Description
The Re 4/4 II were designed as universal locomotive of SBB and are used both before passenger and freight trains. With 277 locomotives, it is the largest locomotive series in Switzerland. Re 4/4 II was built from 1964 to 1985 and is still in use today. With the commissioning of the AE 6/6 at the Gotthard, a fast and efficient locomotive for fast trains was available. However, the tracks were very stressed by the two three-axle bogies. This meant that the curve speed of the AE 6/6 was particularly limited. With the Re 4/4 II there was now a locomotive which could also drive quickly in curves. The locomotive produced 4700 kW, reached a maximum speed of 140 km/h and was therefore classified as a class R locomotive. The design was based on Re 6/6. Both locomotives also drive in double traction as Re 10/10 at times.
In the absence of alternatives, some locomotives were specially converted for the Swiss Express. They were given an extended buffer beam, new couplings and a coat in the Swiss Express colors orange-gray-orange. They also bear the SBB logo instead of the Swiss cross. Other Re 4/4 II were later further modernized, e.g. single-pole pantographs, rectangular halogen headlights and driver's cab air conditioning systems In addition to the SBB, the locomotives are also used in the BLS and other Swiss railways.
