In one of the other threads, there has been a lot of discussion about the various models of the Ae 6/6 after I had posted a comment that the Swiss Crest on the front of the Maerklin Kanton Loks was not prototypically correct.
I also noted that the Roco Ae 610 Cargo (Erstfeld) comes with the Crest from the Kanton series, which can be identified by the larger brass plate around the crest itself. The same mistake can also be found on Fleischmann's new N scale model. The announced new Kanton Lok model from Fleischmann should have the correct crest.
There were a few photos posted in the thread, which instigated a few comments about which model had the best crest.
There are two main versions of the Ae 6/6, the Kanton Lok (11401-11425) and the Staedte (City) Loks (11426-11520). The Kanton Loks can be identified by the chrome stripes and the larger crest plate. The City Loks have a crest with less chrome that is similar to the Re 4/4II and Re 6/6.
The prototype Ae 6/6 (11401-11402) had some differences from the rest of the series, but not in ways that pertain to this post. 11401-11426 were equipped with dual lights between the windows, the rest of the loks with only one. Since the late 1980s, the dual lights have been removed from most of the Loks in order to make room for the UIC socket. Additionally, the loks were equipped with a step adjacent to the right buffer and a railing to facilitate access to the UIC connection. (This UIC connector was also installed on most SBB and Swiss Loks).
The models of the Ae 6/6 may also have slightly different colors (roof, buffers, plow, etc, depending on which era the model is from).
So, all this accounts for the differences between the various models of the Ae 6/6.
The Ae 6/6 is one of the most reproduced models of Swiss locomotives. Versions of this lok have been available from Maerklin, Hag, Fleischmann, Roco, Lima, Kleinbahn, Lemaco and many others.
If you are interested in more information, Loki Magazine recently released a special edition (in German) (Loki Spezial 29 Faszination Ae 6/6)
http://www.loki.ch/custom/shop/index.php3or
www.roundhouse.ch and other dealers.
I cannot say that I have one preferred model of this lok, as each model has it's advantages and shortcomings. Maerklin and Hag have painted chrome stripes and lettering, Roco has molded chrome and lettering (raised). Maerklin had the green tinted windows on some models and Roco models have a two tone roof (I am not certain that all Ae 6/6s had this feature.)
I guess that the final preference is up to the modeller.
If somebody could explain the exact function of the "Falschfahrlicht" (Red light between the windows), it would be appreciated.
Regards
Mike C
