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Swiss Federal Railways RABDe 12/12 “Mirage”
later RABDe 510
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Switzerland | 1965
20 produced
An example in the original wine-red paintwork on a historical photo
An example in the original wine-red paintwork on a historical photo
SBB Historic

The RABDe 12/12 was a three-car electric multiple unit that was designed with traction motors on all twelve axles to increase acceleration. It was introduced in 1967 to create a half-hourly service on the eastern coast of Lake Zurich. It was named “Mirage” after the Dassault Mirage III fighter jets delivered to the Swiss Air Force at the same time. Since the eastern coast of Lake Zurich is also being called “Golden Coast”, it got the second nickname “Golden Coast Express”.

Up to four sets could operate in multiple and usually, two were used together to increase capacity. From 1996, they were modernized and now designated RABDe 510. At this time, they were operated on other lines than originally. Soon, it became clear that their narrow doors required halts which were too long for the requirements for the S-Bahn Zurich. They were replaced by RABe 514 double-decker EMUs and withdrawn by 2008. By 2010, all had been scrapped.

General
Built1965-1967
ManufacturerSchindler Waggon, FFA, BBC, SAAS
Wheel arr.B-B+B-B+B-B 
Gauge4 ft 8 1/2 in (Standard gauge)
Seats200
Dimensions and Weights
Length240 ft 5 13/16 in
Wheelbase66 ft 3 1/4 in
Rigid wheelbase8 ft 6 3/8 in
Service weight374,785 lbs
Adhesive weight374,785 lbs
Axle load31,526 lbs
Boiler
Power Plant
Power
Power sourceelectric - AC
Electric system15.000 V 16⅔ Hz
Hourly power3,277 hp (2,444 kW)
Continuous power2,957 hp (2,205 kW)
Top speed78 mph
Starting effort53,729 lbf
Calculated Values
EMU
suburban
local
last changed: 01/2026
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