Furka–Oberalp-Bahn Deh 4/4 I

Furka–Oberalp-Bahn Deh 4/4 I
Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn Deh 4/4 51–55

Deh 4/4 No. 51 at Brig, 2006.

Deh 4/4 No. 51 at Brig, 2006.
Manufacturer SLM (bogies)
SIG (bodies)
BBC (electrical equipment)
Constructed 1972
Entered service 1972
Number built 5
Number in service 5
Fleet numbers 51–55
Operator(s) Furka–Oberalp-Bahn
(1972–2002)
Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn
(since 2002)
Specifications
Train length 16,900 mm (55 ft 5 in)
Maximum speed Adhesion: 60 km/h (37 mph)
Rack rail: 30 km/h (19 mph)
Weight 48.3 tonnes (106,500 lb)
Traction system 4
Power output 1,032 kW (1,380 hp)
Electric system(s) 11 kV 16.7 Hz
Current collection method Overhead
UIC classification Bo'Bo'
Track gauge 1,000 mm (3 ft 3 3⁄8 in)

The Furka–Oberalp-Bahn Deh 4/4 I, now known as the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn Deh 4/4 51–55, is a five member class of metre gauge, rack rail, electric multiple units operated until 2002 by the Furka–Oberalp-Bahn (FO), and since then by its successor, the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB), in the Canton of Valais, Switzerland.

The class is so named under the Swiss locomotive and railcar classification system. According to that system, Deh 4/4 denotes an electric railcar with a baggage compartment, and a total of four axles, all of which are drive axles fitted with cogwheels for rack rail operation. The Deh 4/4 I class entered the FO fleet in 1972, and all of its members are still in service.

Four mechanically similar vehicles, with different electrical equipment, were procured by the Brig-Visp-Zermatt-Bahn (BVZ) as the Deh 4/4 21–24 class, and now similarly form part of the MGB fleet. Six mechanically different vehicles with identical electrical equipment were delivered to FO in 1979 and 1984 as the Deh 4/4 91–96; these, too, are now part of the MGB fleet.

Introduction of the class

Comparative views of the ex BVZ Deh (above) und the ex FO Deh (below).

As the FO's fleet of rolling stock was obsolete in the 1960s and winter season traffic was strongly increasing, the FO urgently needed more powerful locomotives. The company opted for efficient multiple unit power cars with baggage compartments that could be used freely on the whole network.

The five vehicles of the type Deh 4/4 were ordered in 1972 and replaced the HGe 2/2s and ABDeh 2/4s, which could no longer cope with the winter sports traffic on the Schöllenenbahn.

Along with the power cars, the FO procured four control cars and eight matching coaches, from which four three-part push-pull trains could be formed. In 1977, an additional, fifth, push-pull train was created from existing rolling stock.

A later version of the FO Deh 4/4 was constructed with a completely different body, which is why the later vehicles were identified by the FO as Deh 4/4 II. Since the merger between the FO and the BVZ to create the MGB, this identifier has fallen into disuse; the MGB distinguishes the two series by their numbers, beginning with 51 and 91, respectively.

Technical details

The Deh4/4 I are cab unit locomotives with one cab at each end. For the sake of saving weight, the vehicle body is constructed of lightweight metal.

The equipment cabinets with electronic and pneumatic equipment are housed in the middle of the luggage compartment. The transformer is located under the vehicle.

Each of the bogies is equipped with two traction motors, and with Abt rack system pinion wheels.

Service history

Deh 4/4 I 54 with open front door.

The former FO Deh 4/4 Is and IIs are used mainly together with two intermediate trailers and one control car as permantently coupled push-pull trains. Between Disentis/Mustér and Andermatt (Oberalp, 110%), one additional car, and between Visp and Andermatt (Goms, 90%) two additional cars, can be attached. Between Andermatt and Göschenen (Schöllenenschlucht, 179%), no additional cars can be used.

The push-pull trains are coupled together with the automatic +GF+ type coupling. For other uses, the couplings must be replaced. Operations of the class to Zermatt have not been reported.

List of vehicles

Road number Name Commissioning Status
51 Disentis/Mustér 1972 in service
52 Tujetsch/Sedrun 1972 in service
53 Urseren 1972 in service
54 Goms 1972 in service
55 Brig 1972 in service

See also

References

    Media related to Trains of Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn at Wikimedia Commons

    This article is based upon a translation of the German language version as at December 2011.

    This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 11/12/2014. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.