Electric Locomotive Re 4/4 172, BLS

Electric Locomotive re 4/4 172 of the Bern-Lötschberg-Simplon Railway.

Mold variant!

• In its final state of operation
• Version with short buffer beam and resistor grid for late Epochs
• Elaborately designed roof with scissor pantograph
• With “Eggerberg” coat of arms
• Engraved decorative line
• Detailed, multi-coloured replica of the engine room
• Set of fine wheels with low flanges

After the Ae 4/4 locomotives of the Bern–Lötschberg–Simplon Railway, which had been in service since 1944, had proven themselves over more than two decades, additional ageing mainline locomotives were due for replacement by the early 1960s. While the SBB pursued the procurement of Re 4/4 II locomotives featuring conventional direct control and single-phase AC motors, BLS opted for a more modern approach with silicon rectifiers and shaft current motors. These new locomotives, initially designated Ae 4/4 II and later reclassified as Re 4/4 following technical upgrades, were built by SLM and BBC. They were deployed in both passenger and freight service across the networks of BLS, GBS, SEZ, and BN, as well as on adjoining SBB lines.