Re 6/6 11601 - 11602 | TrainsDepot.org

Re 6/6 11601 - 11602

Vehicle type:

Registration country:

Railway companies:

SBBC - SBB Cargo AGSBB CFF FFS - Schweizerische Bundesbahnen / Chemins de fer fédéraux suisses / Ferrovie federali svizzere

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In service:

from 1972

Era:

IV - VI

Built by:

Gauge:

Standard gauge (1'435 mm)

Wheel arrangement:

Bo'Bo'Bo'

Electric systems:

15 kV AC / 16,7 Hz

Current collectors:

Pantograph - Asymmetrical

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Vehicle's history

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1969

In the 1960s, SBB CFF FFS began searching for more powerful locomotives and innovative technical solutions to haul heavy passenger trains along the Gotthard line. The existing Ae 6/6 fleet — limited to 110 km/h and offering insufficient acceleration, particularly in curves — no longer met operational demands.

Extensive testing proved that Bo’Bo’Bo’ locomotives with six driven axles on three two-axle bogies exerted less stress on the track and enabled higher speeds, despite their more complex design. As a result, four prototypes were ordered in 1969.

The new locomotive — later designated Re 6/6 — was jointly developed by SLM and BBC.

The essential design elements were based on the Re 4/4^II / Re 4/4^III series. However, the first two prototypes — 11601 and 11602 — featured a two-part articulated body with silent blocks, similar to the RhB Ge 6/6^II 701 - 707. This allowed vertical articulation for better weight compensation over irregular track, while maintaining horizontal rigidity. The central bogie could shift laterally and was coupled to the end bogies via transverse links.

In contrast, the second pair — Re 6/3 11603 and 11604 — were built with a monobloc body and were initially equipped with pneumatic suspension instead of traditional helical springs.

Upon delivery, all four locomotives appeared in the classic green livery of SBB CFF FFS.

1972

Starting from May 15th and June 5th, 1972, the prototype locomotives Re 6/6 11601 and Re 6/6 11602 undergo extensive testing.

This testing phase involves a comprehensive evaluation of the locomotives' performance and capabilities. Once all measurements are completed, their use is authorized in January 1973 for the category of trains R, which are designed to operate at a curved speed of 140 km/h. Following this authorization, the locomotives are officially put into service.

The two locomotives are assigned to the Erstfeld depot and are utilized for rapid train services between Zurich and Chiasso, as well as on the routes Bâle - Lucerne - Chiasso. They also serve as the motive power for the night rapid service from Bâte to Chiasso and for freight trains operating between Lucerne and Chiasso, as well as between Erstfeld and Chiasso. With a maximum speed of 140 km/h, these locomotives are additionally employed on the Simplon line for the transportation of rapid trains between Domodossola and Vallorbe, and they also pull freight trains along this route.

1973

After the successful introduction of the prototypes one year earlier, the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) decided in 1973 to order locomotives from the series numbered RE 6/6 11605 to 11649 based on the Re 6/6 11603 - 11604 prototypes. Subsequently, three years later, in 1976, they placed an order for an additional 40 units of these locomotives.

1973

May 26

For the Re 6/6 locomotives, names of small localities were selected. On May 26th, 1973, locomotive number 11601 was named Wolhusen. That same year, locomotive number 11602 was also named, receiving the coat of arms of Morges.

1982

Between 1982 and the summer of 1985, the prototype locomotives replaced the less efficient Re 4/4^II units on the west-east axis, specifically in front of heavy InterCity (IC) trains composed of Unified cars IV. This transition was part of an effort to enhance the performance and reliability of rail services on this major route in Europe.

1990

In 1990 and 1991, the two locomotives underwent modifications, receiving a new red livery. The upgrades included the installation of rectangular headlights and a maneuvering step on the left buffer. Additionally, a maneuvering handle was added, along with a UIC socket positioned between the two front windows.

2000

In May 2000, the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) decided to separate their passenger and freight traffic operations. As a result, locomotives numbered 11601 to 11613 were assigned to passenger services while the remaining Re 6/6 locomotives were designated for SBB Cargo, the freight division of the SBB.

Subsequently, the prototype locomotives were also allocated to SBB Cargo.

2015

The first two locomotives in the series exhibit numerous differences compared to the subsequent 85 locomotives, resulting in higher maintenance costs.

After 46 years of service and an average mileage of 5.97 million kilometers, locomotive 11601 was the first to be decommissioned on August 6th, 2015. Locomotive 11602 followed, being taken out of service on May 11th, 2016.

In 2019, both locomotives are sold to an association.

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