THE Z SCALE MODEL
(scroll down for information on the prototype locomotive)
For reasons probably only known to Marklin, the most common of all Swiss locomotives never featured in the range of Swiss Z scale models. Did Marklin feel that this loco was just "too common to be modelled"? The fact that even in H0 scale Marklin didn't offer an Re 4/4 II until only a couple of years ago would point in that direction.
Whatever the reasons, the fact remained that the Swiss Z scale modeller found himself in the odd position of having fairly exotic loco models available (such as the Ae 3/6 II or the Re 4/4 IV) while at the same time lacking a model of the most common locomotive seen on Swiss rails.
The gap was finally closed in 2004 by a new player on the Z scale scene. Following on the heels of the success and innovative standards of American Z Lines, Swiss Z Lines kicked off its production programme with the Re 4/4 II in April 2004.
SZL Re 4/4 II 11347 from set SZL 4001The brass models were produced in Korea by renowned model making company Ajin and built to the most exacting standards and a level of finish not seen before on Swiss Z scale models. This not only applied to the outward appearance but also to the running qualities, which were the result of the model's Swiss-made coreless Faulhaber motor.
Naturally, this model was produced in small numbers only (20 in green, 23 in red, plus 25 green locos and 22 red locos as part of a set with EW I coaches) and at a price. While it wouldn't have a wide impact on the "mass market", the release of this model was an important occasion of breaking new ground - the days of Marklin being the sole manufacturer of common Swiss mainline locomotive models were over. Following the release of the first Re 4/4 II models, SZL produced additional livery variations, some featuring the single pantograph arrangement (e.g. Swiss Express livery).
SZL Re 4/4 II 11347 from set SZL 4001 (click for larger image)
SZL 4001 Set
Numbering 276 units ordered by Swiss Federal Railways - production of 50 units had been planned initially - the class Re 4/4 II not only represents the largest fleet of locomotives ever in service on SBB rails but also stands out as an important link in a whole series of locomotive types developed and produced by the Swiss rail industry.
Picture (c) SBB - note original round headlampsThe Re 4/4 II (new designation Re 420) is perhaps best characterized by the fact that this class had to meet a list of requirements which could easily cause any locomotive builder severe headaches. However, the needs were all met, and if ever a locomotive was apt to truly carry the title of "universal locoomotive" the Re 4/4 II must be the one.
The Re 4/4 IIs were required to carry both heavy passenger and fast freight trains on level and (as double traction) mountaineous routes with high acceleration ratios and high speed through tight curvatures. In order to fit this bill of "just about anything that's heavy and needs to be moved anywhere fast", the locomotive class was conceived as a high capacity locomotive right from the start, which would see frequent service (today, Re 4/4 IIs on inland revenue trains clock up about 200,000 km per year). Designed for easy and effective maintenance, the Re 4/4 II turned out to be both reliable and very economical motive power for the SBB. Mechanical components were developed and built by SLM (Schweizerische Lokomotivfabrik Winterthur), while BBC (Brown Boveri Cie.) and MO (Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon) provided all electrical components. The Re 4/4 II's maximum tractive effort of 26t can be maintained right up to speeds of approx. 90 km/h (adhesion circumstances permitting). Maximum speed of the class is 140 km/h. The class is equipped to be used in multiple units with locos of classes Re 4/4 III, Re 4/4 IV, Re 6/6, Re 465 and RBe 540.
Re 4/4 II 11290 (Thun, 16 April 2004) - note refitted rectangular lower headlampsFollowing the delivery of 6 prototype units in 1964, standard production ran from 1967 up to 1985. The design was down to earth yet still had a classic touch to it. Adorned with chrome letters and numbers as well as the Swiss flag on both cab frontsides, the first units were delivered in classic green. All in all, no other class of SBB locomotives has carried more livery variations than the Re 4/4 II (not counting advertising liveries), albeit some of them were short lived, such as the smart carmine and cream TEE livery (carried by only 9 locos). The last 27 units delivered were rolled out in the now standard red livery. Other livery variations include orange and stone-grey "Swiss Express" or, more recently, "SBB Cargo".
from left to right: Swiss Express (Zurich, 10 August 2003), Zugkraft Aargau (Aarau, 17 June 2003), Standard Red (Zurich, 23 March 2004), Cargo (Zollikofen, 20 February 2004)However, the balance between various liveries strongly leans towards red with a count of more than 8 out of 10 Re 4/4 IIs carrying this livery today. The class carries neither names nor crests, with the singular exception of Re 4/4 II 11239, which inherited both from Ae 6/6 11483 Porrentruy when this locomotvie was promoted to "cantons locomotive" status after the founding of the new canton of Jura.
Text and pictures not labelled otherwise © Adrian Wymann
Page created 22/APR/2004
Last revised 09/MAR/2006
