E 2/2 Sulzer

Used as a works loco since it's construction in 1895, until 1953 in Winterthur at Sulzers, then until 1965 at the home of Monteforno in Bodio, this small loco can boast of an exceptionally long and regular working life. A peculiarity of this loco is that it is fitted with the Brown system of drive, whereby the cylinders are mounted above the running board and drive the axles via a reversing crank. Only 5 locos are still existing with this design of drive: two are in the transport museum in Lucerne (one has been cut up), that from Courfaivre, and one is in the warehouse of the railway station at Glovelier. After being stored for several years, it joined the Bern Steam Railway in 1971 with a view to restoration. Those in charge of the VDBB decided that it was beyond repair. In 1974 it was moved to the Zweiacher Foundation in Belp for display in a planned museum. After being stored outside for 13 years this machine was offered to the VVT in a very pitiful condition. After a complete overhaul lasting two years, this loco is now in fully working order. It is interesting to note that apart from the cab, the smokebox door, the whistle and one injector which was changed due to unreliability as well as some small parts, it is completely original. This loco, limited to 11 mph and not being air brake fitted is not permitted to haul passenger trains, this doesn't prevent it proudly parading in front of the shed…..

http://www.voisin.ch/vvt/ : 26.07.2007