SBB De 6/6

The Swiss Class De 6/6 electric locomotives were built in 1926 for the Swiss Federal Railways. Ordered for the Seetalbahn line, which runs between Lenzburg and Emmenbrücke, they were Known as Seetal Crocodiles. In total 3 locomotives of this type were built, and numbered 15301–15303. As built they were capable of operating under dual voltage - the 5.5 kV, 25 Hz AC system in use on the Seetal line, and the national 15 kV  16 2⁄3 Hz AC system. The former system was removed from these locomotives in 1930, when the line was modernised to SBB national standards.

SBB De 6/6
De 6/6 15301 in Hochdorf
Type and origin Power type Electric Builder SLM BBC Build date 1926 Total produced 3
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR C-C  • UIC C′C′ Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) Wheelbase 10,800 mm (35 ft 5 in) (first and last axle) Length 14,000 mm (45 ft 11 in) Loco weight 73 tonnes (71.8 long tons; 80.5 short tons) Electric system/s 15 kV  16 2⁄3 Hz AC Catenary (also 5.5 kV 25 Hz AC catenary until 1930) Current pickup(s) Pantograph Traction motors Two
Performance figures Maximum speed 50 km/h (31 mph) Power output 850 kW (1,140 hp)
Career Operators Swiss Federal Railways Numbers 15301–15303 Nicknames Seetal Crocodile Withdrawn 1983 Preserved 1 Current owner Oensingen-Balsthal-Bahn

Disposal and preservation

All three locomotives were withdrawn by SBB in April 1983, with 15302 and 15303 being scrapped. 15301 was purchased by the Oensingen-Balsthal-Bahn.

See also

• List of stock used by Swiss Federal Railways