between Vitznau and Rigi Kulm. The four additional vehicles of the same type are intended to be used on Mount Rigi Railways’ second line, Goldau and Rigi Kulm. The tailor-made trains contribute to comfortable, efficient and sustainable railway operations.
The contract for the four additional rack-and-pinion trains was signed in Vitznau, Switzerland, and strengthens Stadler’s role as a leading manufacturer in the Tailor Made sector.

“We are continuing our successful cooperation with Mount Rigi Railways. The new rack-and-pinion trains are designed specifically to meet the requirements of both our customer and the route,” explains Christoph Leiterer, Head of Engineering Tailor Made at Stadler. “We are delighted to supply further vehicles for operation on Rigi and would like to thank Mount Rigi Railways for the trust they have placed in us.”

Tailor-made for mountain railway operations
The new rack-and-pinion trains will be manufactured at Stadler’s headquarters in Bussnang, Switzerland. “The procurement of additional vehicles for the line between Goldau and Rigi Kulm is an important step for us in terms of quality, efficiency and sustainability,” says Jörg Lustenberger, COO of Mount Rigi Railways.

The 34.8-metre-long vehicles have 150 seats and can accommodate a total of 253 passengers. The trains are two-car trains and are equipped with a number of special features: the seats are slightly reclined to compensate for the gradient during the journey. The generous drop-down windows and upward-facing front windows allow passengers to enjoy spectacular views.
Thanks to barrier-free access, people with reduced mobility, families with pushchairs and travellers with winter sport equipment can easily board the new trains. The vehicles also feature ski racks and sled racks with water drainage systems, making winter travel comfortable.

Reliable and resource-efficient
Particular attention was paid to the design of the trains’ drive system. As mount Rigi is characterised by steep mountain slopes, the train is equipped with four powered cogwheel axles, which ensure a smooth ride even on steep gradients. This ensures good traction and braking power transmission in all weather conditions.

Until now, the braking energy of the trains travelling downhill between Goldau and Rigi Kulm was converted into heat and was therefore lost. The new trains feed their braking energy back into their own network as electricity. This allows trains travelling uphill to reuse the energy gained from downhill travel.