Rhaetian Railway Ge 4/4 ^I

Ge 4/4 ^I No. 610 Viamala in Davos.

In 1944, the Rhaetian Railway ordered four Ge 4/4 ^I class locomotives from the Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works (SLM). The first of these machines was commissioned in July 1947. In service primarily in the haulage of fast trains, they proved themselves so well that in 1953 the Rhaetian Railway ordered six further examples.

The later entry into service of the Ge 6/6 ^II and the Ge 4/4 ^II class locomotives led to the cascading of the Ge 4/4 ^I class into lesser responsibilities.

Between 1986 and 1991, the Ge 4/4 ^I class was completely modernised. For example, the old cab fronts with their communication doors were replaced with new cab fronts. Since their modernisation, the locomotives in the class have continued to render loyal service to the Rhaetian Railway right up to today.

Ge 4/4 ^I No. 607 Surselva.

The Ge 4/4 ^I class locomotives presently have a top speed of 80 kilometres per hour (50 mph) (originally 75 kilometres per hour or 47 miles per hour) and a power output of 1,184 kilowatts (1,588 hp). They now weigh 48 tonnes (47 long tons; 53 short tons) (originally 47 tonnes or 46 long tons or 52 short tons) and are 12,100 millimetres (39 ft 8 in) long.

Beginning in 1997, the Ge 4/4 ^I class's old diamond-shaped pantographs were replaced by new single-arm pantographs, to enable deployment of the class on the Chur-Arosa line, which at that time was having its electrification system changed.

The names of the 10 locomotives in the class commemorate the names of certain valleys, mountains and mountain ranges in Graubünden. The names are located high on the left and right sides of the locomotives, in white script on a red background. The service numbers 601–610 are on both cab ends, and also on the lower sides.

An important present day area of operation for the Ge 4/4 ^I class is the Rhaetian Railway line from Davos to Filisur, with its many tunnels. Since December 2004, the class has operated three car push-pull trains, consisting of a Steuerwagen BDt 172x, an Einheitswagen I B and an Einheitswagen III A, on this line. Previously, modernised centre entry cars were used on these services. Between Davos and Filisur, the introduction of the push pull trains has reduced the operating requirement to one consist of cars, instead of the two sets that were previously required.

In winter, the Ge 4/4 ^I class also hauls the Bergün-Preda-Bergün toboggan trains, and a few other wintersport trains in Prättigau.

During November 2010, the Rhaetian Railways began taking most of the locomotives of this series after more than 50 years of service, most were disposed of and scrapped, which included Ge 4/4I's 601/604/606/608/609, however four remain to this day, but however two are still in operation with Rhaetain Railways, 605 and 610.

While at a time of withdrawal commenced, two were saved in heritage collection, 602 named "Bernina" was passed on March 7, 2012 to the Museum of Transport, in Lucerne (five-year loan) and later returned to Landquart for service again, while 603 "Badus" was destined to be preserved and brought to the Museum Augsburg Railway Park in Germany but however the plan to send her fell through, however the Rhb Historic have plans to save No. 602 "Bernina" for preservation along with 610 "Viamala", 610 is to go to the Club 1889 upon withdrawal and will be restored to her original condition. [1]

The following locomotives in the class have served on the Rhaetian Railway:

• History of rail transport in Switzerland
• Rail transport in Switzerland