Roco 7500160 H0 - Electric locomotive Re 6/6 11646, SBB Cargo, Era V-VI

Model of the electric locomotive Re 6/6 11646 „Bussigny” in SBB Cargo colours

A model of the electric locomotive Re 6/6 11646 „Bussigny” of SBB Cargo. It is a powerful, six-axle Gotthard locomotive of the Swiss Federal Railways, reproduced in H0 scale for Eras V–VI.

The model stands out – in line with the prototype – for its different front-window frames (a special feature of this machine), the „Bussigny” coat of arms, round lamps and air conditioning. Filigree etched parts such as ventilation grilles and windscreen wipers are used.

Model specifications:

• Scale: H0 (1:87)
• Catalogue number: 7500160
• Manufacturer: Roco
• Vehicle: electric locomotive Re 6/6 11646 „Bussigny”
• Model length: 222 mm
• Era: V–VI
• Operator: SBB Cargo
• Motor: 5-pole; flywheel
• Power system: direct current DC (analogue version)
• Decoder socket: PluX22
• Lighting: Swiss light change (LED)
• Number of driven axles: 4; axles with traction tyres: 1
• Features: prototypically different front-window frames, „Bussigny” coat of arms, round lamps and air conditioning, filigree etched parts (ventilation grilles, windscreen wipers)
• Minimum curve radius: 358 mm
• Coupler: NEM 362 standard (without close-coupling kinematics)
• Recommended age: 14 years and over

Note: controlling and powering the model.

The model is produced in the analogue DC version. An ordinary direct-current controller is enough to run it – no digital command station is required. The locomotive has a factory-fitted decoder socket (PluX22), which makes it possible to equip it with a decoder later and switch to digital DCC control. The model is not a starter set and does not include track or a controller.

Model railways – digital or analogue control?

A digital DCC system lets you control several locomotives independently on the same track at a constant rail voltage, whereas in an analogue system all vehicles on a given circuit respond simultaneously to changes in the supply voltage. The model described here is supplied in the analogue version (for direct current DC), with a decoder socket allowing later conversion to digital DCC control.

About the Re 6/6 locomotive (Re 620):

The Re 6/6 (Re 620 in the newer designation) are six-axle electric locomotives of the Swiss Federal Railways, built as successors to the Ae 6/6 class for heavy service on the Gotthard line. To achieve the required tractive effort while running well through curves, an unusual Bo'Bo'Bo' wheel arrangement was used – three two-axle bogies, with a strongly laterally-moving middle bogie.

Four prototypes were ordered in 1969 from the SLM works in Winterthur and BBC; deliveries of the series (85 machines) ran from 1972 to 1980. With an hourly output of around 7,800 kW and a speed of 140 km/h, they are the most powerful Swiss locomotives. Today they work for SBB Cargo as the Re 620. The reproduced example – 11646 „Bussigny” – kept its green livery until 2017, making it one of the last two Re 6/6 in green colours.

Original technical data (Re 6/6 / Re 620):

• Type: six-axle electric locomotive, Bo'Bo'Bo' wheel arrangement
• Manufacturer: SLM Winterthur and BBC
• Construction: 4 prototypes (ordered 1969), series of 85 units delivered between 1972 and 1980
• Hourly output: approx. 7,800 kW; maximum speed: 140 km/h
• Use: heavy service on the Gotthard line (successor to the Ae 6/6)
• Operator: SBB Cargo (freight arm of the Swiss Federal Railways); example 11646 „Bussigny”
• Era: V–VI

About the manufacturer – Roco:

Roco is an Austrian model railway manufacturer that has been operating since 1960, founded in Salzburg and today based in Bergheim near Salzburg as part of the Modelleisenbahn GmbH group (alongside the Fleischmann brand). It released its first locomotives in 1976 and earned its reputation early on through precision and fidelity to the prototype. The brand introduced a number of innovations to the industry, among them unshortened, true-to-length coaches, track with a lower rail profile, and snag-free close couplers. Roco's contemporary H0 models stand out for their rich detail, while the digital range is rounded out by the Z21 control system. Roco models are valued by modellers and collectors throughout Europe.