Italian Main Line Steam with 625.116 along Lake Maggiore

Earlier this week the elegant Italian 2-6-0 tender locomotive steamed from Luino, Italy along the scenic banks of Lago Maggiore across the border to Cadenazzo, Switzerland.

This former FS engine was built in 1922 in Genoa by Ansaldo and is currently the only main line locomotive in Italy not owned or operated by the FS Foundation. Instead 625.116 is in the capable hands of the railway museum in Luino and its association Verbano Express. For these reasons though, the locomotive is currently also confined in terms of its operational reach to the Luino - Cadenazzo line, as it is neither fitted with Swiss or Italian train protection or signalling systems.

Known for their absolute beauty and gracefulness, the Italian Class 625 are nicknamed "Signorina" or "Signorine" (in plural) and have an elegant profile. A technical quirk is their design with inside cylinders and outside valve gear.

Here is footage of this very scenic run in the Alpine environment of Northern Italy and Southern Switzerland, with palm trees lining the railway tracks. This steam special was organized by the British Railway Touring Company for one of its groups.

 

It was an excellent trip behind a lively loco, one which has gone under the radar until.now. Thanks for organising it Andrew. Will post some pictures when I get home

Peter