THE Z SCALE MODEL
(scroll down for information on the prototype locomotive)
The Ae 3/6 II made her appearance in Z scale (as article no. 8851) in 1983 in the original brown livery (which the locomotive carried pre-1928 and post-1977 in preservation) and remained in standard production until 1995.
Maerklin mini-club 8851
[All pictures on this page: Click for larger image]In 1999 the model made a comeback, this time in green livery and as motive power of the set "Swiss Passenger Service" (Art.-No. 81418).
81418 (click for larger image)Period modellers may take note that the locomotive carries grab irons painted yellow for better visibility, a feature introduced in 1955.
The Ae 3/6 II was built between 1924 and 1926 to an order of 60 locomotives. With a total weight of 98 tons the Ae 3/6 II was approved for a maximum speed of 100 km/h, achieving a power output of 1470 kW / 2000 hp and a tractive effort of 147 kN with her rod articulation.
The Ae 3/6 locomotive series is an excellent example to illustrate and explain the ordering and manufacturing philosophy which governed the relationship between the SBB and the Swiss locomotive industry for decades: The SBB management would set up a list of technical and operational requirements which the industry would use to build a number of prototypes. These would undergo testing on the rail network which would result in certain modifications, and only after this stage would the SBB management actually order a batch of locomotives.
Preserved Ae 3/6 II 10439 (click for larger image)As this was often an ongoing process, variations of a locomotive type (perhaps featuring improved traction power output for specific routes) would be produced over the years as well. In the case of the Ae 3/6 series, this meant no less than three sub-classes (Ae 3/6 I-III), resulting in three types of locomotives which not only had completely different drive systems but also looked completely different too.
Ae 3/6 II crossing the Glattbr¸cke at Zweidlen in 1948 during construction work (Hans B–lsterli Collection)All of the Ae 3/6 II were withdrawn from service between 1965 and 1977, with engine no. 10439 being preserved as historic locomotive at Olten depot. As an "A" class engine (maximum speed higher than 80 km/h) she was mainly used for express and regional trains in the flatter regions of Switzerland, however, her excellent performance also saw her being used as up-front power on trains over the Gotthard route in the 1930s. At the end of her career, the Ae 3/6 II shared the fate of many other veteran engines in being used primarily on parcels and goods trains.
Page created 31/AUG/2001
Last revised 19/DEC/2005
