Electric Locomotives Series Re 4/4 II, SBB
The history of the Re 4/4II began in 1960 with the order of six prototypes of a multi-purpose, high-powered locomotive featuring a very stocky design with the Bo‘Bo‘ axle arrangement. Uncertainty as to the weight of the locomotives prevented definition of whether they should be designated as Ae or Re. For this reason, they were provided with the neutral designation “BoBo”. This name, originally intended to be temporary, actually established itself as a synonym for the locomotives and has remained in use until today. The prototypes proved their worth, and formed the prelude to what became by far the largest vehicle series ever produced in the Swiss Confederation.
The first series, ordered in 1965 and totalling 49 locomotives, was delivered between January 1967 and November 1968. The locomotives featured only one single scissors pantograph. However, this design proved to have adverse effects in everyday operation. From January 1969, all locomotives of the subsequent series were fitted with two single-arm pantographs and an adapted roof superstructure layout for reasons of space. The required reduction of the shock wave produced at train crossings meant that the front ends had to be slanted off more severely. For this reason, the locomotives were retrofitted with the tried and tested slant angle design of the Ae 6/6. This design also substantially improved the running characteristics. Furthermore, the locomotives had a new length over buffers of 15,410 mm. This also permitted enlargement of the driver‘s cab. With an output of 4,700 kW, the engines were able to achieve a maximum speed of 140 km/h. All the locomotives are equipped with multiple-unit control.
The locomotives of the class Re 4/4II are considered general-purpose locomotives and were procured to haul heavy passenger and freight trains. Until 1985, a total of 277 locomotives were delivered to the SBB. One of the requirement profile stipulations was that the locomotives had to be able to cope with the small curve radii typical on Swiss railways, even at high speeds. The Re 4/4II is still registered under very different class designations in Switzerland today, and still acts as a loyal workhorse in daily operations.
The new Fleischmann N-Scale Re 4/4 models
The Fleischmann models are all new tooling for 2024, with newly designed pantographs, and inset handle rails next to the doors. The models are available in regular DC analog, and digital with full sound. The digital models even have switchable cab lighting.
Fleischmann Electric locomotive Re 4/4 II 11158 and Electric locomotive 421 389-8
- Fleischmann 732400 - Electric Locomotive Re 4/4 II 11158, SBB
- Fleischmann 732470 - Electric Locomotive Re 4/ 4 II 11158, SBB (Sound)
- Fleischmann 732402 - Electric Locomotive 421 389-8, SBB Cargo
- Fleischmann 732472 - Electric Locomotive 421 389-8, SBB Cargo (Sound)
Electric Locomotives Series Re 6/6
With an hourly output of 7,850 kW and a top speed of 140 km/h, the Re 6/6, which was first put into operation in 1972, is still considered one of the strongest locomotives in Switzerland today. To achieve high speeds on tight curves, common on some of the Swiss tracks, the axle arrangement Bo’Bo’Bo’ became the preferred model in comparison to the standard Co’Co’.
The more complex three bogies – an advancement of the Re 4/4 II – also proved highly advantageous with regard to wheel flange and track wear.
The Re 6/6 are seen all over the place, whether in single traction, in multiple-unit control with other engines of its kind, and above all in freight transport, mainly as the so-called Re 10/10 together with an Re 4/4 II or Re 4/4 III.
The new Fleischmann N-Scale Re 6/6 models
Fleischmann Electric locomotive Re 6/6 11673 and Electric locomotive Re 6/6 11662