4rail.net - Electric Locomotives in Sweden

Picture: An intermodal freight train headed by HectorRail powerfull class 441 number 001 "Cyborg" is climbing with speed the hill in Valtorp, Sweden. Cyborg is one of the two ES64F4 Eurosprinter locomotives built for the operator. Hector rail is very happy with the Eurosprinter performance and their compatibility on hauling international freight Sweden - Denmark - Germany. Below two more great pictures of the same unit seen at Halsberg, which also houses a hector rail depot.

Picture above by Nick Slocombe and below by Gerry Putz.

Technical details for Hector class 441 (ES64F4)
(4 power systems, 4 powered axles, 1 first type)   
-> Type: Eurosprinter ES64F4 
-> Builder: Siemens AG   
-> Operator: Hectorrail  
-> Usage: general purpose freight and passenger locomotive 

-> Production dates: these units 2004, current production model 
-> Numbers built for the operator: 2  

-> Seen: Veolia passenger trains between the larger cities of Sweden and
Swedish national and international rail freight  
-> Energy Source: electricity, 25 kV 50 Hz, 15kV 16,67 Hz AC, 
1500 V DC, 3000 V DC 
-> Power output: 6400 kW (8700 Hp), 4 x 1600 KW
-> Track motors: 2KF2822 
-> Tractive Effort: 300 kN 
-> Braking effort on traction motors (dynamic braking): available   

-> Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo'   
-> Wheel diameter: 1250 mm
-> Maximum operational speed: 140 km/h (87 mph) 

-> Length: 19,58 m 
-> Weight: 87 metric tons (,000 lb)
-> Max. axelweight: 21,75 metric tons  

-> Train control systems: for Sweden, Denmark and Germany
-> Multiple operations capacity with: 
-> Couplers: Hook and chain    

-> Specials: The locomotives are named after famous movie characters: 
441.001 - Cyborg, 
241.002 - Croft 

-> Other info:
- the locomotives were originally manufactured to SBB in Switzerland as
Swiss class 474 but returned to Siemens  and further sold to Sweden.

Picture: one of the still a limited number newer locomotives on the Swedish tracks is this Hectorrail Traxx 2 locomotive, which is used to pull passenger trains between Stockholm and the two other larger cities in Sweden: Malmö and Gotherburg. Hectorrail also operates European goods transportation for Sweden and abroad. The Traxx type is now also used in Sweden by SJ Green Cargo as their class Re, DB Schenker as German class 185.2 and Norwegian class El19. 

Picture by John McKey.

Technical details for Hector class 241 (Traxx F140 AC2)
     (2 power systems, 4 powered axles, 1 first of the type)   
-> Type: Traxx 2 , Traxx F140 AC2
-> Builder: Bombardier  
-> Operator: Hectorrail  
-> Usage: general purpose freight and passenger locomotive 

-> Production dates: 2007 - 2008, current production model 
-> Numbers built for the operator: 10 + 5 in order  
   
-> Seen: Veolia passenger trains between the larger cities of Sweden and
       Swedish national and international rail freight  
-> Energy Source: electricity, 25 kV 50 Hz and 15kV 16,66 Hz AC
-> Power output: 5600 kW (7614 Hp), 4 x 1400 KW
-> Track motors: BT 1061064251 
-> Tractive Effort: 300 kN 
-> Braking effort on traction motors (dynamic braking): not known  
     
-> Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo'   
-> Wheel diameter: 1250 mm
-> Maximum operational speed: 140 km/h (87 mph) 
   
-> Length: 18,90 m 
-> Weight: 84 metric tons (,000 lb)
-> Max. axelweight: 21,25 metric tons  
   
-> Train control systems: for Sweden, Denmark and Germany
-> Multiple operations capacity with: 241, RCS 185, Re, El19 (all Traxx locos)
-> Couplers: Hook and chain    
     
-> Specials: The locomotives are named after famous Star Wars and
      James Bond figures: 
       241.001 - Kenobi, 
       241.002 - Skywalker (locomotive was DB class 185 number 568),
       241.003 - Organa, 
       241.004 - R2D2, (another robot locomotive?)
       241.005 - (Hans) Solo,
       241.006 - Calrissian,
       241.007 - Bond (,James Bond...), 
       241.008 - Galore (from Bond)
       241.009 - Moneypenny (another Bond figure)  
       241.010 - (Master) Yoda (of Star Wars) 
       241.011 -  
       241.012 -
       241.013 -
       241.014 -
       241.015 -

An interesting 15 kV 16,7 kHz loco in the Hector rail fleet is their class 141. These 3 units were originally built for the ÖBB in Austria as class 1012, but once the ÖBB decided to be an almost solely Siemens Taurus (ES64UX) relying company, all the other locomotive classes were left with very little use, whether old or new like in this case.

The 3 unit arrived in 2007, were painted to Hector rail handsome grayish livery and added ATC trains control of Sweden. Rotors that functioned poorly were replaced with improved models. Since the the 141s have seen very much use. The resemblance to its Swiss cousin loco Re460 is obvious.

Technical details for Hector class 141 (ex. ÖBB 1012)
     (1 power systems, 4 powered axles, 1 first of the type)   
-> Type:
-> Builder: Siemens AG, Elin, ABB 
-> Operator: Hectorrail  
-> Usage: general purpose freight and passenger locomotive 

-> Production dates: 1996, arrived to Sweden in 2007  
-> Numbers built for the operator: 3 in use for Hectorrail  

-> Seen: Veolia passenger trains between the larger cities of Sweden and
Swedish national and international rail freight  
-> Energy Source: electricity, 15kV 16,66 Hz AC
-> Power output: 6400 kW (8700 Hp), 4 x 1600 KW
-> Track motors:  
-> Tractive Effort: 280 kN 
-> Braking effort on traction motors (dynamic braking): not known  

-> Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo'   
-> Wheel diameter: mm
-> Maximum operational speed: 160 km/h (100 mph), but built for 230 km/h  

-> Length: 19,30 m 
-> Weight: 82,6 metric tons (,000 lb)
-> Max. axelweight: 20,6 metric tons  

-> Train control systems: for Sweden
-> Multiple operations capacity with: 141
-> Couplers: Hook and chain    

-> Specials: The locomotives are named after famous pop and movie figures according to the Hector rail custom: 
141.001 - Ripley, 
141.002 - Kiddo,
141.003 - Starling, 

Sometimes even the older locomotives can succesfully be recycled to new use. ÖBB of Austria had a big surplus of the incoming Siemens Taurus locomotives which lead to selling out practically all the other electric locomotives. Among other types the Hector rail of Sweden was able to buy 14 of these ex. ÖBB 1142 class work horses. While the technology is not any more from the sharpest edge, the locos are well at home hauling trains for the Swedish mighty wood processing industry. While other newer hector classes handle door to door traffic from Sweden to Central European customers, these locos are confined to the Swedish area. There is a word out that even some more of these locos from central Europe might end up to Hector rail in Sweden. Some are used for spare locomtives, in case any of the always in use newer locomotives should fail.

Technical details for Hector class 142 (ex. ÖBB 1142)
     (1 power system, 4 powered axles, 2nd of the type)   
-> Type/Class: Ex. Austrian ÖBB 1142 (1042 before rebuilding)
-> Builder: SGP, Simmering-Graz-Pauker AG      
-> Operator: Hectorrail  
-> Usage: general purpose freight locomotive 

-> Production dates: 1969 - 1977 as ÖBB 1042, rebuilt 1999 - 2008 and 
      received multiple operations capability and reclassified as 1142.
      Hector Rail acquired the locos from 2005 onwards.
-> Numbers in use by the operator: 14 (1 more arriving later) 

-> Seen: Swedish wood processing supply chain trains inside Sweden  
-> Energy Source: electricity, 15kV 16,66 Hz AC
-> Power output: 4000 kW (5438 Hp), 4 x 1000 KW
-> Track motors: BES EM1001  
-> Tractive Effort: 225 kN (start) 
-> Braking effort on traction motors (dynamic braking): not available 
-> Braking effort max: 110 kN  
       
-> Gauge: 1435 mm (4' 8,5")
-> Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo'   
-> Wheel diameter: 1250 mm
-> Maximum operational speed: 150 km/h (93 mph) 
   
-> Length: 16,2 m 
-> Weight: 83,5 metric tons
-> Max. axelweight: 21 metric tons  
   
-> Train control systems: ATC for Sweden, unit numbered 142.1xx have a radio
      control built in and the ones with 142.2xx also an experimental ECTS
-> Multiple operations capacity with: within 142 class  
-> Couplers: Hook and chain    
     
-> Specials: The locomotives are named according to Hector Rail "standard"
      (terms and characters from famous movies): 
       142.001 - Martins, ex. ÖBB 1142 number 661, bought in 2005
       142.002 - Calloway, ex. ÖBB 1142 645, bought 2005
       142.003 - Schmidt, , bought 2005
       142.104 - Kane, , bought 2006
       142.105 - Rosebud,, bought 2006
       142.106 - Stark, , bought 2006
       142.107 - Bennell, , bought 2006
       142.108 - Butler,  , bought 2006
       142.209 - Spade,   
       143.210 -
       143.211 -
       143.212 -
       143.213 -
       143.214 -

-> There are two types of front running lights for the locomotives, the very large diameters ones and the units with smaller lights with the red light beside it.

Swedish MTAB now has 26 (18 + 8) of these heavyweight Octeon platform locomotives of Bombardier. In Sweden it's type is simply IORE, synonymous for Iron Ore, which the locomotives haul from the mines to the harbors of Norway and Sweden.


  A Special Theme Page for the IORE Locomotives...

Technical details for MTAB class IORE
-> Type: IORE, Octeon platform, some magazines quoted this originally as Traxx H (heavy9 product line, which is unprecise.
-> Builder: Bombardier transportation
-> Operator: MTAB (Malmtrafik i Kiruna AB)   
-> Usage: heavy iron transport in the Swedens north on Malmbanan
     
-> Production dates:  2000 - 2004, 2010 - 2011 
-> Numbers built: 26 half units, 4 in order for the 2013 - 2014  
      the locomotives are run in pairs, so that there is a cab to both directions
      The pairs are random units after the first larger service
     
-> Seen: LKAB ore transportation in the Swedens north
-> Energy Source: electricity, 15kV 16,66 Hz AC
-> Power output: 10800 kW for double unit (14684 Hp) 
-> Track motors: BTV asynchronous (BT for Bombardier Transportation) 
-> Tractive Effort: 1200 kN ! 1400 kN in boost mode in case of stalls
-> Braking on traction motors (dynamic braking): available, effect unknown

-> Wheel arrangement: Co'Co-Co'Co'   
-> Wheel diameter: 1250 mm as new
-> Maximum operational speed: 80 km/h (50 mph) 
   
-> Length: 45,80 m  (2 x 22,9m)
-> Width: 2,95 m
-> Height: 4,46 m (to lowered pantograph)
-> Weight: 360 metric tons
-> Max. axelweight: 30 metric tons  
   
-> Train control systems: ATCS for Sweden and Norway  
-> Multiple operations capacity with: with type, normally seen in pairs 
-> Couplers: SA3     
-> Train weight: up top 8000 tons / double unit
     
-> Specials:
     The locomotives are named after landmarks in the North: 
       101 - (produced year 2000) Polcirceln (Polar circle) 
       102 - (2000) Malmberget ("Ore Hill") (mining site at Gällivare)
       103 - (2002-2005) Luleå (City in the Swedens north)
       104 - Gällivare (One of the mining sites)
       105 - Narvik (Norwegian iron ore port city)
       106 - Kiruna (The main source of Swedish iron ore)
       107 - Svappavaara
       108 - Torneträsk
       109 - Abisko  
       110 - Björkliden
       111 - Katterat
       112 - Vassijaure
       113 - Bergfors
       114 - Rautas
       115 - Stenbacken
       116 - Stordalen
       117 - Boden
       118 - (2002-2005) Murjek
       119 - (2010-2011) Koskullskulle
       120 - Kaisepakte
       121 - Rombak
       122 - Råtsi
       123 - Riksgränsen
       124 - Kaitum
       125 - Sjisjka
       126 - (2010-2011) Sandskär
       127 - (2013)
       124 - (2013)
       125 - (2013-2014)
       126 - (2013-2014)

Many units are still in "lighter" traffic after decades of active work these monsters haul iron ore from the mines of Kiruna in Sweden to ships on the Norwegian coast.


  A Special Theme Page for the Dm3 Locomotives...

Technical details for MTAB class Dm3
(3 locomotives connected together)
-> Type: Dm3
-> Builder: ASEA
-> Operator: MTAB (Malmtrafik AB)
-> Usage: heavy iron transport in the Swedens north

-> Production dates: 1953 - 1971
-> Numbers built: 76 end modules and 19 middle modules
-> Numbers in use: around 14 3 unit locomotives in use

-> Seen: LKAB ore transportation in the Swedens north
-> Energy Source: electricity, 15kV 16,66 Hz AC
-> Power output: 7200 kW (9790 Hp), 6 x 1200 KW
-> Electric Motors: ASEA KJD 137

-> Transmission: jackshaft (look left)
-> Tractive Effort: 940 kN !
-> Braking effort on traction motors (dynamic braking): na

-> Wheel arrangement: 1'D+D+D'1
-> Wheel diameter: 1540 mm as new
-> Maximum operational speed: 75 km/h (47 mph)

-> Length: 35,25 m
-> Weight: 273 metric tons (,000 lb)
-> Max. axelweight: 20 metric tons

-> Train control systems: for Sweden
-> Multiple operations capacity with: within type
-> Couplers: SA3
-> Train weight: up top 5000 tons / double unit

-> Specials: The locomotives are named after mineshafts
1201-1231-1202 Kunigunda
1205-1235-1206 Sigrid

The class Re of the Green Cargo is used mostly for the most demanding heavy transportation in the Sweden's north hauling steel trains as double units.

Technical details for Green Cargo class Re (Traxx F140 AC2)
     (2 power systems, 4 powered axles, 1 first of the type)   
-> Type: Traxx 2 , Traxx F140 AC2
-> Builder: Bombardier  
-> Operator: Green Cargo  
-> Usage: general purpose freight locomotive 

-> Production dates: 2010, current production model 
-> Numbers built for the operator: 16  
   
-> Seen: Heavy steel trains and other freight for the operator GC
-> Energy Source: electricity, 25 kV 50 Hz and 15kV 16,66 Hz AC
-> Power output: 5600 kW (7614 Hp), 4 x 1400 KW
-> Track motors: BT 1061064251 
-> Tractive Effort: 300 kN 
-> Braking effort on traction motors (regenerative braking): not known  
     
-> Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo'   
-> Wheel diameter: 1250 mm
-> Maximum operational speed: 140 km/h (87 mph) 
   
-> Length: 18,90 m 
-> Weight: 84 metric tons (,000 lb)
-> Max. axelweight: 21,25 metric tons  
   
-> Train control systems: for Sweden
-> Multiple operations capacity with: 241, RCS 185, Re, El19 (all Traxx locos)
-> Couplers: Hook and chain    
     
-> Specials:
      - All locos wear the latest Burlington Northern inspired colors

Very modern and powerful at the time the class EG was initially delivered for the new tunnel heavy freight trains between Sweden and Denmark. Oainted originally with a lively blue-yellowish livery, many locos now wear a rediish DB almost standard livery. Only silver sides on the ends are the main difference from the DB standard.

Technical details for Schenker Scandinavia class EG
-> Type: EG
-> Builder: Siemens Transportation
-> Operator: Schenker Scandinavia (ex. Railion, ex. DSB)    
-> Usage: freight trains through the tunnel between Sweden and Denmark

-> Production dates: 1999 - 2000  
-> Numbers built: 13
-> Unit numbers: 3101 - 3113

-> Seen: Southern Sweden, Denmark and Northern Germany
-> Energy Source: electricity, 15kV 16,66 Hz AC
-> Power output: 6500 kW ( Hp) 
-> Track motors: asynchronous
-> Tractive Effort: 400 kN
-> Braking on traction motors (dynamic braking): available, effect unknown

-> Wheel arrangement: Co'Co'   
-> Wheel diameter: 1250 mm as new
-> Maximum operational speed: 140 km/h ( mph) 

-> Length: 20,95 m 
-> Width: m
-> Height: m (to lowered pantograph)
-> Weight: 132 metric tons
-> Max. axelweight: metric tons  

-> Train control systems:  
-> Multiple operations capacity with:
-> Couplers: screw type    

-> Specials:

The class Rc is synonymous to the railroading in Sweden. A multipurpose electric locomotive, these come in several subclasses of different development periods.

Picture above shows one of the rare Rc3s in passenger use and painted to the "SJ black" livery. Picture below was taken from the Stockholms Hagalund yard with an Rc3 in the switching work (believe or not). Picture above by Nick Slocombe and below by John McKey.

Technical details for SJ class Rc3
Type: Rc3      
Usage: multipurpose electric locomotive  
Builder: Asea AB    
Production dates:  1970 - 1971 (10), rebuilt in 1993 - 2002  (26 locos)
Numbers built: 10, road numbers originally 1057 - 1066
     
Users: Green Cargo, SJ, SSRT   
Seen: Sweden
     
Energy Source: electricity, 15kV 16,66 Hz AC  
Engine: ASEA LJH 108   
Power output: 3600 kW (4x900kw) (4895 Hp) 
Transmission:  
Tractive Effort: 235 kN (starting power) 
Braking effort on traction motors (dynamic braking): ?   
Multiple unit operations: up to 3 Rc units
Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo'   
Wheel diameter: 1300 mm (as new)
     
Maximum operational speed: 160 km/h (100 mph) also for the units built from Rc2   

Length: 15,5 m 

Weight: 86 metric tons (,000 lb)