Sbb-cff-ffs Ae 4/8 Facts For Kids
The Ae 4/8 was a special Swiss test train that helped engineers learn how electric trains could run well on big tracks.
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Sbb-cff-ffs Ae 4/8 Facts For Kids
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About this topic
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.
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Key Points
During World War I, Switzerland needed to stop using coal from nearby countries.
The Ae 4/8 had a strong frame with two short parts joined together.
The Ae 4/8 arrived in March 1922 and began running on the Bern to Thun line.
The Ae 4/8 locomotive looked different when it was new in 1922.
📘 History
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.
Go deeper🔎 Design And Technology
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.
Go deeper🧭 Service Life
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.
Go deeper💡 Appearance
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.
Go deeperLater the color changed to green. This new shade made the train stand out more as it moved along the tracks.
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Frequently asked questions
What was the Ae 4/8?
The Ae 4/8 was a special test locomotive built by the Swiss Federal Railways.
Why was the Ae 4/8 called the Bastard?
Because it had two different kinds of motors, people called it the Bastard.
Why did Switzerland start using electric trains?
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.
How did the Ae 4/8 get its power?
The middle part held the big transformer that took power from overhead wires through two diamond-shaped pantographs.
Where did the Ae 4/8 run its first trips?
The Ae 4/8 arrived in March 1922 and began running on the Bern to Thun line.
What colors did the Ae 4/8 have?
When new in 1922 it had a strong brown color; later the color changed to green.