Big models of metre-gauge Rhätische Bahn (RhB, or Rhaetian Railway) rolling stock have been on my mind of late.
American and Swiss narrow gauge railways were built around the same time over a hundred years ago, for many of the same reasons. However, for a variety of interesting reasons, Swiss narrow gauge modernized and even electrified, while US narrow gauge mostly skipped dieselization and even forthright embrace of such modern niceties as steel underframes and signals. As a result, RhB and its connecting narrow gauge lines in the south and east of Switzerland not only are still running, but are distinctively modern and modelgenic subjects.
For an idea of what’s been particularly inspiring to me, have a look at this video of Rhätische Bahn‘s own Om (O scale metre gauge) museum layout:
Meanwhile, chunky models of RhB locomotives and cars might have been sighted on my workbench:
What’s not to like? Small electrics pulling short trains through scenery and curves that would make Malcolm Furlow say, “That looks fake.”
Let’s see where this adventure in big ol’ little Swiss trains takes us…
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