| Be 4/6 12303-12342 were built from 1920 to 1923. This is one of the locomotives used to electrify the Gotthard Tunnel route in 1922 after a coal shortage during the First World War made the Swiss turn away from steam locomotives. No. 12320 had a maximum speed of only about 50 mph and only an output of 2,200 hp but was a considerable improvement over the steam 4-6-0s, 2-8-0s and 2-10-0s. Jack-shafts are used to drive two four driver sets. The locomotive was withdrawn from ordinary service in 1976 but was still in scheduled use for the enjoyment of enthusiasts. |