- Current models -
SJ old Class A express locomotive – “The Spinning Wheel”
New 2004
The model is produced in close cooperation between Brimalm Engineering and Werps Modelbouw in Holland.
The prototype
As the Stockholm-Gothenburg trunk line was nearing completion in 1862 the Swedish State Railways for the first time ordered locomotives specially designed to haul express trains. A total number of 32 of these small, uncomplicated and reliable machines were delivered from Beyer Peacock in Manchester, England during the years 1863-73. From 1876 they were designated littera (Class) A.
The Class A engines did fine service, but as may be gathered from their nick-name they had a tendency to slip easily when starting due to the low adhesion weight with only one pair of driving wheels. When the express trains got heavier they were transferred to lighter passenger trains. They were capable of a good turn of speed och were permitted for 90 km/h (56 mph). However, the lightly laid tracks, frequent unguarded street crossings and insufficient hand brakes for a long time did not permit the use of this speed in regular traffic.
Most of the engines did service during 30-40 years. 15 examples were rebuilt with new boilers 1881-1904. The last were withdrawn in 1906. However, 8 engines hade been rebuilt to tank engines for local trains in 1889-91 and they kept on running until 1919.
Nr 75 Göta is preserved in running order at the Swedish Railway Museum in Gävle.
The model
The model is hand-built in brass in only 50 examples which are delivered ready-built with plates and decals mounted. There is a choice of the following alternative versions:
1) Original version with leather buffers, original boiler, straight chimney and no upper side panels of the drivers cabin
2) Early traffic version with ordinary buffers, original boiler, straight chimney and upper side panels
3) The museum engine “Göta” in its preserved state
The model is characterised by:
- Exact scale 1:87
- 2-rail DC with pick-up on all wheels
- May be equipped with digital decoder
- Simulated inside 2-cylinder machinery
- Detailed interior of drivers cab
- Swiss quality motor and transmission with ball bearings
- All axles sprung
- Wheel rims in stainless steel with RP 25 wheel profile
- Sprung couplers and buffers
- Realistic running properties
- Spare parts in stock
Five years technical warranty against fabrication faults