Locomotives on Malmbanan

Swedish MTAB now has 26 (18 + 8) of these heavyweight Octeon platform locomotives of Bombardier. In Sweden its 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 Sweden's 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 Sweden's 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. axel weight: 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 Sweden's 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 Sweden's 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 Sweden's 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. axel weight: 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 mine shafts
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

The class Rc4 is most numerous of both within Rc class and of all Swedish locomotive types. Almost any freight train you see has one or two of these as a pulling power.

Most of the units have already received one of the Green Cargo green-black-white liveries. Exceptionally there are several different on this type. Some units still wear the older bluish scheme with a green patch. Unit 1290 is a special vintage unit wearing the old (and original) orange scheme.

It seems most likely that these units might receive conditional refurbishing after Bombardier hasfinished rebuilding the class Rc2 to Rd2.

Technical details for Green Cargo class Rc4 / Rc4P
Type: Rc4      
Usage: multipurpose electric locomotive  
Builder: Asea AB    
Production dates:  1975 - 1982
Numbers built: 130
Road numbers: in the range 1137 - 1322

Users: Green Cargo  
Seen: Sweden

Energy Source: electricity, 15kV 16,66 Hz AC  
Engine: ASEA LJH 108   
Power output: 3600 kW (4x900kw) (4895 Hp) 
Transmission:  
Tractive Effort: 290 kN (65'000 lb) 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: 135 km/h (84 mph)  

Length: 15,5 m 

Weight: 89 metric tons (,000 lb) 

Notes:
-- Unit 1322 is upgraded for use in postal trains with highest speed of 160 km/h (100 mph).

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

Picture here show one of the variants seen in the north: the Veolia colored Rc6. There are a handfull of these stationed at the Luleå depot and these run the passenger trains on the Malmbanans demanding winter conditions. Pictures by John McKey.

- - - Click any picture on the left to see a larger version of it! - - -

Technical details for SSRT class Rc6
-> Type: Rc6      
-> Usage: multipurpose electric locomotive  
-> Builder: Asea AB in Sweden    
-> Production dates:  1982 - 1986 (for Rc5s converted to Rc6 in 1992 -1995), 1985 - 1988 for Rc6
-> Numbers built: 60 + 40, road numbers 1323 - 1882, 1383 - 1422 (original Rc6s)   
     
-> Users: SJ, SSRT (Swedish State Railways Trains (train owner)) 
-> Seen: Sweden and Norway 
     
-> Energy Source: electricity, 15kV 16,66 Hz AC  
-> Engine: ASEA LJM 450   
-> Power output: 3600 kW (4x900kw) (4895 Hp) 
-> Transmission:  
-> Tractive Effort: 250 kN (starting power) 
-> Braking effort on traction motors (dynamic braking): not available  
-> Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo'   
-> Wheel diameter as new: 1300 mm
     
-> Maximum operational speed where possible: 160 km/h (100 mph), 2 of the Rc6s were temporarily equipped for operations for 180 km/h but later returned to Rc6 series.  

-> Length: 15,52 m 

-> Weight: 78 metric tons (,000 lb)

The class T44 are the backbone of the Green Cargo switching work. These diesel-electrics are both capable of handling just about any normal switching work and their numbers are large enough for availability anywhere. This class has seen a lot of action and many units will be rebuilt by Bombardier to class Td.

Technical details for class T44 of Green Cargo
-> Type:  T44   
-> Builder: Kalmar Verkstad and Nohab
-> Operators: Green Cargo of Sweden, MTAB (part of LKAB), MTAS (part of LKAB) (Nor), TGOJ (now part of GC), Israel Railways 
-> Usage: switching work and multipurpose locomotive    

-> Production dates: 1968 - 1987
-> Numbers built: 123, there is a rebuilding program for the type
rebuilt units will become class Td.  

-> Seen:  the Swedish and Norwegian railroad networks on serious switching
work and some freight operations. Israel.      

-> Energy Source:  Diesel fuel
-> Engine: EMD 645E-12 (12 cylinder 645 series 2 stroke)
-> Power output: 1235kW (1680 Hp)
-> Transmission: electric 
-> Generator: EMD D25L    
-> Motors: EMD D77
-> Tractive Effort: 220 kN 
-> Braking effort on traction motors (dynamic braking): na

-> Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo'   
-> Wheel diameter:  1015 mm as new
-> Maximum operational speed: 100 km/h (62 Mph)   

-> Length: 15,4 m 
-> Heigth: 4,3 m   
-> Width: 3,16 m      
-> Weight: 86 metric tons ( lb) 
-> Max. axel weight: ~19 metric tons  

-> Train control systems: equipped for Sweden
-> Multiple operations capacity with: T44, Td,
-> Couplers: Hook and chain    

-> Specials/other:
- Many of the units are equipped with the remote radio control systems

Monsters of the North, there are only 3 surviving units of the original ore loading / unloading T46 locomotives left. These formidable framed diesels are responsible about the yard operations at LKAB's yards on the larger mine sites like Kiruna and Svappavaara.

A few years ago there also was an attempt to rebuild number 2 of the locos to new condition while considerably improving the ergonomics. This ended up to bankruptcy of the company building the prototype and has left LKAB loco works responsible for the unit. This MTAB famous loco works in well staffed and equipped for this kind of work, so there is no problem managing to do the tasks necessary. As well as taking care of the aged original T46s.


Technical details for class T46-2 of MTAB
-> Type:  T46-2 (rebuilt from T46 number 2)    
-> Usage: Switching heavy ore trains at mines in northern Sweden
-> Builder: Nohab > rebuilding by Svensk Tågteknik and Euromaint
-> Production dates: 1973 - 1974, rebuilt 2007 - 2010
-> Operator: MTAB

-> Numbers built: 1

-> Seen: in Kiruna, northern Sweden

-> Energy Source:  Diesel fuel
-> Engine: Cummins QSK50L
-> Power output: 1065kW (1448 Hp)
-> Transmission: electric 
-> Generator:     
-> Motors: Asea LJB 76
-> Tractive Effort: 450 kN !
-> Braking effort on traction motors (dynamic braking):

-> Wheel arrangement: Co'Co'   
-> Wheel diameter:   mm as new
-> Maximum operational speed: 100 km/h (60 Mph)   

-> Length: 18,54 m 
-> Heigth: m   
-> Width: m      
-> Weight: 157 metric tons ( lb) 
-> Max. axel weight: 26,1 metric tons  

-> Train control systems:
-> Multiple operations capacity with:
-> Couplers:
-- SA3 semi automatic heavy duty coupler
-- semi automatic hook and chain coupler

-> Notes:
--> More T46 units need to be rebuilt or MTAB will have to buy another type of heavy switcher for its use.