Centovalli railway—-which train type?

This site shows the difference in the Panoramico and the Centovalli Express trains. Both of these a classified as Internazionale, as they are through trains between Domodossola and Locarno. There are other trains only in Italy or only in Switzerland, meeting at Camedo.
https://www.vigezzinacentovalli.com/en/chi-siamo/i-nostri-treni.html

Thanks, Sam. I knew you would have the answer.

Did you enjoy your journey on this train? I cannot find your recent trip report on that.

Never on it. Maybe someday.

My apologies. Somehow I thought you had taken this route on your most recent trip to Italy/Switzerland, and wrote a trip report. But I must be wrong about that.

It was several decades ago so I don't remember any details, but I liked the Centovalli trip enough that I took it again with my mother, and I plan to take it again this year if the disruption on the rail line between Milan and Domodossola can be overcome.

different strokes for different folks

I took the Centovalli -- direction Locarno- several years ago but don't need to do it again. Lots of little tunnels, all the valleys started to look the same, for me one valley much the same as the other. Some nice churches.

We started underground at the Domodossola station, and I guess we didn't get off to such a great start because we and the driver were pretty much the only adults on the train, the rest was filled - filled - with school kids on a school outing. Let's just say that the volume control must have been broken. In the max position.

Lola, my trip in January was on the BLS "Loetschberger" train to Spiez via Kandersteg, followed by the Luzern-Interlaken Express to Luzern. Two rail lines I had not yet experienced.

Its a very nice trip. Reservations are not needed, but a surcharge is levied on some trains (marked with a Z). There is a bit of debate going on whether the (Italian) operator can actually do that, but the surcharge is not high, and can be paid on board. So just have 3 Euro pp on you. However most of the trains do not have this surcharge.

The SBB does not say you must reserve seats, only that you can, and that if you want you need to do it on https://www.vigezzinacentovalli.com/

We rode this from Domodossola to Locarno a few days ago. Trip report forthcoming, but spoiler alert I'm with Nigel on this one. Mostly unimpressed. To your question, we were in a Panorama version of the train, and the Express version promises "completely modernised in the last few years." I would hope so! Go with that if you can....the Panorama was a glorified subway car. Great scenery; terrible train!

Thank you Sam for reminding me about your train review. I have been distracted lately—-we should be in London now but we had to cancel the trip. I have been working on our travel insurance claim and taking care of my husband. Posting here for a diversion when needed but not 100% paying attention.

Nigel and History Traveler, thank you for your comments. Our other option (Matterhorn-Gotthard Bahn plus Treno Gottardo) was my original plan and we will stick with that.

Lola, I'm sorry to hear of your husband's issues. I hope all goes well. I always think that a doctor should be immune to issues. Thinking of you

Lola,

I've travelled on the Centovalli "FART" Railway (to Locarno) a couple of times, and really enjoyed the scenery. I don't recall which type of train I travelled in, but I'd probably just choose a departure time and use whatever train shows up at the station.

Locarno is a beautiful city! Have you planned any sightseeing activities there yet?

I hope your husband is fully recovered soon. My thoughts are with you.

Thank you Nigel and Ken for your kind comments. Unfortunately doctors are not immune to the ills they treat in their patients. And as he will freely admit, they are terrible patients themselves. The diagnosis is shingles, and it is quite painful. We have both had the Shingrix vaccine, and hopefully that is reducing the severity. Also I made him go see his doctor right away to get treatment, including the anti-viral drug (which must be given within 72 hours of onset) which may shorten the course. He wasn’t going to bother, as he knew what was wrong, but I told him it was worth $1300:in trip insurance reimbursement if he would go and get documentation of diagnosis, and an advisory not to travel.

I just hope he is strong and well enough to take the September trip.

shingles - yuk - been there got the t-shirt. My mother too had it. But at least its survivable if a pain - literally. Good luck to him...

Lola,

I'm surprised to hear that he contracted the disease even though you've had the vaccine. I just had the second jab a few weeks ago, and hopefully that will provide some protection. Having the vaccine will likely reduce the severity and time for recovery.

I know what you mean about being a terrible patient. I used to work as a Paramedic and I don't like being on the other side of the stretcher!