Source: commons.wikimedia.org
Source: pesolillo.ch
Source: pesolillo.ch
Source: pesolillo.ch
Source: pesolillo.ch
Source: pesolillo.ch
Vehicle type:
Registration country:
19'460 mm
1942
Between 1942 and 1947, 13 Ce 6/8II locomotives were technically upgraded, primarily in the field of electrical equipment. These modifications included improved traction motors and revised control systems, which increased the available continuous power and allowed the maximum permitted speed to be raised from approximately 65 km/h to 75 km/h. The new traction motors and the lengthening of the bumper beams reduced the weight and the metre load of the locomotives, which meant that they could also be used on branch lines.
Following these upgrades, the rebuilt locomotives were reclassified as Be 6/8II in accordance with the Swiss locomotive classification system. In mechanical terms, the articulated structure, running gear and transmission layout remained unchanged, and the locomotives retained the distinctive external appearance of the Crocodile.
The rebuilt, faster Be 6/8II locomotives were used until the early 1960s not only for goods trains but also as lead locomotives for express trains on the Gotthard. The new Ae 6/6 gradually pushed them out to the lowlands. There were still enough goods train services there for the most original Swiss electric locomotive, especially for gravel transport in the Zürich lowland.
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Latest update on the 3rd of January 2026 at 09:42
Contributor(s): Tudor C.
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