RhB
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Multi purpose main line locomotive of type Ge 4/4 III with three-phase AC propulsion
Continuously increasing passenger loads caused the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) to
develop a concept for a new generation of electrical locomotives in 1987.
These locomotives had to be capable of hauling passenger and freight trains
on the main network and car shuttle trains through the future Vereina tunnel.
Even though a six-axle locomotive would have been the ideal choice for hauling
shuttle trains through the new tunnel, the decision was made to order four-axle
locomotives. These prove more effective on the scenic lines such as the
Albula line with its numerous curves. Due to recent developments in power converter technology it was decided to purchase locomotives with three-phase propulsion using GTO converters. It was decided to equip the new vehicles with modern bogies with self steering radial alignment of the wheel-sets.
RhB placed orders for six units in 1989 and for three more in 1991.
The Biere - Apples - Morges Railway (BAM) ordered two similar locomotives
for hauling heavy tank trains in 1990. Four more locomotives
were built for MOB using similar mechanical components. Three additional locomotives
were ordered by RhB in 1996 to cope with the increasing demand for AC locomotives due to the
conversion of the Arosa line to an AC catenary.
A modern and functional design was chosen for the locomotive body.
Altogether the new locomotives can be considered as the most modern
narrow gauge vehicles world wide.
The locomotive's propulsion unit comprises two modular built-up converters, each
feeding two three-phase squirrel cage motors in parallel.
The control electronics are derived from the SBB Re 460, the so-called
locomotive 2000.
A new concept was chosen for the traction control
system and man-machine-interface: two side-sticks are used for controlling
the most important parameters such as the tractive effort. Two monitors
display all relevant vehicle data and fault messages. This concept did not prove successful
in daily service though. Thus the latest batch of three locomotives (Nos. 650 - 652) were fitted
with a manually operated wheel that replaces the side-sticks.
The modern multi purpose locomotives of type Ge 4/4 III are mainly used to haul heavy
passenger and freight trains between Chur and St. Moritz and car carrier trains through
the Vereina tunnel. Most locomotives are painted in a special design advertising for different
companies and products.
Technical facts
| Vehicle designation: | Ge 4/4 III |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Nos: | 641 - 652 |
| Manufacturer Ge 4/4 III 641 - 649 - mechanical part: - bogies: - electrical part: | SLM SLM ABB Verkehrssysteme AG |
| Manufacturer Ge 4/4 III 650 - 652 - mechanical part: - bogies: - electrical part: | Adtranz (ex. SLM) Adtranz (ex. SLM) Adtranz (ex. ABB Verkehrssysteme AG) |
| Wheel arrangement: | Bo'Bo' |
| Years of commissioning: | 1993 / 94 / 99 |
| Number of vehicles: | 12 |
| Max. speed: | 100 km/h |
| Gauge: | 1,000 mm |
| Length over buffer: | 16,000 mm |
| Overall width: | 2,800 mm |
| Mass in running order: | 62.0 t |
| Hauling load: - ruling up-gradient: - corresponding speed: | 210 / 290 / 350 t 4,5 / 3,5 / 1,5 % 50 / 60 / 78 km/h |
| Nominal catenary line voltage: | 11 kV, AC 16.7 Hz |
| Number of traction motors: | 4 (type 6 FRA 5248) |
| Max. rating at wheel rim: | 3,100 kW |
| Cont. rating at wheel rim: | 2,400 kW |
| Max. tractive effort at wheel rim: - corresponding speed: | 200 kN 57.6 km/h |
| Cont. tractive effort at wheel rim: | 170 kN |
| Transmission gear ratio: | 1 : 6.136 |
| Bogie wheel base: | 2,400 mm |
| Diameter of wheels (new): | 1,070 mm |
Vehicle names
| Vehicle names | |
|---|---|
| - 641: | Maienfeld |
| - 642: | Breil / Brigels |
| - 643: | Vals |
| - 644: | Savognin |
| - 645: | Tujetsch |
| - 646: | Sta. Maria / Val Münstair |
| - 647: | Grüsch |
| - 648: | Susch |
| - 649: | Lavin |
| - 650: | Seewis im Prättigau |
| - 651: | Fideris |
| - 652: | Vaz/Obervaz Lenzerheide-Valbella |
Copyright © 1997
Author: Klaus P. Canavan, last change on 2002-01-19