THE Z SCALE MODEL
(scroll down for information on the prototype locomotive)
M”rklin introduced a model of the Am 4/4 in 1993. Launching this "new" Swiss locomotive was a fairly easy task considering the fact that it meant a simple repaint of their existing model of a BR 221 (actually a V200.1). Nonetheless, it made for a striking model in its flaring red livery with some very nice detailing touches added.
M”rklin mini-club 8833
The model was produced up until 1995. In 1994, M”rklin also produced a one-off special edition (88820) of the Am 4/4 in certainly appropriate, but all the same fictional "cheese" livery.
In the 1980s Swiss Federal Railways felt the need for a locomotive type to cope with the heavy freight trains which would be needed win conjunction with the "Bahn 2000" construction sites. Such a locomotive would therefore need to be both powerful and non-dependent on power input through catenary. The quickest and most cost-effective solution at hand was to purchase second-hand diesel traction from the German Federal Railways in the form of seven V 200 locomotives built in 1953-59 by Krauss-Maffei.
The first of these locomotives, now designated Class Am 4/4 by the SBB, entered service in 1987 as Am 4/4 18462, the last of a fleet of seven taking to Swiss rails in December 1989.
Am 4/4 18646 double-heading a construction train and awaiting the right away at Ostermundigen, c.1993/94
(Photographer unknown, Adrian Wymann collection) [click for larger image]All in all, the seven locomotives turned out to be a distinct disappointment. Their initially poor availability due to mechanical failures could be improved gradually, but the power output and general handling failed to raise any eyebrows, yet alone smiles with Swiss railway men. All seven units were subsequently sold off back to Germany by the end of 1994.
Page created 12/JUN/2002
Last revised 13/JAN/2006
