Switzerland - 18th March 2026
For the third day, the small town of Solothurn was the destination. From Basel SBB, there was a short break at Olton to change trains before catching an Intercity service west to Solothurn. Solothurn is widely celebrated as Switzerland's finest Baroque town, while simultaneously serving as a vital multi-gauge railway junction connecting national and regional networks. Nestled at the foot of the Jura Mountains along the scenic Aare River, the town elegantly blends historical grandeur with ultra-efficient modern transit infrastructure. Solothurn Railway Station is a major transit node where six distinct railway lines converge. It handles lines extending through the Jura Foot Railway system, the Solothurn–Moutier line, and lines heading toward Olten and Lyss. Later in the day, we headed slightly further west to Bettlach, where the line runs adjacent to a footpath giving good mountain views alongside the main rail line.
Austrian OBB ES 64 U2 'Taurus' No.1116-158 is pictured at Basel SBB on the 18th March 2026, having uncoupled from a Nightjet service from Prague. The Austrian locomotive cuts off at Basel to allow the train to change direction and head to Zurich with a Swiss locomotive.
|
SBB Re460 No.460-073 is pictured at Basel SBB on the 18th March 2026. The loco was in Platform 6, ready to depart with IC613 08:30 Basel SBB - Domodossola.
|
SBB Re460 No.460-073 is pictured at Basel SBB on the 18th March 2026. The loco was in Platform 6, ready to depart with IC613 08:30 Basel SBB - Domodossola.
|
The SBB RABe 526 is a designation for multiple electric regional trains operating in Switzerland. While frequently associated with Thurbo (a subsidiary of SBB) using Stadler GTW trainsets, the RABe 526 designation is also used for modern SOB Traverso (Stadler FLIRT) trainsets, which are special articulated multiple units. 526-119 and 526-129 arrive at Basel SBB in the low morning sun on the 18th March 2026.
|
The Swiss Class 500 train, officially designated as the SBB RABDe 500 and commonly known as the ICN (InterCity-Neigezug), is a high-speed, tilting electric multiple unit (EMU) train operated by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB-CFF-FFS). Introduced in 2000, it is specifically designed to handle Switzerland's mountainous and curvy terrain efficiently. No.500-037 & No.500-040 arrive into Olton station on the 18th March 2026, operating a service to Biel.
|
The SBB RBDe 560 (often referred to as Neuer Pendelzug or NPZ, meaning "New Push-pull Train") is a class of electric multiple units used by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB-CFF-FFS) for regional and commuter services. Introduced in 1984, they are iconic commuter trains often known by the nickname "Colibri" (Hummingbird). No.560-301 arrives into Olton on the 18th March 2026, operating an S29 stopping service to Zofingen.
|
The SBB Re 484 is a multi-system electric locomotive operated by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), designed for cross-border freight traffic between Switzerland and Italy. Based on the Bombardier TRAXX platform, these locomotives handle 15kV/25kV AC and 3kV/1.5kV DC, enabling seamless operation. SBB Re484 No.484-012 arrives into Olton on a westbound mixed freight on the 28th March 2026.
SBB Class 500 passes over the River Aare at Solothurn on the 18th March 2026 with an eastbound service.
|
A SBB Rabe Class 560 passes over the River Aare on the 18th March 2026, operating a westbound passenger service towards Biel.
|
The SBB RABe 521 is a type of electric multiple unit (EMU) train operated by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB-CFF-FFS). Part of the Stadler FLIRT family, pictured passing over the River Aare on the 18th March 2026.
|
SBB Cargo Vectron No.193-061 crosses over the River Aare on the 18th March 2026, operating an eastbound freight towards Olton.
|
SBB Re420 No.420-091 crosses the River Aare on the 18th March 2026, hauling an eastbound post train.
|
The Aare Seeland mobil (branded as asm or asmobil) uses Stadler STAR Be 4/8 tram-trains on its narrow gauge route. Be 4/8 No.111 'Jupiter' is pictured at Solothurn on the 18th March 2026.
|
Aare Seeland Mobil Be 4/8 110 'Merkur' arrives into Solothurn on the 18th March 2026 from Langenthal.
|
The BLS RABe 535, commonly known as the Lötschberger, is a Swiss electric multiple unit (EMU) train operated by BLS AG. No.535-106 is pictured at Solothurn on the 18th March 2026. The unit was operating an S44 service to Turn via Burgdorf
The SBB RABe 511, manufactured by Stadler Rail, is a type of electric double-decker multiple-unit train widely used by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB-CFF-FFS) for regional and national express services. It is a part of the "KISS" train family. No.511-121 arrives into Solothurn on the 18th March 2026 with a service to Beil.
|
BLS Track Machine No.214 arrives at Solothurn to reverse on the 28th March 2026.
|
SBB Re620 No.620-027 passes at speed through Solothurn Station with a westbound freight on the 18th March 2026.
|
SBB Re420 No.420294 passes east through Solothurn on the 18th March 2026, hauling a post train.
|
The SBB RABe 511, commonly known as the Stadler KISS or Dosto (short for Doppelstock, meaning double-decker), is a family of electric bilevel multiple-unit commuter trains operated by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB-CFF-FFS). No.511-118 is pictured at Solothurn on the 18th March 2026, operating the 11:26 departure to Zurich Hbf.
Bacon Rail Vectron 193-806 (X4 E-806) is pictured at Solothurn hauling a westbound chemicals train on the 18th March 2026.
|
SBB Cargo Re420 No.450-270 is pictured passing through Solothurn on the 18th March 2026, operating an Eastbound mail service.
|
The SBB RABDe 500, often nicknamed the ICN (Intercity-Neigezug, or "Intercity Tilting Train"), is a high-speed electric multiple unit (EMU) operated by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). No.500-001 arrives into Solothurn on the 18th March 2025 with a westbound passenger service.
|
The SBB RABDe 500, commonly known as the ICN (Intercity-Neigezug), is a Swiss high-speed tilting electric multiple unit (EMU) introduced in 2000. No.500-007 departs from Solothurn with an eastbound service.
|
Bettlach
SLM Re 430 operated by WRS Widmer Rail Services Personal AG No.430114 is pictured heading east at Betlach (near Solothurn) on the 18th March 2026.
SBB RABe 500 No.500-016 passes Bettlach on the 18th March 2026, operating a westbound passenger service.
|
The SBB RABe 523 is a four-car electric multiple unit (EMU) operated by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) for regional passenger services, primarily S-Bahn commuter trains. No.523-051 arrives into Battlach on the 18th March 2026, operating a stopping service forming the 14:09 departure from Battlach toward Solothurn.
|
The SBB RABe 523 is a four-car electric multiple unit (EMU) operated by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) for regional passenger services, primarily S-Bahn commuter trains. On the 18th March 2026 523-053 departs from Bettlach, operating the 13:10 from Solothurn to Biel (S20 Service).
|
The SBB RABe 511 119 is a specific unit of the Stadler KISS electrical double-decker multiple unit train, operated by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) No.511-119 passes Bettlach on the 18th March 2026, operating an eastbound service.
|
The SBB RABe 511 (also known as the Stadler KISS) is a double-decker electric multiple unit train operated by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS). No.511-122 is pictured operating a westbound service passing Bettlach Station.
|
The SBB RABe 521 is a type of electric multiple-unit (EMU) train manufactured by Stadler Rail in Switzerland as part of their popular FLIRT family. No.521-052 arrives in Bettlach on the 18th March 2026, operating an S20 service from Biel to Solothurn and forming the 14:09 departure from Bettlach.
|
SBB Re620 No.620-047 passes Bettlach on the 18th March 2026, operating light engine, heading eastbound via Solothurn Yard.
|
SBB Re620 No.650-058 passes westbound through Bettlach station heading towards Biel on the 18th March 2026.
|
SBB Cargo Re193 No.193074 approaches Bettlach Station on the 18th March 2026, while operating an eastbound consist of cargowagons.
|
SBB Cargo Siemens Vectron No.193-070 passes westbound through Battlach on the 18th March 2026 hauling a mixed freight.
|
The SBB RABe 511 is a type of electric double-decker multiple unit (EMU) train operated by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS). It is manufactured by Stadler Rail. No.511-123 arrives at Solothurn on the 18th March 2026 with an IR service to Biel/ Bienne.
The SBB RABe 511 is a type of electric double-decker multiple unit (EMU) train operated by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS). It is manufactured by Stadler Rail. No.511-122 returns east from Biel, departing from Solothurn on the 18th March 2026.
Pratteln
A brace of BLS freight locomotives are picutred at Pratteln Station on the 18th March 2026. Traxx 486-503, Siemens Vectron 475-403, and Trax 486-504.
A brace of BLS freight locomotives are picutred at Pratteln Station on the 18th March 2026. Trax 486-505 joins Traxx 486-503, Siemens Vectron 475-403, and Trax 486-504.
|
SBB Re450 No.420-279 passes through Pratteln Station on the 18th March 2026 heading for Muttzen Yard south of Basel.
|
SBB Cargo 843-080 passes through Pratteln Station light engine on the 18th March 2026. SBB 843 080-3 (UIC code: 98 85 5843 080-3 CH-SBBC) is a Vossloh Am 843 diesel-hydraulic locomotive operated by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB Cargo AG). It is a shunting and light freight locomotive primarily used for maneuvering in Swiss rail yards.
|
Bacon Rail Vectron 193-806 (X4 E-806) is pictured at Pratteln, returning from Biel on the 18th March 2026, heading north to the International Transfer Yards between Switzerland and Germany.
|
One of only two Swiss Class 620 locomotives operated by Rail Adventure is pictured at Pratteln on the 18th March 2026. No. 620-003-4 'Wadenswill' passes south through the station with a rake of hoppers in tow.
|
BB Cargo 843-080 exits from a factory at Pratteln with an LPG tank in tow on the 18th March 2026. SBB 843 080-3 (UIC code: 98 85 5843 080-3 CH-SBBC) is a Vossloh Am 843 diesel-hydraulic locomotive operated by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB Cargo AG). It is a shunting and light freight locomotive primarily used for maneuvering in Swiss rail yards.
|
A second line of stabled BLS Locomotives is pictured at Pratteln on the 18th March 2026. No.485012, No.485008, No.486501, and No.486509.
|
BLS Trax locomotives No.486-507 and No.485-501 head south through Pratteln on the 18th March 2026, hauling a southbound intermodal most likely heading for Italy.