The first two class Ge 6/6 II locomotives (no. 701 and 702) were built in 1958. In 1965 a five-piece series followed the prototypes. The 6 axles of these locos are divided into three bogies, the inner one is laterally displaceable. This design allows unhindered run in tight bends. By contrast, the joint between the locomotive halves allows only vertical movements. While both prototype locos were equipped with cab front doors, the five vehicles built seven years later featured only lateral doors and windscreens split in two instead of three parts. It was only in the 80s, when the cab fronts of locomotives 701 and 702 were adjusted to those of the series vehicles. While the class Ge 6/6 II locomotives used to haul also express trains – including the Glacier Express -, they can be seen mostly with freight trains since the newer class Ge 4/4 III came to the scene.

Switzerland