Below is an official press release of the well known Swiss Vapeur Parc in Le Bouveret, Switzerland, on the lake of Geneva (Lac Léman), where some miniature park railways are operated.

The Swiss Vapeur Park closed its doors on 1 November 2011. Some days later, on Saturday 5 November, we cleaned our models for the winter. After a good season everything ended in the best way.

On 17 November our gardener informed the management of the Swiss Vapeur Park that one of the doors of our workshop was slightly damaged. Upon further investigation it became clear that two gasoline-powered locomotives (a BVB and a 'Mallet' type steam engine) were missing.

The police were soon on location to investigate. The theft was committed between 5 and 16 November. The perpetrators broke the doors of 3 workshops and carried the two locomotives outside the park. It is hard to comprehend how these locomotives were hauled away, since the BVB alone weighs approximately 800 kg!

The members of the Swiss Vapeur Park are very much concerned by this theft. Nobody could find an explanation, how these locomotives could be stolen, since they are one-of-a-kind machines.

The value of the stolen locomotives is hard to pinpoint. The models are the handiwork of many volunteers with a passion for mechanics. The theft of this property represents thousands of hours of work.

The police are actively seeking any tips that could help identify the thieves and recover the property. Persons in possession of information are asked to contact the police (024 486 60 00).

The stolen locomotives are
- BDeh 4/4 83 "BVB"
- Mallet 89 1'C+C1' "California Western"

http://www.swissvapeur.ch/images/vol/index.php

__________________
"Live every day as if it were going to be your last; for one day you're sure to be right." — Harry Morant

Surely with such a limited number of suitable guage tracks , enthusiasts will soon spot these re-appearing somewhere ?

One would like to hope so.