Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) class Ae 8/14. Version 11 801. With digital high-efficiency propulsion. Headlights digitally controlled. 2 motors. 4 axles powered. 8 traction tires. Fixed drawbar between the locomotive halves. Electronic reverse unit. Prototypical version with Swiss design pantographs. Engineer's cabs with interior detailing. Length over buffers 39.1 cm (15-3/8").
At the beginning of the 1930s the special requirement on the grades for the Gotthard route led to comprehensive tests of a new type of locomotive. The necessary tractive effort was so immense that only a double locomotive could satisfy these requirements. The new class Ae 8/14 was placed into service in 1931. With a service weight of 240 metric tons (approx. 266 tons) and 8 traction motors, this giant unit achieved a tractive effort of 50 tons. The hourly output of 7,500 hp was transmitted to the wheels with the proven Buchli drive borrowed from the Ae 4/7. This provided good running characteristics on sharp curves and turnout branches.
This locomotive was produced as a one-time series only in 1997 on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Swiss railroading.
