Gotthard railway model

The "San Gottardo" granite relief was on display at the Swiss Museum of Transport until 2020. With the conversion and dismantling of Rail Hall 1, there was initially no more space to make the relief with the iconic model railway accessible to visitors. It was therefore dismantled and moved to temporary storage in Bleienbach. After around four years, the time has come and the Gotthard railway model will return to the Museum of Transport in mid-2024.

We are delighted that this historic object from our collection is returning to our museum space. But before that happens, it will be further developed in a conversion. This transformation is being carried out in close collaboration with Swiss modelling experts and interest groups.

The cost of the remodelling work is estimated at CHF 500,000. You too can support the project to make the Gotthard model accessible again.

Work on the four modules is running at full speed. We are happy to show you the current status of the transformation (February 2024)

In October, we moved the Gotthard railway model from Bleienbach to Rain. This logistical feat was accomplished smoothly thanks to the professional support of Brunner Transport AG Lucerne with four articulated lorries. The width of the modules and the care required posed a particular challenge.

The tracks at Erstfeld station are practically laid and wired. They correspond exactly to the model based on historical pictures and the Gotthard model from 1959. We are also working intensively on the detailed replica of the rock face at Erstfeld.

Module 3 mainly comprises work on the staging yard and the cabling of the new points.

Module 4 will focus on the construction of the large helix and the installation of a new IT system for digital control. The first driving tests on the spiral track were positive.

The first module transitions could be reproduced very well, be it with the rocks or their colours.

Every single one of the 10,000 or so trees is inspected, dusted, freshly painted or replaced.

The goal of presenting Module 1 at the Swiss Museum of Transport in June is within reach, and completion of the remaining modules is planned for August 2024. If necessary, the modelling group is also prepared to work on Sundays to make up for any delays.

Support from donations and contributions from Gotthard partners are essential. We sincerely thank all donors for their generosity. Special thanks go to the Gotthard fans, whose commitment motivates the modelling group to make the Gotthard model shine in new splendour.
Their support through the purchase of track metres is of great value to the Gotthard railway model.

This is how you can support the project:

1 running metre corresponds to a donation of CHF 200. The zero metre is at Erstfeld station. A total of 1,000 linear metres of track will be laid. The metres can also be donated. Donors will receive a personalised certificate and will be invited to the vernissage at the Swiss Museum of Transport in August 2024. The donation is tax-deductible.

Register now and transfer your donation. The definitive allocation of track metres will take place after receipt of payment. You can make the payment online or by bank transfer.

TRACK METRE REGISTRATION

Bank Details:

Verkehrshaus der Schweiz
Haldenstrasse 44
6006 Luzern

Luzerner Kantonalbank
IBAN CH69 0077 8143 2846 4201 1
Vermerk: Gotthardmodell