What are some of the favorite Swiss Electric Locomotives of the last 5 to 10 model years to run on layouts? More specifically, what are some of the characteristics (i.e. motor, decoder) to look for?

I am thinking along the lines of an SBB class 460 (37460, 39602, etc...) or Ae 6/6 (39361, etc...) or Re 4/4 (26534 set?).

I do not need the most recent version or the one with the most features. Just a well made digital model that performs well on a layout in comparison to its peers that I will enjoy operating often with an MS2 controller.

Cheers and thank you in advance for your input,

Tim

Thank you for the model numbers. I know it was a broad question but I have spent most of my time researching steam locomotives up to this point. Thanks for your direction!

Re 460 - If you can get one of the Hag models (1996-2010) with ESU. The reason why I recommend the Hag model over the Maerklin or Roco models is the design of the shell. The Maerklin model has the shell split just below the lights which often allows light to show through the space between the shell and chassis. The Roco one is plastic and has small parts that are hard to install (handrails). The Hag one has the best shell design with no light seepage and is nicely detailed. I would not opt for one of the latest (Panda or Coop) models as the new manufacturing seems to have some issues. Go for an older model with ESU digital.
Re 6/6 - The Maerklin ones (37322/37324) in red/green have a decent sound decoder and look and run nice. The new Roco models are very nicely detailed as well.
Ae 6/6 - The latest Maerklin model (Cargo) had a decent sound offering (37360). Prior to that, I would go back to the one from the 29850 Set which had OEM ESU sound.
Re 4/4II - The latest Maerklin model (37347) has some wiring issues on the second production run. If you can still find the 37356 it is a nice model. I am loving the various new ones from Roco (I have them all), but they may be limited in pulling power (I don't think that 6 or 7 coaches will be a problem). Reynaulds has a good sale price on the 78403 in red right now.
https://farm3.staticflic...7842887_f263971dd7_b.jpg
Re 4/4I - 39421 (Red) with 43401, 43371 (2) and 43410 makes a nice push-pull consist. You can also use the coaches from the 43389 Set (without the coach with middle doors)
Re 4/4I (37044/37045) with LS Models 47219 and 47237 Sets (Baggage, 2 x Am, Diner and 2 x Bm)

Other Swiss trains of note:

Roco ICN (69150/51/69153/54)
Liliput RABe 511 (L133930)
LS Models Gottardo 17520/17521 (Sound)

Worth considering:
Maerklin had a set with Re 4/4II and three lightsteel coaches (26534). this set can be found for around 300 EUR. If you get a VAT rebate this becomes very interesting
ETS has a few Hag models at reduced clearance prices including a Re 421 Digital AC

Awesome, Mike! You highlighted a number of instant favorites for me and I will look further at HAG and Roco. I have come close to snapping up the 37324 and looked before at the 26534 set. Interested even more now due to the coaches.

Thank you,

Tim

Tim,

We seem to have similar tastes. My Swiss locomotives are shown in the 1st photo. From right to left, with the service I usually use them for, they are: Ae 6/6 (Passenger); Re 460 (Passenger/Freight); Ae 6/6 (Freight); Re 4/4 (TEE Passenger). Together, they cover Eras III through today. Everything came from eBay over several years. Model numbers, features, and production dates are:

-- The Ae 6/6s = From 37362 Set (2 Locos), MFX w/full sound & DCM motors (2005/2006)
-- The Re 460 = From 29858 Mega-Set, FX w/no sound & DCM motor (2003/2004)
-- The Re 4/4 = From 26557 Set, MFX w/whistle, announcement & Can motor (2010/2011)

All four are excellent on-track with wonderful pulling power. Hard to pick a favorite, but if forced, I’d probably choose the plain-Jane Re 460 . . . . . . no special features, just a classic design and a bullet-proof motor. I have nothing else from its original mega-set, only the locomotive. The 2nd photo shows it with SBB EuroCity coaches (4367 Set).

The 26557 TEE “Bavaria” Set includes the Re 4/4 loco plus two coaches & a dining car. I added an additional coach (43855 w/end lights) and installed LED interior lighting in all. Makes a very nice consist as shown in the 3rd photo. Its prototypical route was Munich to Zurich during the 1970s.

Finally, the 4th photo is a mixed-lot lumber & log train pulled by the green Ae 6/6. (To meet my humble "aesthetic standards" I replaced the crooked logs on the 3rd car sometime after taking the photo).

Regards -- Richard

Prototype Photos – For the heck of it, I’ve added two last photos that show, respectively, a real Re 460 EuroTrain and the Re 4/4 TEE. Source is: http://www.railfaneurope.net.

Edited by user 11 June 2014 19:52:36(UTC)  | Reason: Add Prototype Photos

Richard,

We certainly do! Great sets!! Thanks for the descriptions and photos as I had the chance to look up the numbers and details further. It will be easy to keep an eye out for these. I want each one.

Lumber and log trains look great too. Crooked logs are for DC layouts.

Cheers,

Tim

here are some pictures of my SBB-BLS collection:

Don't forget the Ae 8/14's. I have both a Trix and a Roco version and they are fantastic.

You're correct, Richard. I have enjoyed every minute of getting back into my models and layouts and I owe alot to this forum. I believe your last picture is of the Seetal. Very nice!

I concur with the last picture, 100%!!!

Cheers,

Tim