Gotthard Steam (Switzerland)

A couple of events happening next year, being advertised as the final chance to run over the Gotthard behind steam before a new signalling system is installed at the end of the summer (though it seems the line will be available for heritage traction after the new base tunnel happens).

http://www.eisenbahn-nostalgiefahrt...eber-den-gotthard-durch-die-schweiz/index.php

3rd til 8th March, 01 1066 from Munich, with 01 202 assisting in Switzerland.

http://www.ige-erlebnisreisen.de/start/form.textdisplay.php?TXTNR=AKTUELLES

Only basic details so far, but 26th - 29th June, steam festival. If it's anything like the 125th celebrations in 2007, there'll be a few visiting locos from other countries too.

There's also talk of 241 P 17 and 241 A 65 doing a tour in May.

For anyone who hasn't been, the line is fantastic. The north ramp, from Erstfeld to Göschenen, is 16 miles, climbs 2080', and includes three spiral loops. It's possible to stand in one spot and see the same train three times, heading in two different directions on different levels! The south ramp, from Biasca to Airolo, climbs 2785' in 29 miles, involving four spiral loops. Gradients are as steep as 1 in 37 in both directions. A bit more interesting than that little hill south of Birmingham