Swiss paddlesteamers

[Roderick Smith]

The best reference to the major Swiss fleets is
http://swissitalianpaddlesteamers.com

I was in Switzerland for two major parades during May:
On Vierwaldstättersee (Lake Luzern) for the centenary of PS Schiller (five PS and two MV in the parade).
On Lac Léman (Lake Genève) for the return to service of PS Savoie (five PS and one PV).
Here is the report which I posted at the time to one of the yahoo ferries groups (northern or southern Europe).
On Sat.6.7, the operator of five paddlesteamers on Vierwaldstättersee marked the centenary of PS Schiller by running an all-day cruise with all five paddlesteamers in the fleet, with much formation cruising for 3 hours.
PS Schiller, PS Stadt Luzern and PS Gallia ran from Luzern.
PS Unterwalden ran from Stansstad (it is the only steamer in the fleet which can get under a restrictive bridge there, but didn't have to go under it for this cruise).
PS Uri (105 years old) ran from Flüelen, at 9.55.  It had started from Luzern around 8.00, with passengers travelling at a slight extra fare.
The three Luzern starters were booked out days in advance.
Accompanying the five were MV Weggis and MV Mythen (celebrating its own 75th anniversary this year).  At one point, three small private steamers stood alongside.
There was much cheering, waving and general merriment all day.  At two of the southern towns, the fleet of five was welcomed by music: cowbells at one wharf, a brass band at another.
All sorts of formations were tried during the time (described in the English version of the website as a ballet).  At one point we cruised five abreast, with photographers in Weggis getting the coverage.
 
Uri was restored over 1991-94.  It has an oil-fired boiler, and a two-cylinder compound engine, kept in better than showroom cleanliness.
 
See www.dampfschiff.ch (a hobby site)
and SGV (the operator): www.lakelucerne.ch

Added here now: the two private steam launches and the private small paddlesteamer (which has its own website, mentioned in another thread in Paddleducks).

Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[Eddy Matthews]

There are a number of posts, some with photos, of the various Swiss paddlers Roderick - However, the "Search" feature on the forum leaves a lot to be desired and often misses things!

A new version of the forum software is due out in a few months, so I hope this will be one of the many areas that are improved!

In the meantime, please feel free to post any details you have - We're always after information, and those Swiss paddlers are just gorgeous!

[Roderick Smith]

Here is one of my scans of the special five-vessel cruise to mark PS Schiller's centenary (taken from PS Uri, the oldest in the fleet).  Sat.13.5.06.

Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[thewharfonline]

Roderick I know what vessel your avatar is from, it's the Mary Anne replica isn't it! I'm sure it is! Just proves once again I know my stuff, I've passed another of those little tests! Mine's slightly obvious that it is the Pevensey though!

Sorry for the random post...please continue!

[Roderick Smith]

Another from that magic day.  PS Uri (the oldest in the fleet on that lake) approaching Fluelen to pick me up (and heaps of others).

Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[Roderick Smith]

This former member of the Wierwäldstattersee fleet is now a floating restaurant (static) at Luzern.

Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[Roderick Smith]

I was at Interlaken about a week too early for the start of the cruise season of this classic Swiss PS (or DS, dampfschiff).
The original was in colour, but I haven't the time to rescan.

Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[mjt60a]

For members of the PSPS, there's an article on the swiss steamers events (with pictures    ) in 'paddle wheels'

[Roderick Smith]

PS Stadt Luzern, photographed from PS Uri, as part of the parade and ballet of five PS for PS Schiller's centenary.

[Roderick Smith]

Another from Sat.13.5.6, showing various boats together.

This one shows PS Gallia, then PS Unterwalden, PS Schiller and the bow of PS Stadt Luzern, taken from PS Uri.
The remaining vessel in the fleet was MV Weggis, carrying company photographers to capture the ballet of five paddlesteamers.  MV Mythen was present for much of the time.

Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[Roderick Smith]

More of the five PS parade on Sat.13.5.06.

Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[Roderick Smith]

Three shots aboard PS Uri:
* On the foredeck.
* The interior of the first-class saloon.
* The interior of the second-class saloon.


Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[scotfriend]

Hi PD's

last wednesday i went to Lucerne to sail with some of the steamers there but unfortunately there was only the "Unterwalden" in service it was a lovely day.

[Eddy Matthews]

It looks gorgeous Hans!

You have to admire the Swiss, lovely scenery and paddlers everywhere you turn, what more could you ask for?

[scotfriend]

Sorry i forgot to tell you the names of the steamers, on the last photo you can see from left to right the PS Stadt Luzern then only the funnel of PS Gallia and on the right site the PS Schiller, PS Uri is now at the shipyard and the PS Unterwalden is under my feet.

Kind regards Hans