Electric Locomotives

The genius of electric locomotives is that they do not need to carry fuel for propulsion. Instead, their “fuel” comes from overhead wires or a third rail. These overhead wires, called “catenary” carry electricity from a central power plant, a plant that is creating power from coal combustion, hydroelectric or nuclear fuel. These wire structures then make available the electricity which the locomotive needs for propulsion. In turn, the locomotive connects to the catenary with a box shaped frame called a “pantograph” which brings the electricity into the locomotive for use. Some locomotives have single arm pantographs.

In Switzerland, some dining cars had pantographs which allowed for the operation of electric stoves and ovens in their kitchens. Standing in the station, the diner would be connected to the electric grid; once underway, the pantograph would lowered as the car’s generator would begin to supply the needed power. The Swiss Railways also had some steam locomotives that used electricity to heat the water necessary for propulsion.

While the early rapido locomotives were equipped with dummy pantographs, operational ones were later added, around 1967 - 1968 when operational catenary wires became available from other Sommerfeldt. At the same time, Arnold would upgrade their product line with a Class E03 (pictured below).

Class 103 at Köln

Here is a gallery of the early rapido electrics:

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