1936

The two high-speed railcars, designated as BCLe 8/12 501 - 502 when ordered in 1936, are delivered to the Swiss Federal Railways in 1937 (unit 502) and in 1938 (unit 501). These were intended for high-quality express service between cities in the Swiss Plateau. They were conceived as an alternative to the light express trains hauled by locomotives.

The three-part railcars were technically based on the "Red Arrows". The trains, also known as "Tatzelwurm", consisted of two motorized end cars and a middle car.

Upon delivery, they were immediately given a new designation as Re 8/12 501 - 502.
 

1939

August 14



In the early morning of August 14th, 1939, unit Re 8/12 501 catches fire in Rorschach depot - only one and a half years after it was put into operation. Since the train could not be driven outside, it suffered severe damage.

The end car with driver's cab II is completely destroyed and it is impossible to be rebuilt with reasonable effort.

Thus, it is rebuilt as a two-cars multiple unit and put back into operation in 1941 as Re 4/8 311.
 

Concerns registration number(s): 501

Sources: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/SBB_Re_8/12_501–502

1945

Unit Re 8/12 502 receives new designation RBCFe 8/12 502.  

1948

Unit RBCFe 8/12 502 receives new designation RBCFe 8/12 691.  

1956

Unit RBCFe 8/12 691 receives new designation RABFe 8/12 691.  

1958

Unit RABFe 8/12 691 receives new designation RABFe 8/12 1041.  

1961

August 13

On August 13rd, 1961, the first motor car of unit 1041 also suffers severe damage due to a fire.

Since unit RABFe 4/8 1031 was decommissioned the following year, parts of both trains are used to create a four-car train, designated RABDe 8/16 1041.
 

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Latest update on the 20th of October 2024 at 11:32

Contributor(s): Tudor C.

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