Virtual Blog - Switzerland Monday SBB Re 420 locomotives

The Re 420 locomotives, also known as Re 4/4, were built in 1964-1985.  They are universally used on passenger and freight although they are being edged out of passenger service by newer trains.
This is the standard color - on a passenger train. Here at Liestal

They were originally in SBB green

There are still a number around in the Trans Europ Express livery. This one even has the earlier form of diamond pantograph. Still to be found around Zurich. A number have been fitted with pantographs to allow them to work into Germany

They are seen on freight trains - here at Liestal

Also on work trains, also at Liestal

The BLS also bought a number of very similar locomotives which they classified Re 425. They have a smart chocolate livery and some chrome hand rails
At Brig

These BLS units are steadily being replaced with newer locomotives and are becoming a rarity

A  number have been sold to private operators
The narrow gauge Biere - Apples - Morges railway has bought one to haul standard ballast cars out of Morges. Seemn here at Morges. This locomotive has to go to the shops a Biere for any work, which entails putting it on narrow gauge skates and running it up to the end of the line

Travys (Transports Vallee du Joux Yverdon-les-Bains Saintes Croix) has one for the passenger service from Pont Brassus - Colin is talking to the driver

This is the cab at Pont Brassus - not much room at all.

Widmer Rail Services

Interregio cargo (at Olton)
These smart looking olcomotives have been around for a long time and are gradually being replaced on passenger trains by new multiple unit trains and on freight trains by new Traxx and Vectron locomotives.  See them while you still can

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