Large Scale Central

The boxy RhB engines

Prototypes
#1

Hi all, Back at the dawn of time errrrrrrr I mean mainline electrification on the RhB, the first line to be electrified was the Engadine line from Samedan to Scuol. The RhB decided to purchase seven engines of the Ge2/4 class (201 -207), built by SLM (Swiss Locomotive Works, Winterthur) and BBC (Brown Boveri, Baden) they were delivered in 1912 and 1913. The electrification is at 11kV 16 2/3 cycle. Max grade on the Engadine line is 2% (slight by Swiss mountain railway standards.

Photo © Copyright Maurizio Polier In addition to the Ge 2/4 engines RhB tried out the Ge 4/6 types 301 and 302 with one type of drive - two large Deri motors coupled to a crankhaft by means of a triangular rod arrangement. The later Ge 4/6 351 - 55 OTOH had just one motor and the same drive arrangement to the crankshaft as the Ge 2/4

Photo © Copyright Maurizio Polier Interesting jobs for the Ge 2/4 were the runs in the Rhine valley (typically Landquart to Thusis hauling passenger locals) and as helpers on the 3.5% section between Filisur and Samedan. The 300 series was also used on the Chur-Disentis line and occasionally on the Albula line. Perfect excuse for me to have a 205 - which BTW is the dimensionally most accurate RhB engine in the LGB line! - and a 353. Apart from the proto justification, my experience is that visitors are more intrigued with electric side rod engines than the more or less uniform modern variety. Which was the reason to buy two 400 series Kroks, as well.

Photo © Copyright Maurizio Polier

#2

To me they are interesting antiques that belong in a museum. I do find the motors interesting as I used to work on huge compressors that had motors very similar to those. The drive shaft worked a piston that looked very similar to a steam locomotive but it’s valves were more like a reed valve in a 2 cycle engine rather than a slide or piston valve.

I’m more partial to modern electrics and my favorite model is the GE 4/4 III. I like the looks of the ALP46 too and have been looking over LGB’s model of the 101’s to see how much work is needed to Americanize it into an ALP46. One note, with passenger cars the ALP46 looks like a large locomotive, but put it next to a GP40 or similar locomotive and it shrivels to a dwarf. It’s considerably smaller than the Acela. I would imagine the ALP46’s half brother the PL42AC would be a monster beside the ALP.

Warren

#3
Warren Mumpower said:
To me they are interesting antiques that belong in a museum.

…

Warren


Yeah, but a living, working museum is better than a static museum, at least to me it is.

“205”, which has been on display at the Institute of Technology in Winterthur since 1974, will be heading home to the museum that is planned for the old Army armoury at Bergün. It will be on static display, since it would, amongst other things, require a new transformer to get it back to running condition.

Much of the “RhB Historic” equipment will be located at Bergün and to keep things moving RhB plans on running special historic trains on the Davos - Filisur - St.Moritz route. Tentative starting date June 7th 2008, planned are daily trains during the peak summer season and weekends only for the rest of the time.

The route includes the very rugged Zügen Gorge (Davos-Monstein to Filisur) including the Wiesen Viaduct. Then the section with all the spiral tunnels between Filisur and Preda, followed by the Albula tunnel and the very picturesque Val Bever and the Engadine. In my opinion one can term it “The essence of the RhB”!

In addition to the museum at Bergün there is also an extension of the “experience the RhB” hiking path in the works, which will connect Bergün through Stuls to Filisur. That should be a very nice extension to the existing hike from Preda to Bergün! Better than the path which exists at the moment, in any case.
Please note: this is “hiking”, not a stroll in the park!

The community museum at Bergün has all kinds of “neat stuff”, but most interesting for model railroaders is the large HOm layout that depicts the section from Bergün to Preda. That is a much easier hike (for those who don’t like hiking). :wink: :smiley:

And yet one more little item, one can rent bicycles at Preda to coast ( very quickly in section!) down the pass road to Bergün - that’s in the summer! In the winter the same route becomes a toboggan/sled run, just as quick and interesting! :wink: :slight_smile: :smiley: :smiley:

#4

All that hiking is for younger folks. My poor old worn out body belongs in a museum next to those locomotives…on static display :frowning:

Warren

#5

Hmmmmmmmmm, see that’s where the extra distance between the “confuser” and the work bench comes into play. :wink:

BTW the really good photo locations on the RhB are mostly off the beaten path.

#6
Hans-Joerg Mueller said:
BTW the really good photo locations on the RhB are mostly off the beaten path.
That seems to be typical of most railroads.... :/ Or on the train itself.

Warren

#7

On the RhB you don’t need to watch out for rattlers, but you sure get to do some hiking.

OK by me, “the path less travelled” etc.

#8
Hans-Joerg Mueller said:
Apart from the proto justification, my experience is that visitors are more intrigued with electric side rod engines than the more or less uniform modern variety.
I have a certain fondness for the Italian B-B-B articulated electrics with the three-panel ends -- E636/645 -- in their drab brown livery. Elegant in their own no-frills way. No rods, but definitely an older look, although they're rather younger than your RhB loks.
#9

Guys;

What about the French Railways "CC-7100’s, with their two toned green and chrome trim and red buffers. That “Mistral” name casting on the front end made for a classy looking act. Back in the 60’s, those locs pulled the “Worlds Fastest Train”, between Paris and Nice. A global rail speed record was set by engine number CC 7149, of 205.68 MPH, in Southeastern France on March 28th, 1955.

#10

Fred,

There are many “interesting” looking engines around. :wink: :slight_smile: And not all of them are boxy.