Red Arrow" RCe 2/4 # 607 of the Oensingen-Balsthal-Bahn, brought back in the appearance of the 1950', is crossing the 42 meter high and 338 meter long bridge over the Thur river between Ossingen and Thalheim-Altikon. The bridge was built between 1874 and 1875 for the Schweizerische Nationalbahn (SNB). In 1905 and 1906, the original tubular iron pillars were replaced by a half-timbered structure. The iconic "Red Arrow" is on charter journey through eastern part of Switzerland, from Wallisellen via Winterthur-Gossau-Bischofszell-Sulgen to Romanshorn, and later via Kreuzlingen-Stein am Rhein-Ossingen-Winterthur back to Wallisellen. The "Red Arrow" RCe 2/4 # 607 was delivered to the SBB in 1938 as last of 7 similar railcars. Originally, these railcars with 3rd class seats were intended for use at off-peak times and on branch lines. However, these connections quickly became so popular that their capacity became too small. In 1949, therefore, conventional buffers/couplings were added to carry up to two trailer coaches. The only interior conversion was carried out in 1955/56 in the SBB workshop in Zurich: among other things, the rail speedster was fitted with new comfortable upholstered seats with fold-down backrests and longitudinal luggage racks and from then on was primarily used for social travel. After being purchased by OeBB in 1974, the red railcar became the "Blue Arrow". However, during the 1988/89 overhaul at the BLS Lötschbergbahn in Spiez, it turned red again and during the 2022/23 overhaul, the exterior of the railcar was restored to its mid-1950s condition to match its interior. As a result, it is now the only original "Red Arrow" that is operational and can be hired for special trips. SBB Historic has the similar RAe 2/4 # 1001.
