To make it more confusing;

I think I've seen pictures of SBB passenger trains being pulled by Re 420 / Re 421 with SBB Cargo blue/red livery too.

The Re 4/4II loks (as modelled by Maerklin) were built from 1969 to 1985. The lok numbers were 11156-11349 and 11371-11397. The first series 11101-11155 had only one panto and were slightly shorter. The Swiss Express and BLS Re 420.5 come from the first series, as modeller by Roco.

The last series of loks were built in 1984-1985 and were the first loks delivered with the modern rectagonal headlights. This last series, with the exception of one which was destroyed in an accident, were converted to the new designation Re 421 for use in Switzerland and Germany. Hence, 11371 became 421 371 and 11397 became 421 397 (Maerklin 37345).

The earlier series loks have been given the designation Re 420. These loks have not changed in appearance or equipment and are used only in Switzerland.

The Re 421 have had a few cosmetic changes in appearance vis a vis the original models. One pantograph was replaced by a new one designed for use with German (and Austrian) catenary. Additionally, the handrails under the front windows were modified to adapt to German standards.
More major was the addition of the German Security System (Indusi).

The Re 420 have been divided between the Passenger and Freight divisions of the SBB. I do not have the exact numbers of which loks belong to which service, but I will try to find a link for this info and add it to this posting.

The Re 421 belong exclusively to SBB Cargo with one minor exemption. At least one Re 421 was leased to SBB Passenger division in order to haul the Zuerich-Munich express to Lindau, thus avoiding the need to change to OBB at St Margrethen. On a few occasions, available Re 421s have replaced other loks on passenger trains as well.
The Re 420s belonging to SBB Cargo have begun receiving the new blue and red (Cargo) livery. Quite of few of them have also been modified to add air conditioning for the driver compartments. The AC has also been added to some of the loks used for passenger trains.

One of the postings referred to the Re 430. These are the loks 11350-11370. These loks were developed from the 11350 (ex-SOB 41) for use on the Gotthard line. They have a modified motor yielding greater traction but limiting the top speed to 125km/h. These loks should also be repainted in the Cargo livery.

A good site with photos of most of the Re 420s, 421s, 430s and other loks is:
http://www.xn--jrgs-0ra....ld/bilder/sbb/re420.html

Here is an entry in Wikipedia (German):
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/SBB_Re_4/4_II

and here is one more useful site:
http://www.trainweb.org/re2/Somm_E.htm

Regards,

Mike C

So far, from what I can tell, only the 34/3734 and 34/37344 models represent loks currently assigned to passenger duties. The 34/37341, 34345 and 26534 loks are presently assigned to SBB Cargo. The 37343 TEE lok has been repainted in green and is still hauling passenger trains. The 37345 is used for passenger services (leased). See above for details.

Roco's models include one that has been retired 69842 Swiss Express, one that has been sold to BLS (69843) (which then was repainted and became BLS Re 420 502 - 69844), leaving only 69840, 69841 and 69845 as the only three still actually in service with SBB Passenger Division.

No manufacturer specifies on the boxes or instructions whether the particular lok is assigned to goods or passenger services.

Hi Chris,

Although my HAG Re 4/4II doesn't have sound,there's ample room left for a speaker.Contrary to Märklins milled frame HAG still has an old fashioned chassis of folded plate material.

Kind regards
Guus

Hi Chris,

I thought this might be interesting:



HAG Re 4/4II Chassis








Typical installation of a speaker on a HAG Ae 6/6


Kind regards
Guus

Hi Chris,

Yes both locos have the 21-pin decoder.

You most probably know already that HAG provides a 21-pin decoder and a 21 pin adapter for modification of older locomotives to digital.




21-pin adapter; "Schnittstelle" in German








HAGs Lokpilot decoder; recommended chokes in package as well

Kind regards
Guus