Riffelalp Tram
TRAM 2001
During the reconstruction of the 5-star Riffelalp Resort 2222 m hotel a revival of the tram operation was also considered. However, time had left its marks on the tram carriages, which made a re-commissioning of the original tram too costly. The installation of the original two-phase overhead contact line alone would not have been possible due to numerous new safety regulations.
After several options were developed, it was decided to re-establish the service with two motor cars for passenger transportation and one trailer for goods and luggage. Today, the tram is driven by a battery (80 V, 400 Ah) and two d.c. motors each delivering 10 kW. The battery is partially recharged during the electric breaking operation. A hydraulic disk break is used for stopping and mechanical breaking. The parking brake consists of a springloaded brake.
The Riffelalp Tram operates in summer as follows:
Departure from hotel: 11.20 / 11.44 / 12.08 / 12.32 / 12.56 / 13.20 / 13.44 / 14.08 / 14.32 / 14.56 / 15.20 / 15.44
Departure from station Riffelalp: 11.34 / 11.58 / 12.22 / 12.46 / 13.10 / 13.34 / 13.58 / 14.22 / 14.46 / 15.10 / 15.34 / 15.58
SPECIFICATIONS 2001
Opening June 15, 2001
Overall length : 675,31 m
Length of line operated : 675,31 m
New terminal loop : 190,36 m
2 stops
2 switches
Rail weight : 26 kg/m
Rail type: Vignole
Steel sleepers approx. 40 kg each
Rail gauge : 0,80 m
Depot for 2 trams with battery station
Battery operation : 80 Volt, 320 Ah
Maximum speed : 10 km/h
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