Historical precision meets modern power
The heritage-listed Semmering mountain railway line, located between Lower Austria and Styria and known for its breathtaking landscape and impressive architecture, is currently undergoing extensive renovation to meet the modern demands of train traffic. Bosch Power Tools are also being used in this process.
Renovation of a World Heritage Site
Anyone who has ever traveled by train from Vienna southwards knows it: the Semmering mountain railway. The historic railway line fascinates not only with its landscape but also with its architecture, as it features over 16 viaducts and more than 100 bridges. As the world's first mountain railway, established in 1854, it gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1998. Around 180 trains now run daily on the historic route. This leaves its mark. To prepare it for the future, it has been undergoing extensive renovation for some time. This requires not only utmost precision, but also reliable and powerful equipment to master the challenges of this unique construction site. Currently, work is focused on the 184-meter long and 46-meter high 'Kalte Rinne Viaduct,' which, with its five arches on the lower and ten arches on the upper level, forms the highest viaduct on the picturesque route.
457 meters in altitude
are overcome by the 41 km long historic railway line.
Stone by stone
Thomas Schreiner, Key User Manager for Power Tools, is overseeing the project and has visited the impressive construction site at Semmering. There, he spoke with Johann Matschy, owner of Matschy Stein & Design GmbH, about the challenges of the renovation. "We are currently working on renovating the subgrade of the railway line, which includes replacing all damaged stone parts," explains Matschy. The material used, limestone, is relatively easy to handle and process. However, the greatest challenge lies in precision, as the new stones must blend into the existing structure of the UNESCO World Heritage site as inconspicuously as possible. For this reason, the stonemason chose Power Tools equipment, which allows for precise cutting depths even with smaller tools.
Our tools help keep history alive while simultaneously meeting the demands of modern railway operations.
"The collaboration with Matschy Stein & Design GmbH came about through a dealer," reports Thomas Schreiner. After an initial assessment and clarification of the requirements, they quickly agreed on which tools were necessary for the renovation work. “The main applications here are the cutting and repair of stones that have loosened over the years on the impressive viaduct. This requires a high cutting depth, as provided by large angle grinders. Furthermore, cordless freedom is important to avoid tripping hazards," adds Thomas Schreiner. Especially in this exposed location and on a monument, safety is paramount. "Battery technology also provides us with a flexibility that would be unthinkable with corded tools and long extension cords."
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Preparation for the repair work -
Utmost precision is required when cutting the new stones
Innovation in action
The GWS 18V-180 P Professional cordless angle grinder optimally fulfills these requirements. Thanks to its 180mm grinding disc and small gearhead, it offers the same cutting depth as a large 230mm angle grinder, but is up to 35 percent lighter, which significantly eases the demanding work at lofty heights. Biturbo Brushless technology also ensures fast cutting in numerous materials. "For us, this means significant time savings," explains Johann Matschy. "We can work much faster and more efficiently, which is immensely important for such a large project." In combination with a ProCore 18V+ 8.0Ah battery, which heats up slower due to its Tabless cell technology and thus enables longer working times, nothing stands in the way of the elaborate renovation work.
Furthermore, the GSR 18V-110 C Professional cordless drill driver is used for screwing together the temporary scaffolding, and the GST 18V-155 SC Professional cordless jigsaw for adapting the formwork panels. The GCD 18V-355 Professional cordless metal cut-off saw, in turn, is used to cut the threaded rods that serve for the needling of the stones – a technique that stabilizes cracked masonry by subsequently inserting metal rods. "What particularly convinced us about Bosch Power Tools, besides the sheer performance and battery technology, is the precision and robustness of the devices. The tools not only have to deliver what they promise, but also enable delicate work on the monument. Bosch power tools consistently deliver results here that meet our high quality standards. And the service was excellent from the beginning – we feel perfectly supported," explains Johann Matschy.
A legacy for tomorrow
The renovation of the entire Semmering Mountain Railway line will continue until 2026. "We are proud, as Bosch Power Tools, to play a part in the renovation of such a significant and renowned structure as the Semmering Mountain Railway," says Thomas Schreiner. "Our tools help to keep history alive while simultaneously meeting the demands of modern rail operations." It is an impressive example of how modern technology can not only preserve a historical legacy but also prepare it for the future.
Summary
The historic Semmering Mountain Railway line, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is undergoing extensive renovation to prepare it for the future. The "Kalte Rinne Viaduct" in particular requires precise work on its limestone masonry. For this, Matschy Stein & Design GmbH relies on powerful cordless power tools from Bosch. These enable flexible and precise work, for instance, in cutting stones or masonry needling, thus contributing to the preservation of this important structure.
