The Ae 3/5 was a Swiss electric locomotive, operating out of Lausanne from 1926 to 1957, then out of Berne from 1957 to 1982. The examples were withdrawn from service starting in 1977, with one since classified as an historic vehicle.[1]

SBB-CFF-FFS Ae 3/5
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
BuilderSwiss Locomotive and Machine Works
and Société Anonyme des Ateliers de Sécheron
Build date1924
Total produced26
Specifications
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge
Length12,300 mm (40 ft 4+14 in)
Adhesive weight56 long tons (57 t; 63 short tons)
Loco weight81 long tons (82 t; 91 short tons)
Electric system/sCatenary
Current pickup(s)Pantograph
Traction motorselectrical 3x2
Loco brakeWestinghouse, manual screw-type
Train brakesWestinghouse
Performance figures
Maximum speed90 km/h (56 mph))
Power output(1 hour rating) 972 kW (1,303 hp)
Career
OperatorsSBB-CFF-FFS
Numbers10201-10226
Official nameAe 3/5
NicknamesPetite Sécheron (Little Secheron)
Withdrawncirca 1977

History

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The first units were delivered without security devices; these were added later. The symmetrical drive system of the locomotives are roughly equal to that of the Be 4/7.[1]

At the end of the Second World War, the maximum speed was reduced to 75 km/h. After repairs, they were again allowed proceed at speeds of 90 km/h. In 1957, the brake system was modified and traction brakes were installed.[1]

The locomotives were equipped with remote control ability (from a control car) between 1963 and 1966; it was not possible to control the locomotives from the units themselves. Up to two units of this type could be controlled from a control car. Once upgraded to remote units, the locomotives hauled automobile trains along the Gotthard railway and the Simplon Railway.[1]

The Ae 3/5 proved to be reliable locomotives in both freight and express passenger service. They were largely unchanged during their operating lifetime except for having welded front doors near the end of their service lives. Delivered in a brown paint scheme, they were later given a dark green paint job.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Ae 3/5 10217" (in French). CFF Historic. Retrieved January 2, 2020.
  2. ^ "41305 - Digital starter set express train, SBB". Roco. Retrieved January 2, 2020.