RhB Ge4/4 II Electric Loco, 611, Sound, Limited Edition
When the first new Ge 4/4 II locomotives were delivered to the RhB in 1973, they combined new and old: The first modern thyristor-controlled electric locos also were the last RhB locos to be painted in the line’s traditional green livery. To mark the prototype's 30th birthday, LGB introduces a special Limited Edition model of the first loco of the series, Ge 4/4 II 611 “Landquart.” Like the original, this LGB model combines old and new: the traditional green livery of the original plus the very latest LGB sound electronics, including the sounds of the main motor, whistle, main switch, air pump, fan, vacuum pump and brakes. The model also includes other exclusive LGB features, like pantographs that rise and fall automatically according to the direction of travel. And with twin Bühler motors, this LGB model backs up its great looks and sounds with impressive pulling power. Production is limited to 1,000 pieces. This is an eXtra product.
The Prototype
To replace older electric locomotives of the types Ge 2/4, Ge 4/6 and Ge 6/6 I, the Rhätische Bahn (RhB) in 1970 ordered ten modern four-axle locomotives with thyristor controls. The locos were delivered in 1973 and numbered 611-620. With their cutting-edge electronics, the locomotives immediately were a great success. Compared to conventional electric locos, a carefully designed suspension for the power trucks and optimized regulation of the traction motors maximized the pulling power of these locos. In 1984/85, the RhB received 13 identical locomotives, which already were painted in the current red livery of the RhB. On the RhB's AC-powered lines, the Ge 4/4 II today haul many express, commuter and freight trains. Technical specifications Wheel arrangement: BoBo Gauge: 1000 mm (39.4 in) Length over buffers: 12,960 mm (42.5 ft) Width: 2650 mm (8.69 ft) Operating weight: 50.0 metric tons (110,000 lbs) Pulling power: 185 metric tons (407,000 lbs/4.5% grades), 245 metric tons (539,000 lbs/3.5% grades) Max. speed: 90 km/h (56 mph)
The Model
This detailed model features:
- weather-resistant construction - factory-installed onboard decoder for MTS and analog operation - opening cab doors - digital electronic sound: - motor noise - whistle - air pump - main fan - braking sound - conductor and stationmaster announcements (with Multi-Train System) - remote control of sound features (with Multi-Train System) - two power control switches - track or catenary power operation - two protected gearboxes with seven-pole Bühler motors - eight powered wheels - one traction tire - twelve power pickups - two automatic pantographs - voltage stabilization circuit with surge protection - automatic directional lighting (exterior and interior) - two multi-purpose sockets with circuit breakers - length: 570 mm (22.4 in.) - weight: 4200 g (9.2 lb.)
