Italian Main Line Steam with 625.116 along Lake Maggiore

Earlier this week the elegant Italian 2-6-0 tender locomotive steamed from Luino, Italy along the scenic banks of Lago Maggiore across the border to Cadenazzo, Switzerland.

This former FS engine was built in 1922 in Genoa by Ansaldo and is currently the only main line locomotive in Italy not owned or operated by the FS Foundation. Instead 625.116 is in the capable hands of the railway museum in Luino and its association Verbano Express. For these reasons though, the locomotive is currently also confined in terms of its operational reach to the Luino - Cadenazzo line, as it is neither fitted with Swiss or Italian train protection or signalling systems.

Known for their absolute beauty and gracefulness, the Italian Class 625 are nicknamed "Signorina" or "Signorine" (in plural) and have an elegant profile. A technical quirk is their design with inside cylinders and outside valve gear.

Here is footage of this very scenic run in the Alpine environment of Northern Italy and Southern Switzerland, with palm trees lining the railway tracks. This steam special was organized by the British Railway Touring Company for one of its groups.

 

It was an excellent trip behind a lively loco, one which has gone under the radar until.now. Thanks for organising it Andrew. Will post some pictures when I get home

Peter

 

Some pictures of Monday (7/7/26) afternoon's outing along the shores of Lake Maggiore between Luino (Italy) and Cadenzzo (Switzerland) with 625.116. The running was sprightly, the scenery spectacular but off train photography was non-existant except at either end of the 45 minute run. However on a day when the temperature was about 30 degrees it was a joy to indulge in some old style gricing, hanging out of the wide opening windows. The privately owned loco - by a society not by an individual - is in largely original condition with no added electronic gizmos for signalling or communication (that was done by mobile phone) was a real gem. We were lucky to have it solo in both directions as it normally operates with a vintage electric loco leading outbound towards Cadenzzo with the 625 leading back toLuino.

I hope the pictures speak for themselves
The sharp eyed among you might notice the fireman out on the running plate giving the airpump a bit of persuasion to behave itself - not an old school practice that the ORR would look kindly on in this country.

Thanks to @Fenway and the RTC for an excellent trip

Peter

 

They even have a very useful door onto the running plate as well. Always lovely to see a young lady stretch her elegant 'legs'.

 

The arrangement of inside cylinders and outside valve gear has seemed to me as worthy of wider use. Although it can lead to excessive clearance volumes it does offer the advantages of inside cylinders without the disadvantages of inside valve gear. A solution for the 4F perhaps. And yes a grand loco.