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Bern-Lötschberg-Simplon Railway Re 4/4 and originally Ae 4/4II
later Re 425
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Switzerland | 1964
35 produced
Re 425 186 “Leissigen” in February 2016 in Brig
Re 425 186 “Leissigen” in February 2016 in Brig
Markus Eigenheer / ÖV Schweiz Normalspur and Schmalspur

To accelerate traffic on the mountain line, the BLS ordered a development of their Ae 4/4 in the early sixties. It was developed by SLM and BBC and with an output of nearly 5,000 kW, it was one of the world's most powerful four-axle locomotives of its time. Originally it had a top speed of 125 km/h and was designated Ae 4/4II since this speed qualified it for the Swiss train type A. Along with the development of the similar SBB Re 4/4II, changes were made in the suspension and the authorities could be convinced that even locomotives with an axle load of 20 tonnes could be approved for 140 km/h. So both locomotives were approved for the higher speed and qualified as train type R, what led to the renaming of the Ae 4/4II into Re 4/4.

A total of 35 locomotives were built in several batches between 1964 and 1983. In the beginning, they were only used in express service. With a train of 630 tonnes, they could reach 80 km/h on the 2.6 percent ramp. Later they were used with all train types. After the Re 465 was introduced in the nineties, the Re 4/4, now called Re 425, were also equipped to run in multiple with the Re 465. Since 2014, only a few Re 425 are being used in passenger service. Freight services are now also being taken over by the Re 485.

Variant161-174175-195
General
Built1964-1983
Manufacturermechanical part: SLM, electrical part: BBC
Wheel arr.B-B 
Gauge4 ft 8 1/2 in (Standard gauge)
Dimensions and Weights
Length49 ft 6 1/2 in50 ft 9 1/16 in
Wheelbase35 ft 1 1/4 in
Rigid wheelbase9 ft 2 1/4 in
Service weight176,370 lbs
Adhesive weight176,370 lbs
Axle load44,092 lbs
Boiler
Variant161-174175-195
Power Plant
Power
Power sourceelectric - AC
Electric system15.000 V 16⅔ Hz
Continuous power6,678 hp (4,980 kW)
Top speed87 mph
Starting effort70,590 lbf
Calculated Values
electric locomotive
passenger
freight
last changed: 07/2025
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