[CH] AusgeRastatt! SBB Cargo International to make a statement with its first freight train to pass Rastatt [Update x2]

This night, 01.10.2017, the first freight train will pass through Rastatt just after midnight, marking the end of the European Freight Corridor no.1 closure. It will be a freight train of SBB Cargo International. The line has been blocked for many weeks after a construction failure on August 12, with disastrous effects on European’s railfreight transport capacity, competitiveness and image. The financial damage for many operators is considerable and heated discussions on the highest political levels are ongoing who is to blame (and has to pay).

SBB Cargo International wants to make a statement with its first train; European railfreight business needs to change; better communication, less regulation, and action! A specially designed locomotive is therefore pulling the first freight train. Its message will push SBB Cargo International’s demands to make sure a ‘Rastatt situation’ will not happen again.

Update 02.10.2017 10 am: The first images have appeared! With a big thanks to Christian Snizek for being awake at such an unholy hour:

The new ‘AusgeRastatt’ ES 64 F4-290 – Photo: Christian Snizek Photo: Christian Snizek
The first freight train was pulled by the new ‘AusgeRastatt’ ES 64 F4-290 and the ‘Vincent’ ES 64 F4-206 – Photo: Christian Snizek

Update 02.10.2017 8pm: And more. The locomotive was in Cologne today, ready for its second run to Basel. Be aware, the ES 64 F4-290 can only run in Germany and the Netherlands:

MRCE > SBB Cargo International ES 64 F4-290 ‘AusgeRastatt!’ on 02.10.2017 at Köln-Mülheim – Photo: Benedikt Bast
MRCE > SBB Cargo International ES 64 F4-290 ‘AusgeRastatt!’ on 02.10.2017 at Köln-Eifeltor – Photo: Benedikt Bast