4rail.net - Electric Locomotives in Sweden

Picture: An intermodal freight train headed by HectorRail powerful class 441 number 001 "Cyborg" is climbing with speed the hill in Valtorp, Sweden. Cyborg is one of the two ES64F4 Eurosprinter locomotives built for the operator. Hector rail is very happy with the Eurosprinters' performance and their compatibility on hauling international freight Sweden - Denmark - Germany. Below two more great pictures of the same unit seen at Hallsberg, which also houses a hector rail depot.

The locomotives were originally part of the Swiss SBB fleet as class 474. SBB had made a conditional aggreement with Siemens, that homologation for use in Italy should be achieved within certain time. There was an order for 12 locos plus 6 options. Because Siemens was confident that they could get the homologation in time, they built the 6 extra locomotives. They could not, and Siemens ended up having 6 extra locos, 2 of which ended to use at HectorRail.

Technical details for Hector class 441 (ES64F4)
(4 power systems, 4 powered axles, 1 first type)   
-> Type: Eurosprinter ES64F4 
-> Builder: Siemens AG   
-> Operator: Hectorrail  
-> Usage: general purpose freight and passenger locomotive 

-> Production dates: these units 2004, current production model 
-> Numbers built for the operator: 2  

-> Seen: Veolia passenger trains between the larger cities of Sweden and
Swedish national and international rail freight  
-> Energy Source: electricity, 25 kV 50 Hz, 15kV 16,67 Hz AC, 
1500 V DC, 3000 V DC 
-> Power output: 6400 kW (8700 Hp), 4 x 1600 KW
-> Track motors: 2KF2822 
-> Tractive Effort: 300 kN 
-> Braking effort on traction motors (dynamic braking): available   

-> Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo'   
-> Wheel diameter: 1250 mm
-> Maximum operational speed: 140 km/h (87 mph) 

-> Length: 19,58 m 
-> Weight: 87 metric tons (,000 lb)
-> Max. axel weight: 21,75 metric tons  

-> Train control systems: for Sweden, Denmark and Germany
-> Multiple operations capacity with: 
-> Couplers: Hook and chain    

-> Specials: The locomotives are named after famous movie characters: 
441.001 - Cyborg, 
241.002 - Croft 

-> Other info:
- the locomotives were originally manufactured to SBB in Switzerland as
Swiss class 474 but returned to Siemens  and further sold to Sweden.

    The Siemens manufactured rugged and powerful Eurosprinter F4 unit for HectorRail has easy time pulling a heavy container freight up a steep grade at Valtorp, Sweden. This type of Eurosprinter has extremely strong structures and it could be retrofitted with a center coupler. Actually you can seen the place for this in the pictures. Picture by Nick Slocombe.

   The same ES64F4 unit (Eurosprinter 6500 kW 4 power system loco) is seen here in Hallsberg with finished factory mass product freight. Hallsberg 2 hours drive from Stockholm and a large junction for several rail lines is also major hub for HectorRail locomotive operations. Pictures by Gerry Putz.

   Below left a TRAXX locomotive witha 474.012, a sister locomotive of the HectorRail two 441 locos, which probabaly still wear blue and red paint under their handsome gray and red livery. Pictures by Peider SwissTrip.

The latest newcomer to Hectorrail fleet is 5 Taurus ES64U2 locomotives. Two of these are used for international traffic, 3 exclusively to help on the capacity in Germany. Danish train control is a problem with Tauruses, with some interference occurring even though the locomotives have no difficulty operating in a number of European countries. For Hectorrail however, Denmark would be a gateway to continental Europe from Sweden.

In the picture the unit 242.531 of German class 182 has just arrived to Stockholm's central with a long rake of Veolia passenger cars arriving from Malmö in the southwest. Next the powerful loco will take coaches for cleaning and maintenance to Hagalund just north of Solna, Stockholm.

Picture by John McKey.

Technical details for Hector class 242 (Eurosprinter ES64U2)
     (2 power systems, 4 powered axles, 2 second of the type)   
-> Type:
-> Builder: Siemens AG 
-> Operator: Hectorrail  
-> Usage: general purpose freight and passenger locomotive 

-> Production dates:
-> Numbers built for the operator: 5  

-> Seen: Veolia passenger trains between the larger cities of Sweden and
Swedish national and international rail freight  
-> Energy Source: electricity, 25 kV 50 Hz and 15kV 16,66 Hz AC
-> Power output:
-> Track motors:
-> Tractive Effort:
-> Braking effort on traction motors (dynamic braking): not known  

-> Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo'   
-> Wheel diameter: mm
-> Maximum operational speed: 230 km/h ( mph) 

-> Length: m 
-> Weight: metric tons (,000 lb)
-> Max. axel weight: metric tons  

-> Train control systems: for Sweden, Denmark and Germany
-> Multiple operations capacity within the class:
-> Couplers: Hook and chain    

-> Specials: The locomotives are named : 
-- 242.531 - La Motta 

    Above left a Taurus Hector class 242.531 locomotive has just arrived to Stockholm Main station from Malmö in southern Sweden and the crew change is in process. The next crew will take the loco to Hagalund servicing area, a few kilometers north of the station.

Pictures by John McKey.

   The next picture shows the Hector ES64U2 Taurus just entering the station area with 8 units of Veolia coaching from southwest over the bridge. The Stockholm area has a great number of large bridges to connect its hundreds of islands and generally hilly country.

  On the left the side profile and the bogie of the class 242 unit 521. The bogie under the locomotive looks exceptionally large, as you can imagine of this high speed universal locomotive.

One of the still a limited number newer locomotives on the Swedish tracks is this Hectorrail Traxx 2 locomotive, which is used occasionally to pull passenger trains between Stockholm and the two other larger cities in Sweden: Malmö and Gothenburg. Hectorrail also operates European goods transportation for Sweden and abroad. There the TRAXXes are more than at home and see several hundred TRAXXes of other operators on the way.

The Traxx type is now also used in Sweden by SJ Green Cargo as their class Re, DB Schenker as German class 185.2 and Norwegian class El19. 

Picture by John McKey, Hagalund, Stockholm.

Technical details for Hector class 241 (Traxx F140 AC2)
     (2 power systems, 4 powered axles, 1 first of the type)   
-> Type: Traxx 2 , Traxx F140 AC2
-> Builder: Bombardier  
-> Operator: Hectorrail  
-> Usage: general purpose freight and passenger locomotive 

-> Production dates: 2007 - 2008, current production model 
-> Numbers built for the operator: 10 + 5 in order  
   
-> Seen: Veolia passenger trains between the larger cities of Sweden and
       Swedish national and international rail freight  
-> Energy Source: electricity, 25 kV 50 Hz and 15kV 16,66 Hz AC
-> Power output: 5600 kW (7614 Hp), 4 x 1400 KW
-> Track motors: BT 1061064251 
-> Tractive Effort: 300 kN 
-> Braking effort on traction motors (dynamic braking): not known  
     
-> Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo'   
-> Wheel diameter: 1250 mm
-> Maximum operational speed: 140 km/h (87 mph) 
   
-> Length: 18,90 m 
-> Weight: 84 metric tons (,000 lb)
-> Max. axel weight: 21,25 metric tons  
   
-> Train control systems: for Sweden, Denmark and Germany
-> Multiple operations capacity with: 241, RCS 185, Re, El19 (all Traxx locos)
-> Couplers: Hook and chain    
     
-> Specials: The locomotives are named after famous Star Wars and
      James Bond figures: 
       241.001 - Kenobi, 
       241.002 - Skywalker (locomotive was DB class 185 number 568),
       241.003 - Organa, 
       241.004 - R2D2, (another robot locomotive?)
       241.005 - (Han) Solo,
       241.006 - Calrissian,
       241.007 - Bond (,James Bond...), 
       241.008 - Galore (from Bond)
       241.009 - Moneypenny (another Bond figure)  
       241.010 - (Master) Yoda (of Star Wars) 
       241.011 - C-3PO 
       241.012 - Chewbacca
       241.013 -
       241.014 -
       241.015 -

An interesting 15 kV 16,7 kHz loco in the Hector rail fleet is their class 141. These 3 units were originally built for the ÖBB (the Austrian railways) in Austria as class 1012, were tried but The buyer decided that they were too expensive for the features and never bought more. The ÖBB instead decided to be an almost solely Siemens Taurus (ES64UX) relying company, all the other locomotive classes were left with very little use, whether old or new like in this case. The SGP also later became part of the Siemens AG.

The 3 units arrived in 2007, were painted to HectorRail handsome grayish livery and added ATC train control of Sweden. Rotors that originally functioned poorly were replaced with improved models. Since then the 141s have seen very much use without any problems. The resemblance to its Swiss cousin loco Re460 is obvious.

Technical details for Hector class 141 (ex. ÖBB 1012)
     (1 power systems, 4 powered axles, 1 first of the type)   
-> Type:
-> Builder: Siemens AG, Elin, ABB 
-> Operator: Hectorrail  
-> Usage: general purpose freight and passenger locomotive 

-> Production dates: 1996, arrived to Sweden in 2007  
-> Numbers built for the operator: 3 in use for Hectorrail  

-> Seen: Veolia passenger trains between the larger cities of Sweden and
Swedish national and international rail freight  
-> Energy Source: electricity, 15kV 16,66 Hz AC
-> Power output: 6400 kW (8700 Hp), 4 x 1600 KW
-> Track motors:  
-> Tractive Effort: 280 kN 
-> Braking effort on traction motors (dynamic braking): not known  

-> Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo'   
-> Wheel diameter: mm
-> Maximum operational speed: 160 km/h (100 mph), but built for 230 km/h  

-> Length: 19,30 m 
-> Weight: 82,6 metric tons (,000 lb)
-> Max. axel weight: 20,6 metric tons  

-> Train control systems: for Sweden
-> Multiple operations capacity with: 141
-> Couplers: Hook and chain    

-> Specials: The locomotives are named after famous pop and movie figures according to the Hector rail custom: 
141.001 - Ripley, 
141.002 - Kiddo,
141.003 - Starling 

Sometimes even the older locomotives can successfully be recycled to new heavy production use. ÖBB of Austria had a big surplus of the incoming Siemens Taurus locomotives which lead to selling out practically all the other electric locomotives. Among other types the Hector rail of Sweden was able to buy 14 of these ex. ÖBB 1142 class work horses. While the technology is no more from the sharpest edge, the locos are well at home hauling trains for the Swedish mighty wood processing industry. While other newer Hector classes handle door to door traffic from Sweden to Central European customers, these locos are confined to the Swedish area. There is a word out that even some more of these locos from central Europe might end up to Hector rail in Sweden. Some are used for spare locomotives, in case any of the always in use newer locomotives should fail or be due to periodic service visit to loco works.

Technical details for Hector class 142 (ex. ÖBB 1142, earlier 1042)
     (1 power system, 4 powered axles, 2nd of the type)   
-> Type/Class: Ex. Austrian ÖBB 1142 (1042 before rebuilding)
-> Builder: SGP, Simmering-Graz-Pauker AG      
-> Operator: Hectorrail  
-> Usage: general purpose freight locomotive 

-> Production dates: 1969 - 1977 as ÖBB 1042, rebuilt 1999 - 2008 and 
      received multiple operations capability and reclassified as 1142.
      Hector Rail acquired the locos from 2005 onwards.
-> Numbers in use by the operator: 14 (1 more arriving later) 

-> Seen: Swedish wood processing supply chain trains inside Sweden  
-> Energy Source: electricity, 15kV 16,66 Hz AC
-> Power output: 4000 kW (5438 Hp), 4 x 1000 KW
-> Track motors: BES EM1001  
-> Tractive Effort: 225 kN (start) 
-> Braking effort on traction motors (dynamic braking): not available 
-> Braking effort max: 110 kN  
       
-> Gauge: 1435 mm (4' 8,5")
-> Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo'   
-> Wheel diameter: 1250 mm
-> Maximum operational speed: 150 km/h (93 mph) 
   
-> Length: 16,2 m 
-> Weight: 83,5 metric tons
-> Max. axel weight: 21 metric tons  
   
-> Train control systems: ATC for Sweden, unit numbered 142.1xx have a radio
      control built in and the ones with 142.2xx also an experimental ECTS
-> Multiple operations capacity with: within 142 class  
-> Couplers: Hook and chain    
     
-> Specials: The locomotives are named according to Hector Rail "standard"
      (terms and characters from famous movies): 
       142.001 - Martins, ex. ÖBB 1142 number 661, bought in 2005
       142.002 - Calloway, ex. ÖBB 1142 645, bought 2005
       142.003 - Schmidt, , bought 2005
       142.104 - Kane, , bought 2006
       142.105 - Rosebud,, bought 2006
       142.106 - Stark, , bought 2006
       142.107 - Bennell, , bought 2006
       142.108 - Butler,  , bought 2006
       142.209 - Spade,   
       143.210 -
       143.211 -
       143.212 -
       143.213 -
       143.214 -

-> There are two types of front running lights for the locomotives, the very large diameters ones and the units with smaller lights with the red light beside it.

Hector class 161 served originally as double on the Malmbana heavy ore train operations in the Swedish and Norwegian north as Norwegian class El15. Today these are replaced by huge IORE locomotives and always locomotive hungry HectorRail took them to satisfy its customers needs for transporting raw materials and finished products for the Europe. The class 161 were also the first locomotives for Hectorrail.

While six axle heavy electric locomotive might be more costly operate than its 4 axle cousins, and for some train well overpowered, class 161 still provides valuable extra power for fast growing Hectorrail operations.

Technical details for Hector class 161 (ex. NSB/MTAB El15)
     (1 power system, 6 powered axles, 1st of the type)   
-> Type/Class:
-> Builder: Asea AB     
-> Operator: Hectorrail  
-> Usage: general purpose freight locomotive 

-> Production dates: 1967
-> Numbers in use by the operator: unknown, 6 were built  

-> Seen: Swedish wood processing supply chain trains inside Sweden  
-> Energy Source: electricity, 15kV 16,66 Hz AC
-> Power output: 5400 kW (7242 Hp), 6 x 900 KW
-> Track motors:  
-> Tractive Effort: kN (start) 
-> Braking effort on traction motors (dynamic braking): not available 

-> Gauge: 1435 mm (4' 8,5")
-> Wheel arrangement: Co'Co'   
-> Wheel diameter: mm
-> Maximum operational speed: 120 km/h (75 mph) 

-> Length: 19,8 m 
-> Weight: 132 metric tons
-> Max. axel weight: metric tons  

-> Train control systems:
-> Multiple operations capacity with: within 161 class  
-> Couplers: Hook and chain    

-> Specials: The locomotives are named according to Swedish customs

Swedish MTAB now has 26 (18 + 8) of these heavyweight Octeon platform locomotives of Bombardier. In Sweden it's type is simply IORE, synonymous for Iron Ore, which the locomotives haul from the mines to the harbors of Norway and Sweden.


  A Special Theme Page for the IORE Locomotives...

Technical details for MTAB class IORE
-> Type: IORE, Octeon platform, some magazines quoted this originally as Traxx H (heavy9 product line, which is unprecise.
-> Builder: Bombardier transportation
-> Operator: MTAB (Malmtrafik i Kiruna AB)   
-> Usage: heavy iron transport in the Sweden's north on Malmbanan
     
-> Production dates:  2000 - 2004, 2010 - 2011 
-> Numbers built: 26 half units, 4 in order for the 2013 - 2014  
      the locomotives are run in pairs, so that there is a cab to both directions
      The pairs are random units after the first larger service
     
-> Seen: LKAB ore transportation in the Sweden's north
-> Energy Source: electricity, 15kV 16,66 Hz AC
-> Power output: 10800 kW for double unit (14684 Hp) 
-> Track motors: BTV asynchronous (BT for Bombardier Transportation) 
-> Tractive Effort: 1200 kN ! 1400 kN in boost mode in case of stalls
-> Braking on traction motors (dynamic braking): available, effect unknown

-> Wheel arrangement: Co'Co-Co'Co'   
-> Wheel diameter: 1250 mm as new
-> Maximum operational speed: 80 km/h (50 mph) 
   
-> Length: 45,80 m  (2 x 22,9m)
-> Width: 2,95 m
-> Height: 4,46 m (to lowered pantograph)
-> Weight: 360 metric tons
-> Max. axel weight: 30 metric tons  
   
-> Train control systems: ATCS for Sweden and Norway  
-> Multiple operations capacity with: with type, normally seen in pairs 
-> Couplers: SA3     
-> Train weight: up top 8000 tons / double unit
     
-> Specials:
     The locomotives are named after landmarks in the North: 
       101 - (produced year 2000) Polcirceln (Polar circle) 
       102 - (2000) Malmberget ("Ore Hill") (mining site at Gällivare)
       103 - (2002-2005) Luleå (City in the Sweden north)
       104 - Gällivare (One of the mining sites)
       105 - Narvik (Norwegian iron ore port city)
       106 - Kiruna (The main source of Swedish iron ore)
       107 - Svappavaara
       108 - Torneträsk
       109 - Abisko  
       110 - Björkliden
       111 - Katterat
       112 - Vassijaure
       113 - Bergfors
       114 - Rautas
       115 - Stenbacken
       116 - Stordalen
       117 - Boden
       118 - (2002-2005) Murjek
       119 - (2010-2011) Koskullskulle
       120 - Kaisepakte
       121 - Rombak
       122 - Råtsi
       123 - Riksgränsen
       124 - Kaitum
       125 - Sjisjka
       126 - (2010-2011) Sandskär
       127 - (2013)
       124 - (2013)
       125 - (2013-2014)
       126 - (2013-2014)

The Dm3 are a favorite loco for both their personnel and numerous rail enthusiasts. Many units are still in "lighter" traffic after decades of active work these monsters haul iron ore from the mines of Kiruna in Sweden to ships on the Norwegian coast. The triple shafts on the sides are one of a kind design!


  A Special Theme Page for the Dm3 Locomotives...

Technical details for MTAB class Dm3
(3 locomotives connected together)
-> Type: Dm3
-> Builder: ASEA
-> Operator: MTAB (Malmtrafik AB)
-> Usage: heavy iron transport in the Sweden's north

-> Production dates: 1953 - 1971
-> Numbers built: 76 end modules and 19 middle modules
-> Numbers in use: around 14 3 unit locomotives in use

-> Seen: LKAB ore transportation in the Sweden's north
-> Energy Source: electricity, 15kV 16,66 Hz AC
-> Power output: 7200 kW (9790 Hp), 6 x 1200 KW
-> Electric Motors: ASEA KJD 137

-> Transmission: jackshaft (look left)
-> Tractive Effort: 940 kN !
-> Braking effort on traction motors (dynamic braking): na

-> Wheel arrangement: 1'D+D+D'1
-> Wheel diameter: 1540 mm as new
-> Maximum operational speed: 75 km/h (47 mph)

-> Length: 35,25 m
-> Weight: 273 metric tons (,000 lb)
-> Max. axel weight: 20 metric tons

-> Train control systems: for Sweden
-> Multiple operations capacity with: within type
-> Couplers: SA3
-> Train weight: up top 5000 tons / double unit

-> Specials: The locomotives are named after mineshafts
1201-1231-1202 Kunigunda
1205-1235-1206 Sigrid

The class Re of the Green Cargo is used mostly for the most demanding heavy transportation in the Sweden's north hauling steel trains as double units. In the pictures these doubled units are seen at Luleå locomotive works for Green Cargo, where all the locos are serviced after their daily operations.

The beginning of these TRAXX locomotives has been especially hard. First the software of the locomotives could not handle multiple running with heavy steel trains, this despite hte history of TRAXX locos dating back to 2004! Next winter in 2011 the slipping control of the locos now in traffic was found far from adequate and the operator had to demand a solution to fix this problem. Finally it was found out that the slipping control of the old Asea built Rd2 locomotives works well enough with the TRAXX locos too. As you can expect, the operator Green Cargo is _not_ happy with the Bombardier performance on solving the issues. It is quite possible that no more TRAXX locos to green Cargo will follow as the Bombardier is rebuilding a large numbers of Rc2 locos to Rd2, some even maybe converted from Rc3 (of SJ). This will enable the locomotives to evolve a few years and offer Green Cargo to buy a great and tried solution for its use.

Technical details for Green Cargo class Re (Traxx F140 AC2)
     (2 power systems, 4 powered axles, 1 first of the type)   
-> Type: Traxx 2 , Traxx F140 AC2
-> Builder: Bombardier  
-> Operator: Green Cargo  
-> Usage: general purpose freight locomotive 

-> Production dates: 2010, current production model 
-> Numbers built for the operator: 16  
   
-> Seen: Heavy steel trains and other freight for the operator GC
-> Energy Source: electricity, 25 kV 50 Hz and 15kV 16,66 Hz AC
-> Power output: 5600 kW (7614 Hp), 4 x 1400 KW
-> Track motors: BT 1061064251 
-> Tractive Effort: 300 kN 
-> Braking effort on traction motors (regenerative braking): not known  
     
-> Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo'   
-> Wheel diameter: 1250 mm
-> Maximum operational speed: 140 km/h (87 mph) 
   
-> Length: 18,90 m 
-> Weight: 84 metric tons (,000 lb)
-> Max. axel weight: 21,25 metric tons  
   
-> Train control systems: for Sweden
-> Multiple operations capacity with: 241, RCS 185, Re, El19 (all Traxx locos)
-> Couplers: Hook and chain    
     
-> Specials:
      - All locos wear the latest Burlington Northern inspired colors

The class Rc4 is most numerous of both within Rc class and of all Swedish locomotive types. Almost any freight train you see has one or two of these as a pulling power.

Most of the units have already received one of the Green Cargo green-black-white liveries. Exceptionally there are several different on this type. Some units still wear the older bluish scheme with a green patch. Unit 1290 is a special vintage unit wearing the old (and original) orange scheme.

It seems most likely that these units might receive conditional refurbishing after Bombardier has finished rebuilding the class Rc2 to Rd2.

Technical details for Green Cargo class Rc4 / Rc4P
Type: Rc4 / Rc4P     
Usage: multipurpose electric locomotive  
Builder: Asea AB    
Production dates:  1975 - 1982
Numbers built: 130
Road numbers: in the range 1137 - 1322

Users: Green Cargo  
Seen: Sweden

Energy Source: electricity, 15kV 16,66 Hz AC  
Engine: ASEA LJH 108   
Power output: 3600 kW (4x900kw) (4895 Hp) 
Transmission:  
Tractive Effort: 290 kN (65'000 lb) starting power 
Braking effort on traction motors (dynamic braking): -
Multiple unit operations: up to 3 Rc units
Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo'   
Wheel diameter: 1300 mm (as new)

Maximum operational speed: 135 km/h (84 mph)  

Length: 15,5 m 

Weight: 89 metric tons (,000 lb) 

Notes:
-- Unit 1322 is upgraded for use in postal trains with highest speed of 160 km/h (100 mph).

The most interesting refurbishing project for Green Cargo is the modernizing of the old and tired Rc2 locomotives to class Rd2. The Rd2 locomotives project has been been a great success and the personnel of Green cargo is very pleased with their refurbished machines. With the rising numbers the Rd2 locomotives can now be seen all over the Swedish network.

Technical details for Green Cargo class Rd2
Type: Rd2 (Rebuilt from Rc2)      
Usage: multipurpose electric locomotive  
Builder: Asea AB, refurbished by Bombardier    
Production dates:  
Numbers built: ~30, 42 finished by end of 2012. 10 more will follow at the first quearter of 2013. Likely the rest of classes Rc2 and Rc3 will follow soon after.
Road numbers:

Users: Green Cargo  
Seen: Sweden and Norway

Energy Source: electricity, 15kV 16,66 Hz AC  
Engine: ASEA LJH 108   
Power output: 3600 kW (4x900kw) (4895 Hp) 
Transmission:  
Tractive Effort: kN ( lb) starting power 
Braking effort on traction motors (dynamic braking): -
Multiple unit operations:
Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo'   
Wheel diameter: 1300 mm (as new)

Maximum operational speed: 135 km/h (84 mph)  

Length: 15,5 m 

Weight: 78 metric tons (,000 lb) 

Notes:

Recognition
-> New Green Cargo livery with large "green cargo" on sides.
-> From the distance you can see little red rectangles at the ends contrasting with the GC green.
-> On top of the ends of the loco are well visible airconditioning units.
-> Top headlight has 4 lamps (the older units have 3 or the ex. Austrian units only one).

A truly rare locomotive in numbers, the Rc1 of green Cargo has brought freight cars uphill to Kiruna in the North and is taking a nap before descending the same hill.

Technical details for Green Cargo class Rc1
Type: Rc1      
Usage: multipurpose electric locomotive  
Builder: Asea AB    
Production dates:  1967 - 1968
Numbers built: 20
Road numbers: in the range 1007 - 1026

Users: Green Cargo  
Seen: Sweden

Energy Source: electricity, 15kV 16,66 Hz AC  
Engine: ASEA LJH 108   
Power output: 3600 kW (4x900kw) (4895 Hp) 
Transmission:  
Tractive Effort: kN (65'000 lb) starting power 
Braking effort on traction motors (dynamic braking): -
Multiple unit operations:
Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo'   
Wheel diameter: 1300 mm (as new)

Maximum operational speed: 135 km/h (84 mph)  

Length: 15,5 m 

Weight: 80 metric tons (,000 lb) 

Notes:

Very modern and powerful at the time the class EG was initially delivered for the new tunnel heavy freight trains between Sweden and Denmark. Painted originally with a lively blue-yellowish livery, many locos now wear a reddish DB almost standard livery. Only silver sides on the ends are the main difference from the DB standard.

Althoug the tendency in Europe seems to be towards 4 axle locomotives, this loco was provided with 6 axles, because it was feared that the heavy freight trains might otherwise get stuck in the Öresund tunnels, which are quite steep.

Technical details for Schenker Scandinavia class EG
-> Type: EG
-> Builder: Siemens Transportation
-> Operator: Schenker Scandinavia (ex. Railion, ex. DSB)    
-> Usage: freight trains through the tunnel between Sweden and Denmark

-> Production dates: 1999 - 2000  
-> Numbers built: 13
-> Unit numbers: 3101 - 3113

-> Seen: Southern Sweden, Denmark and Northern Germany
-> Energy Source: overhead electricity, 15kV 16,66 Hz AC
-> Power output: 6500 kW ( Hp) 
-> Track motors: asynchronous
-> Tractive Effort: 400 kN
-> Braking on traction motors (dynamic braking): available, effect unknown

-> Wheel arrangement: Co'Co'   
-> Wheel diameter: 1250 mm as new
-> Maximum operational speed: 140 km/h (87 mph) 

-> Length: 20,95 m 
-> Width: m
-> Height: m (to lowered pantograph)
-> Weight: 132 metric tons
-> Max. axel weight: metric tons  

-> Train control systems:  
-> Multiple operations capacity with:
-> Couplers: screw type    

-> Specials:

The class Rc6 is a very often seen locomotive on the tip of the passenger train or occasionally at both ends. Most locomotives are by now painted shiny black but you could still see also locos with different shades of blues. Though the 160 km/h (100 Mph) seems a little low for a maximum speed, the SJ EMUs handle the faster traffic. Also, there are no true high speed lines in Sweden yet.

Technical details for SJ class Rc6
-> Type: Rc6
-> Usage: multipurpose electric locomotive, SJ uses this for passenger service
-> Builder: Asea AB
-> Production dates: 1982 - 1986 (for Rc5s converted to Rc6 in 1992 -1995), 1985 - 1988 for Rc6
-> Numbers built: 60 + 40, road numbers 1323 - 1882, 1383 - 1422 (original Rc6s)

-> Users: SJ, SSRT (Swedish State Railways Trains (train owner))
-> Seen: Sweden and Norway

-> Energy Source: electricity, 15kV 16,66 Hz AC
-> Engine: ASEA LJM 450
-> Power output: 3600 kW (4x900kw) (4895 Hp)
-> Transmission:
-> Tractive Effort: 250 kN (starting power)
-> Braking effort on traction motors (dynamic braking): not available
-> Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo'
-> Wheel diameter: 1300 mm

-> Maximum operational speed: 160 km/h (100 mph), 2 of the Rc6s were temporarily equipped for operations for 180 km/h but later returned to Rc6 series.

-> Length: 15,5 m

-> Weight: 78 metric tons (,000 lb)

The class Rc is synonymous to the railroading in Sweden. A multipurpose electric locomotive, these come in several subclasses of different development periods.

Picture above shows one of the rare Rc3s in passenger use and painted to the "SJ black" livery. Picture below was taken from the Stockholm's Hagalund yard with an Rc3 in the switching work (believe or not). Picture above by Nick Slocombe and below by John McKey.

Technical details for SJ class Rc3
Type: Rc3      
Usage: multipurpose electric locomotive  
Builder: Asea AB    
Production dates:  1970 - 1971 (10), rebuilt in 1993 - 2002  (26 locos)
Numbers built: 10, road numbers originally 1057 - 1066
     
Users: Green Cargo, SJ, SSRT   
Seen: Sweden
     
Energy Source: electricity, 15kV 16,66 Hz AC  
Engine: ASEA LJH 108   
Power output: 3600 kW (4x900kw) (4895 Hp) 
Transmission:  
Tractive Effort: 235 kN (starting power) 
Braking effort on traction motors (dynamic braking): ?   
Multiple unit operations: up to 3 Rc units
Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo'   
Wheel diameter: 1300 mm (as new)
     
Maximum operational speed: 160 km/h (100 mph) also for the units built from Rc2   

Length: 15,5 m 

Weight: 86 metric tons (,000 lb)