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No. 14 253 is still used for fan trips out of Erstfeld.
Special markings of this historic model locomotive
Ce 6/8" are, in addition to the brown paint scheme,
black trucks and frames as well as 4 operating cab
doors.
Braking was done by two sets of brake shoes per
driving axle which are activated either by a Westin-
ghouse air brake or by manual brakes. While the air
brake mechanism controlled all four sets, manual
mechanism controlled only those at either respective
end. For extra traction when pulling heavy loads,
sand boxes were installed at each end.
The 33 locomotives built by SLM and MFO prior to
1922 continued in regular service on the Gotthard
Route. But the ever increasing demands for more
powerful and faster locomotives in addition to the
breakdowns of the 4 motors, prompted the railroad
management to rebuild 13 engines. Thus, during the
years 1942 -1947, the engines also received new
detailing, along with the construction of new motors
and stronger frames. The locomotives not rebuilt were
eventually reassigned to yard duty.
Improvements in electric motor construction resulted
in more powerful motors, even though they were of
lighter weight. In fact, it was rumored to be 70% bet-
ter. This, of course, translated into a welcome impro-
vement in the ability to serve the important Gotthard
Route. The new rebuilds were classed Be 6/8" and
were capable of 2679 kW (3640 hp) at 45 kmph
(23 mph) and had a new top speed of 75 kmph
(45 mph). Service weight was reduced by 2 tons
despite the use of heavier materials in some of the
modifications.
At the ends, an extended platform resulted in diffe-
rent bufferplanks, although the older rod buffers and
gangways remained the bearing shaft of the notched
coupling rods could only be positioned rigidly against
the original spring suspension. The doors at either
end leading to the motors were sealed shut and the
door knobs removed. No changes were applied to the
regular cab doors.
An additional modification was the addition of a train
heater with outlets at either end so that the Crocodi-
les could be used in passenger service.
Equally indispensable were the headlights, speedome-
ter, tail lights, „Signum" train control system and other
controls as well as the additional braking mechanisms.
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Vorbild • Prototype • Exploitation dans le réel • Grootbedrijf
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