Swiss mountain railway orders two hybrid rack locomotives from Stadler
Transports Montreux–Vevey–Riviera (MVR) has ordered two hybrid rack-and-pinion locomotives from Stadler to maintain the steep Montreux–Rochers-de-Naye mountain railway, with both machines due to enter service in 2029.
Under the contract signed with Stadler, the new units will gradually take over from the rolling stock that now keeps the line’s infrastructure in working order. Stadler is developing them specifically for this route. They will be built at its plant in Bussnang, in the canton of Thurgau. MVR is a subsidiary of the Montreux-Berner Oberland Railway (MOB).
Catenary or diesel power on the rack line
Each of the four-axle locomotives can draw current from the overhead line or switch to diesel. Stadler says this hybrid arrangement gives the vehicles maximum flexibility in operation. Their rated supply voltage is 1,500 V DC.
The locomotives measure 13.5 metres over the couplers and run on the line’s 800 mm gauge at up to 25 km/h. For work on the steep rack track, Stadler gives a peak output at the wheel of 1,320 kW and up to 220 kN of starting tractive effort. Large windows at the front and sides should give the crew a better view. The driving position puts the focus on ergonomics.
Part of the Rochers-de-Naye renewal due in 2029
The locomotive contract adds to work Stadler already has on the roughly 11-kilometre line. In May 2025, MVR ordered eight newly developed panoramic rack-and-pinion railcars. Each measures about 40 metres and holds 216 passengers. Bussnang is building these trains too, and they are due to start carrying passengers from 2029, the same year as the locomotives.
| Specification | Hybrid rack-and-pinion locomotive (contract announced October 2026) | Panoramic rack-and-pinion railcar (contract signed May 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Track gauge | 800 mm | 800 mm |
| Length over couplers | 13.5 m | 40.1 m |
| Width | 2.234 m | 2.23 m |
| Height | 3.6 m | 3.6 m |
| Maximum speed | 25 km/h | 35 km/h |
| Wheel diameter | 686 mm | 686 mm (drive wheel) |
| Maximum starting tractive effort | 220 kN | 220 kN |
| Maximum power at the wheel | 1,320 kW | 1,320 kW |
| Supply voltage | 1,500 V DC | 1,500 V DC |
| Units ordered | 2 | 8 |
| Planned entry into service | 2029 | From 2029 |
The two vehicle types share the same gauge, wheel size, starting tractive effort, peak power at the wheel and 1,500 V DC supply. The locomotive is shorter, at 13.5 m against 40.1 m, and has a lower top speed.
Planned specifications as published by Stadler in its railcar release of 21 May 2025 and its locomotive release of 1 October 2026. The railcar figure for wheel diameter refers to the drive wheel.
Stadler is also equipping the whole route with its NOVA Pro CBTC signalling system, which covers automation, traffic management and train control. The service locomotives will carry the equipment as well as the new passenger trains, so that vehicles and signalling are matched to each other.
MVR itself is investing in the infrastructure. It is renewing the catenary and power supply and carrying out work on points and other installations, in stages until early 2029.
Yves Marclay, Managing Director of MOB and MVR, tied the order to the upkeep of the line:
“Not only are we renewing our passenger trains, but at the same time we are laying the foundations for reliable and efficient infrastructure maintenance.”
Replacing the line’s 40-year-old trains
The rack railway has operated since 1892 and takes more than 110,000 passengers a year up to over 2,000 metres. MVR signed its railcar contract with Stadler on 20 May 2025. At the time, the manufacturer said the new trains would replace a fleet that was then 40 years old. MOB and Stadler worked with Italian designer Pininfarina on the trains. Stadler’s design basis for the rack railway is a maximum gradient of 220 per thousand. The railcars convert braking energy into electricity and feed it back into the power grid.
