|
DFB Dampfbahn Furka-Bergstrecke AG Postfach 141 CH-6490 Andermatt |
 |
|
|
+41 41 888 00 40 +41 848 000 144 |
| |
The Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway Club
| At the beginning of October 1981, the Glacier Express travelled on
the mountain line between Realp and Oberwald for the last time. On 25 June
1982, the 15.4 km long Furka base tunnel was opened as a link open all year
round between the Cantons of Uri and Valais. The wish expressed internationally to save the railway line by the Rhone glacier that was threatened by dismantling led already in 1983 to the founding of the Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway Club ("Verein Furka-Bergstrecke" - VFB). It set itself the goal of putting the line back into operation as soon as possible. As before the electrification in 1941/42, steam locomotives were to be used again to power tourist trains. In the meantime, the club, organised in 22 sections in Switzerland, Germany and Holland, has some 7500 members with whose support the Furka cogwheel steam railway has been restored up to now in stages from Realp to Tiefenbach, Furka, Muttbach-Belvédère and Gletsch. This reconstruction carried out by the year 2000 involved investments of some 11 million Swiss francs and almost 200,000 working hours, the majority of which were performed as voluntary work. A further challenge is the reopening of the final stretch from Gletsch to Oberwald planned for 2006. A considerable amount of work input and substantial financial support are still required before old-timer trains will once again be able to travel over the whole, 17.8 km long Furka cogwheel steam railway. For this, we also need your support. Help us so that we can master this great task together! The newly founded club managed to gain members quickly and successfully by means of well-directed publicity work. The finances thus collected made it possible to purchase the urgently needed equipment. Regular media reports moved the reconstruction project into the public eye, thus ensuring broad support. In various sections, regionally active construction groups were organised and made themselves useful in restoring the line and procuring rolling stock. The services rendered in the construction of rail vehicles even met with acknowledgement in specialist circles. The international club activity is headed by the central committee. |
| 31.07.2010 DFB AG / www.furka-bergstrecke.ch/eng/org/portraet_vfb.php |