RhB
Main network
Multi purpose main line locomotive of type Ge 4/4 I with step transformer
During the first three decades of electrical traction all trains on the main
network were hauled by a small number of locomotives with rod drives.
In the early forties the Rhaetian Railway (RhB)
ordered four units of a modern bogie locomotive that
derived in many parts from the BLS Ae 4/4 251 and 252.
The design of these locomotives was such that they can be used on the
Chur - Arosa line that was operated by the RhB since the merger of the
independent ChA with the RhB in 1943. Today the Chur - Arosa trains are mainly hauled by
locomotives of class Ge 4/4 II though.
Due to their high maximum speed the vehicles of class Ge 4/4 I were mainly used for
hauling fast trains during their first years of operation. Since the vehicles' performance
was satisfactory an additional number of six units was ordered in 1953.
A step transformer feeds four traction motors.
All locomotives are equipped with a regenerative brake that serves for breaking
the locomotive and half the trailer load on routes with 35 o/oo and 45 o/oo
gradient. The exciter motor in breaking works as a series generator. It acts
like a negative resistance and consequently represents a pure excitance.
Soon the more powerful Ge 6/6 II and the Ge 4/4 II locomotives were used instead of
the Ge 4/4 I for hauling express trains and heavy fright trains.
After being in service for almost four decades in their green livery
many components had to be renewed. Therefore the complete series underwent
a rebuilding procedure in RhB's main workshop in Landquart in the eighties.
They were equipped with new driver's caps, new cables, new transformer windings and
other new electrical appliances.
Today these locomotives are mainly used for commuter services and light
freight trains between Davos and Filisur, in Engadine
and in the Rhine Valley.
Modern single leg pantographs have replaced the old pantographs on all locomotives of
class Ge 4/4 I as from 1997. Due to the modern looks it is difficult to guess the
true age of these vehicles. Thus they are also used to haul the prestigous Bernina Express
with RhB's new panoramic cars.
Technical facts
| Vehicle designation: | Ge 4/4 I | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Nos: | 601 - 610 | |
| Manufacturer - mechanical parts: - bogies: - electrical parts: | SLM SLM BBC and MFO | |
| Wheel arrangement: | Bo'Bo' | |
| Years of commissioning: | 1947 and 1953, rebuilt 1986-91 | |
| Number of vehicles: | 10 | |
| Max. speed: | 80 km/h (originally 75 km/h) | |
| Gauge: | 1,000 mm | |
| Length over buffer: | 12,100 mm | |
| Overall width: | 2,650 mm | |
| Mass in running order: | 47 t (originally) / 48.0 t (rebuilt) | |
| Hauling load: - ruling up-gradient: | 185 / 135 t 3,5 / 4,5 % | |
| Nominal catenary line voltage: | 11 kV, AC 16.7 Hz | |
| Number of traction motors: | 4 (type 8 SW 570) | |
| Max. rating at wheel rim: | 1,184 kW | |
| Max. tractive effort at wheel rim: | 142 kN | |
| Cont. tractive effort at wheel rim: | 92 kN | |
| Transmission gear ratio: | 1 : 5.437 | |
| Bogie wheel base: | 2,500 mm | |
| Diameter of wheels (new): | 1,070 mm |
Vehicle names
| Vehicle names | |
|---|---|
| - 601: | Albula |
| - 602: | Bernina |
| - 603: | Badus |
| - 604: | Calanda |
| - 605: | Silvretta |
| - 606: | Kesch |
| - 607: | Surselva |
| - 608: | Madrisa |
| - 609: | Linard |
| - 610: | Viamala |
Copyright © 1997
Author: Klaus P. Canavan, last change on 2002-01-19