{{short description|Railway service in Switzerland}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}} {{Infobox rail line | box_width = | name = Forch railway (S18) | color = {{rcr|Zürich S-Bahn|18}} | logo = | logo_width = | image = (CHE-Zurich) Forchbahn No.57 S18 2023-11-20.jpg | image_width = 300px | caption = | type = Light rail | system = Zürich S-Bahn | status = Operational | locale = Canton of Zürich, Switzerland | start = Zürich Stadelhofen FB | end = Esslingen | stations = 20 | routes = 1 | daily_ridership = | open = 1912 | close = | owner = Forchbahn AG | operator = Forchbahn AG | character = | depot = Forch | stock = | linelength = {{convert|13|km|abbr=on}} (railway)<br />{{convert|3|km|abbr=on}} (tramway) | tracklength = | tracks = Single and double track | gauge = {{Track gauge|1000mm|allk=on}} | minradius = | electrification = {{600 V DC|conductor=overhead}}<br />{{1200 V DC|conductor=overhead}} | maxincline = | racksystem = | speed = | elevation = | map = {{Forch railway}} | map_name = | map_state = expanded }}
The '''Forch railway''' ({{langx|de|Forchbahn}}, ''FB'', nicknamed ''Förchler'',{{citation needed|date=August 2023}} ''Frieda'', ''Frieda Bünzli''<ref>{{cite web |author=Peter Haslebacher |url=https://derpendler.ch/frieda/ |title=Frieda |work=derpendler.ch |date=2019-05-28 |access-date=2020-01-22 |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Christine Weder |url=https://www.nzz.ch/article8JS0A-1.442913 |title=Etikettenschwindel |trans-title=cheated label |work=Neue Zürcher Zeitung |date=2012-11-29 |access-date=2021-04-12 |language=de}}</ref> by locals) is a local mixed tramway / railway line in the Swiss canton of Zürich. It is owned and operated by the '''Forchbahn AG''', and is branded as line '''S18''' of the Zürich S-Bahn. The standard Zürcher Verkehrsverbund (ZVV) zonal fare tariffs apply to the line.<ref name=saw>{{cite book |title=Eisenbahnatlas Schweiz |year=2012 |publisher=Verlag Schweers + Wall GmbH |isbn=978-3-89494-130-7 |pages=12–13, 64–65}}</ref><ref name=zvv>{{cite web |url=https://www.zvv.ch/zvv/en/about-us/transport-companies.html/ |title=Transport companies |publisher=ZVV |accessdate=2021-04-12 |url-status= |archiveurl= |archivedate= }}</ref>
The line opened in 1912 and links the towns of Esslingen and Forch to Rehalp, an outer suburb of the city of Zürich. From Rehalp, trains continue over the Zürich tram system to a terminus at {{rws|Zürich Stadelhofen FB}}, outside the Zürich Stadelhofen railway station in central Zürich.<ref name=saw/>
The line is built to metre gauge ({{track gauge|1000mm|first=imp|disp=1}} gauge). Between Esslingen and Rehalp the line has a length of some {{convert|13|km|abbr=on}}, with the continuation over the Zürich tram system adding an extra {{convert|3|km|abbr=on}} of route.<ref name=saw/>
== History == thumb|left|Share of the Forch railway, issued 21 October 1913 The Forch railway line opened on November 27, 1912, with the trip taking 67 minutes. As built, the line from the Zürich city boundary to Esslingen was a single track tramway, largely mixed in with road traffic. At Esslingen, the Forch line connected with the Uster-Oetwil line and, indirectly via that, with the Wetzikon-Meilen line. These two metre gauge tramway lines had both closed by 1950.
In 1950 it was proposed that the line should be replaced by buses, and a two-week test bus operation was undertaken with moderate success. The conclusion of the experiment was that retaining the line was the best solution provided that the line could be separated from the street and modernized. In the following decade, separation of rail and road traffic was increased. New bogie rolling stock was acquired, similar to two cars built for the line in the late 1940s.<ref name=fbchron>{{cite web | url = https://www.forchbahn.ch/ueber-uns/portrait | title = Die Geschichte der Forchbahn in Bildern | language = de | trans-title = Forchbahn history in pictures | publisher = Forchbahn | accessdate = 2021-04-12 | url-status = | archiveurl = | archivedate = }}</ref>
In 1970, a new depot and station was built at Forch, together with a new section of line and underpass under the new main road. Between 1973 and 1976 a tunnel was built under the village of Zumikon, eliminating the street section through that village. In 1976, new Tram 2000 trains were introduced and a regular 15-minute train frequency was introduced. By 1979 the line had been doubled as far as Neue Forch.<ref name=fbchron/>
Projected extensions to Zürich Hauptbahnhof and Wetzikon were under consideration as early as 1979, but have yet to become reality. In 1990, the line was added to the ZVV transportation network, and in 1995 a new terminus was built at Esslingen. In 2004, new low floor cars were acquired from Stadler to replace the 1950s stock. In 2007, the terminus at Stadelhofen was realigned.<ref name=fbchron/><ref name=mogstad>{{cite web | url = http://www.proaktiva.ch/tram/zurich/newslog/newsitem.php?year=2007&item=261007 | title = New tram layout for Stadelhofen | first = Andrew | last = Moglestue | date = October 2007 | accessdate = 2013-09-19}}</ref>
{{Gallery |File:Zollikerberg Forchstrasse.jpg|The line in Zollikerberg in 1915 |File:Forchbahn Bt 104.JPG|A train at Neue Forch in 1982 }}
== Operation ==
=== Route === The line starts from {{rws|Zürich Stadelhofen FB}} at Stadelhoferplatz, outside the main line Stadelhofen station, where the line terminates on a loop with its own two platforms. The Forchbahn platforms are flanked by platforms for tram routes 2 and 4 of the Zürich tram system (routes 8 and 11 respectively before network revision on 14.12.2025), which share tracks with the initial stretch of the Forchbahn.<ref name=mogstad/><ref name=bigchange>{{cite web | url = https://vbzonline.ch/wir-dachten-man-koenne-einfach-die-linie-15-verlaengern/ | title = «Wir dachten, man könne einfach die Linie 15 verlängern» | publisher = vbzonline.ch | accessdate = 2025-12-17}}</ref>
Between Stadelhofen and Rehalp, the Forchbahn trains use the tracks of the tram system, owned by the Verkehrsbetriebe Zürich (VBZ), which are electrified at 600 V DC and are largely situated in the street. Between these two points, Forchbahn trains serve intermediate tram stops at Kreuzplatz (where tram route 2 diverges), Hegibachplatz and Balgrist.<ref name=saw/><ref name=bigchange/>
At Rehalp tram route 4 has its terminus, and the Forchbahn trains enter the line's separate Rehalp station. Here they join the Forchbahn proper, which is electrified on the overhead system at 1200 V DC. From Rehalp to the Waltikon station the line uses a roadside double track alignment, and serves the intermediate stations of Waldburg, Spital Zollikerberg and Zollikerberg.<ref name=saw/><ref name=bigchange/>
Immediately after leaving Waltikon station, the line enters a double track tunnel under the village of Zumikon, serving the underground stations of Zumikon and Maiacher. The line surfaces just before entering Neue Forch station, where it resumes its roadside alignment. The next section of line, between Neue Forch and Forch, is single track, to be double tracked in the 2020s. The line's headquarters is situated at the 1970s Forch station, which includes a depot complex.<ref name=saw/>
After Forch the line passes under the motor way built 1970 before returning to its alignment alongside the old road. The remainder of the line is single track, and serves intermediate stations at Scheuren, Neuhaus bei Hinteregg, Hinteregg, Egg, Langwies and Emmat. All these stops include passing loops, with the exception of Langwies and Emmat. The line terminates at the modern Esslingen station, which has three tracks and an overall roof.<ref name=saw/>
{{Gallery |File:Zürich, Stadelhofen.jpeg|Forchbahn and city trams at the Stadelhofen terminus |File:Forch - Forchbahn 2010-10-01 14-01-20 ShiftN.jpg|The station and depot at Forch |File:Forchbahn Be 4-6.JPG|A train on roadside single track near Neue Forch station |File:Lagekarte Forchbahn.png|Location map of Forchbahn }}
=== Services === * {{S-Bahn-Zürich|18|x|x|x}}
The passenger services on the line forms part of the Zürich S-Bahn, branded as the S18. The standard Zürcher Verkehrsverbund (ZVV) zonal fare tariffs apply to the line.<ref name=zvv/>
During the day, trains calling at all stops run every 15 minutes from Stadelhofen to Forch, with every second train continuing to Esslingen. At peak periods, four express trains per hour run to Esslingen without stopping between Rehalp and Forch, whilst another four trains per hour provide a stopping service as far as Forch. Stopping trains take about 35 minutes to cover the full journey, with express trains some 5 minutes faster.<ref name=zvv/><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.fahrplanfelder.ch/fileadmin/fap_pdf_fields/2013/731.pdf | title = Zürich Stadelhofen–Forch–Esslingen | publisher = Bundesamt für Verkehr | accessdate = 2013-05-17}}</ref>
=== Rolling stock === Trailer car, B 119 originally built 1930 for Lausanne Tramways, was preserved in the Zürich Tram Museum from 2007 until 2021.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.vhf-egg.ch/fahrzeuge/b-119/index.html | title = Anhängewagen B 119 | language = German | trans-title = Trailer car B 119 | publisher = Verein zur Förderung historischer Forchbahnfahrzeuge | accessdate = 2021-04-12 }}</ref> In spring 2021 it was regauged for {{Track gauge|760 mm|allk=on}} and is used for heritage trains on the Agnita railway line in Romania.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/AsociatiaPrieteniiMocanitei/photos/pcb.10160660944007542/10160660913817542 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/323111237541/10160660913817542 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=Facebook |website=Facebook |accessdate=2021-04-12}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
After the 1950/60 stock was rendered surplus by the new Stadler cars, the Forchbahn motor cars BDe 4/4 11 to 16, and driving trailers Bt 101 to 108 (less the scrapped Bt 107) were donated to the municipality of Antananarivo in Madagascar. The vehicles were shipped to Madagascar in 2004/5, for use in creating a suburban train service, but by 2021 they were still in store there.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.proaktiva.ch/tram/zurich/newslog/newsitem.php?year=2012&item=180612b | title = Madagascar: Swiss stock update | first = Andrew | last = Moglestue | date = June 2012 | accessdate = 2021-04-12}}</ref> In 2021, according to a news item in the madegassian paper «La Vérité», using the trailer cars for a ''jungle express'' in the south east of the island was proposed.<ref>{{cite web|title=Die Forchbahn bald im Regenwald | trans-title = Forchbahn soon in the rain forest |url=https://www.forchbahn.ch/aktuelles/forchbahn-und-madagaskar-2 | work=Forchbahn - news|date=2021-03-23|accessdate=2021-04-12|publisher=Forchbahn|language=de}}</ref>
==== Current ==== The line uses the following rolling stock: {| class="wikitable sortable" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3" style="border-collapse:collapse; font-size:95%; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:5px;" !Image !Numbers !Type !Manufacturer !Notation !Year !Notes |- |180px |21/22-31/32 | rowspan="3" |Tram 2000 | rowspan="3" |SWS / SIG / BBC |Be 8/8 |1976-1986 |Units comprising pairs of motor cars permanently coupled back-to-back with a drivers cab at each end of the unit, and doors on both sides.<ref name="fbfas">{{cite web | url = https://www.forchbahn.ch/ueber-uns/be_4_6 | language = de | publisher = Forchbahn | title = Be 4/6 | accessdate = 2021-04-12 }}</ref><ref name="wb21">{{cite web|url=http://www.wittigbahn.ch/eisenbahnseite/vorbild/fahrzeuge/fbfahrzeuge/fbtriebwagen2000_8-8/fbtriebwagen_8-8_2000.htm|title=Forchbahn - S18 - Triebwagen Be 8/8 - Typ Tram 2000|last=|first=|date=|work=Wittigbahn|language=German|archive-url=|archive-date=|accessdate=2021-04-12}}</ref> |- |180px |51-58 |Be 4/4 |1994 |Motor cars, with a cab at one end and doors on both sides.<ref name="fbfas" /><ref name="wb51">{{cite web|url=http://www.wittigbahn.ch/eisenbahnseite/vorbild/fahrzeuge/fbfahrzeuge/fbtriebwagen2000_4-4/fbtriebwagen_4-4_2000.htm|title=Forchbahn - S18 - Triebwagen Be 4/4 - Typ Tram 2000|last=|first=|date=|work=Wittigbahn|language=German|archive-url=|archive-date=|accessdate=2013-09-16}}</ref> |- |180px |201-204 |Bt |1981-1982 |Unpowered driving trailer cars, for use with type ''tram 2000'' units 21/22-31/32 and 51–58, with a cab at one end and doors on both sides.<ref name="fbfas" /><ref name="wb201">{{cite web|url=http://www.wittigbahn.ch/eisenbahnseite/vorbild/fahrzeuge/fbfahrzeuge/fbsteuerwagen2000/fbsteuerwagen2000.htm|title=Forchbahn - S18 - Steuerwagen - Typ Tram 2000|last=|first=|date=|work=Wittigbahn|language=German|archive-url=|archive-date=|accessdate=2021-04-12}}</ref> |- |180px |61-73 |Stadler Tango |Stadler |Be 4/6 |2004 |Articulated motor cars, with a cab at one end and doors on both sides. Cars have a partial low floor, with low level entry. The cars were built by Stadler Rail to a custom design, but including components from their GTW standard product.<ref name="fbfas" /><ref name="rgsrtms">{{cite news | url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/stadler-relies-on-tailor-made-trains.html?sword_list%5B%5D=Forchbahn&no_cache=1 | title = Stadler relies on tailor-made trains | work = Railway Gazette | date = 2004-06-01 | accessdate = 2013-09-20 | archive-date = 2018-08-22 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180822213925/https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/stadler-relies-on-tailor-made-trains.html?sword_list[]=Forchbahn&no_cache=1 | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.stadlerrail.com/media/uploads/factsheets/TANGO_Forchbahn_e.pdf | title = Low-floor Multiple-unit Be 4/6 for the Forchbahn, Switzerland | publisher = Stadler Rail | accessdate = 2013-09-20 | url-status = dead | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20130921061502/http://www.stadlerrail.com/media/uploads/factsheets/TANGO_Forchbahn_e.pdf | archivedate = 2013-09-21 }}</ref> |}
==== Preserved ==== {| class="wikitable sortable" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3" style="border-collapse:collapse; font-size:95%; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:5px;" !Image !Number !Notation !Year !Notes |- |180px |4 |CFe 2/2 |1912 |Four wheeled motor car from the original fleet purchased for the opening of the line. Preserved in the line's original blue livery, and used on special services.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.vhf-egg.ch/fahrzeuge/cfe-2-2-nr-4 | title = Motorwagen CFe 2/2 Nr. 4 | language = de | trans-title = Motor car CFe2/2 4 | publisher = Verein zur Förderung historischer Forchbahnfahrzeuge | accessdate = 2021-04-12 | url-status = | archiveurl = | archivedate = }}</ref> |- |180px |10 |BDe 4/4 |1948 |Bogie motor car from the generation of vehicles that formed part of the renewal of the line in the 1950s. Preserved and used on special services.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.vhf-egg.ch/fahrzeuge/bde-4-4-nr-10/ | title = Motorwagen BDe 4/4 Nr. 10 | language = German | trans-title = Motor car BDe4/4 10 | publisher = Verein zur Förderung historischer Forchbahnfahrzeuge | accessdate = 2021-04-12 }}</ref> |- |180px |11 |C |1912 |Four wheeled trailer car from the original fleet purchased for the opening of the line. Preserved in the line's original blue livery, and used on special services.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.vhf-egg.ch/fahrzeuge/c-11/| title = Anhängewagen C 11 | language = German | trans-title = Trailer car C 4 | publisher = Verein zur Förderung historischer Forchbahnfahrzeuge | accessdate = 2021-04-12 }}</ref> |- |} == See also == * Rail transport in Switzerland * List of railway stations in Zurich * Public transport in Zurich * ZVV fare zones
== References == {{reflist|30em}}
== External links == * {{commons category-inline|Forchbahn}} * [http://www.forchbahn.ch/ Official website] {{in lang|de}} * [https://www.zvv.ch/zvv/en/timetable/zonenplan.html ZVV official website: zone map] {{in lang|en}}
<BR> {{Zürich}} {{Public transport in Zurich}} {{Urban public transport in Switzerland}}
Category:Metre-gauge railways in Switzerland Category:Railway lines in Switzerland Category:Transport in the canton of Zurich Category:Transport in Zurich Category:Zurich S-Bahn lines