SBB-CFF-FFS Ce 6/6

The Ce 6/6 was an electric locomotive operated by Schweizerischen Bundesbahnen (Swiss Federal Railways) (SBB). Originally ordered from Siemens-Schuckert by Malmbanen in Sweden as Fc 2x3 / 3 in 1912, the locomotive was not delivered due to World War I and was instead bought by SBB in 1919.

Ce 6/6
Ce 6/6 in the 1930s
Type and origin Power type Electric Builder Siemens-Schuckert Build date 1912 Total produced 1
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC CC Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) Wheelbase 1,930 mm (6 ft 4 in) Length 14,800 mm (48 ft 7 in) over buffers Loco weight 103 tonnes (101 long tons; 114 short tons) Electric system/s 15 kV  16+2⁄3 Hz AC Catenary Current pickup(s) Pantograph Traction motors Two Train brakes Air
Performance figures Maximum speed 60 km/h (37 mph) Power output One hour: 1,104 kW (1,480 hp)
Career Operators SBB Numbers 12200 until 1920, 14101 after 1920 Delivered 1919 Retired 1937 Preserved None

Description

The sole Ce 6/6 was a double locomotive consisting of two identical halves permanently connected. Each engine had a drivers cab, with a large electric motor mounted behind driving three axles. Originally allocated the service number 12200, it was renumbered 14101 in 1920.

Service

The locomotive was used to pull good trains between Bern and Thun. It was retired early in 1937 due to the high maintenance costs inherent in running a unique engine.

Röthenbachsäge

The Ce 6/6 was known as Röthenbachsäge, named after the sawmill near Röthenbach im Emmental, due to the mechanical sawing sound of its low speed engine.

References

• Schneeberger, Hans (1995). Die elektrischen und Dieseltriebfahrzeuge der SBB, Band I: Baujahre 1904-1955 (in German). Luzern: Minirex AG. pp. 35, 38–39. ISBN 3-907014-07-3.