When E-Loks Imitate Nature

When E-Loks Imitate Nature

The Rhätische Bahn in Switzerland’s Canton Graubünden takes justifiable pride in the spectacular alpine scenery through which its trains make their way. Here at Thusis, on a photo-perfect autumn afternoon, this handsome Ge 4/4 III electric locomotive, at the head of a Regio Express bound for St. Moritz, presents a stunning example of (locomotive) art imitating nature.

And, as lovely as the mountain backdrop is at Thusis, the closer this eye-catching
machine gets to its destination, the more the scenery will “imitate” the E-Lok.

Incidentally, the Rhätische Bahn proudly names its locomotives for places in its canton of Graubünden; this attractive example is named Grüsch for the municipality in the district of Prättigau/Davos. As with all the other RhB E-Loks, it also carries the shield of the place for which it’s named.

The RhB has given each of its Ge 4/4 Type III locomotives a different “Werbelok” (Advertising Locomotive) livery.
I had the opportunity to see and ride behind a variety of these, as you’ll see in other photos, but No. 647,
with its distinctive Graubündner Kantonalbank Alpine Landscape design, is far and away my favorite. It is
a visual treat, certainly befitting the breathtaking scenery through which it smoothly pulls its trains.

From a Kodachrome-25 transparency.

Photo and Text ©2010 Steve Ember

Another RhB Werbelok