SJ Ra

The SJ Class Ra (or Rapid) is an electric locomotive operated by Swedish State Railways (Swedish: Statens Järnvägar, SJ). Ten units were built by ASEA, two in 1955 and eight in 1961. Ra was used on express trains until the 1990s.

Ra
Rapid 846 at the Swedish Railway Museum
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
BuilderASEA
Build date1955, 1961
Total produced10
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • AARB-B
 • UICBo′Bo′
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in)
Length15,100 mm (49 ft 6 1⁄2 in)
Loco weight65 t (64 long tons; 72 short tons)
Electric system/s15 kV  ​16 2⁄3 Hz AC Catenary
Current pickup(s)Pantograph
Performance figures
Maximum speed150 km/h (93 mph)
Power output2,640 kW (3,540 hp)
Tractive effort200 kN (45,000 lbf)
Career
OperatorsStatens Järnvägar
Numbers846-847
987-994
Retired1996

History

During the 1940s SJ had a need for quicker locomotives for their express trains. In 1953 two bogie-locomotives were ordered from ASEA. Inspiration for the appearance came from North America, with round shapes and a bulldog nose. The two first units were successful and SJ ordered additional eight units from ASEA, delivered in 1961. Though never being used for more than 130 km/h, it was capable for 150 km/h, and served mainly on Stockholm - Göteborg and Stockholm - Oslo. They were mainly taken out of service in the late 1980s, though two remained in service until 1996. Most have been preserved, including at the Swedish Railway Museum and at Nässjö Railway Museum.

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