Sbb-cff-ffs Ae 4/8 Facts For Kids

The Ae 4/8 was a special test locomotive built by the Swiss Federal Railways. It helped engineers learn how electric trains could run on Switzerland’s main lines. Because it had two different kinds of motors, people called it the Bastard. Its long three-part body also earned it the nickname Tatzelwurm.

During World War I, Switzerland needed to stop using coal from nearby countries. So the Swiss Federal Railways began turning main train lines into electric lines. They ordered several test locomotives to try different motor ideas. The Ae 4/8 was one of these early machines. It was ordered in 1919 to pull fast trains at speeds up to 90 km/h.

The Ae 4/8 had a strong frame with two short parts joined together. Each part held two powered wheels and extra wheels to spread the heavy weight. Its body came in three connected sections. The middle part held the big transformer that took power from overhead wires through two diamond-shaped pantographs. Four motors gave it power, and each side used a different way to turn the wheels.

The Ae 4/8 arrived in March 1922 and began running on the Bern to Thun line. It later worked on other important routes and was based at the Basel station. Engineers used it for fast passenger trains, freight cars, and local trips. It performed almost as well as later models and stayed in service until after a big fair in 1964, when it was taken out of use.

The Ae 4/8 locomotive looked different when it was new in 1922. It had a strong brown color all over.

Later the color changed to green. This new shade made the train stand out more as it moved along the tracks.