SJ electric locomotive Class F
New 2001

Is it scale 1:1 or 1:87?

The Prototype

Towards the end of the nineteen thirties there was a strong need for the railway to shorten travelling times if it were to compete successfully with other modes of transport. When the SJ designed a new electric express engine they opted for single axle propulsion and power transmission through hollow axles and flexible couplings instead of the classic coupling rod technology. Behind this decision were the positive experiences with the classes E17 and E18 of the Reichsbahn in Germany. The new locomotive class, F, had 4 driving axles with a pony axle at each end of the locomotive. The power was 3.500 hp, maximum permitted speed 135 km/t (84 mph) and the weight 102 metric tons.

Three prototype locomotives for testing were delivered in1942. The series version was delivered in two batches, twelve engines in 1945-46 and a further nine in 1948-49. The prototype engines, which differed in several technical respects, were later modified to conform with the series standard.

The Class F became the classic electric express engine of the SJ and made long and faithful service. The class was modernized in several stages. The most comprehensive rebuilding tokk place between 1964 and 1968. When the thyristor locos of the Class Rc began beeing available in numbers they gradually took over the most demanding duties. The Class F locomotives were withdrawn between 1978 and 1983. Three examples have been preserved: N:o 621 at the National Railway Museum in Gävle and numbers 696 and 701 at SKÅJ preservation society.

The model:

The older version - here a factory-weathered example

Once more we have elected to build an exclusive handmade brass model of a very much sought-after locomotive for the model railway. Our beautiful model has the same high detail accuracy as those of earlier production. It is equipped with a swiss precision motor with a heavy flywheel mounted in ball bearings and a gear box with ball bearings to give it excellent slow speed caracteristics, silent running and a true-to scale top speed. The power is transmitted through a unique drive system of miniature cog belts to all four drive axles. Heavy lead ballast weight give the locomotive a good adhesion weight and a high pulling power. The Brimalm model is produced in 250 examples in two different versions, one of which represents the locomotive as originally built and the other the modernized version after the 1964-68 rebuilding. For both versions the are four alternative numbers to choose from: 696, 697, 701 and 702. All four numbers are from the last batch of Class F locomotives delivered in 1948-49 with a riveted housing. The models are delivered fully painted with number plates and decals applied. Since we build only a limited number of each locomotive number it is advisable to indicate a second choice when booking your example.

The modernized version.

The model is characterized by

• Exact scale 1:87 (H0)
• 2-rail DC with excellent current collection
• Micro light bulbs installed but not electrically connected
• May be equipped with digital control system / decoder and constant light system
• Cab with detailed interior and doors which may be opened
• Drive system with ball bearings and exceptionally fine slow speed performance
• All axles sprung
• Wheel rims made of stainless steel with RP 25 flanges
• Sprung couplers and buffers
• Realistic running characteristics 0-135 kph
• Original Brimalm spare parts kept in stock

Five years technical warranty (electronics 2 years).