Swedish State Railways and formerly "Ostkustbanan" Class A, 1922-37 version
New 1992/93

SJ A 1001

OKB A 15

A double-header with Brimalm classes A and A3.
Photo by B E /Jens Dahlström

The prototype:

The introduction of the SJ Class A express locomotive in 1906 is considered a turning point in the development of locomotive building in Sweden. With its 4-4-2 wheel arrangement ("Atlantic"), superheater, bar frames, high running boards and "wind-cleaver" cab front the Class A ushered in a new era of modern and efficient steam locomotives. All 26 examples of Class A (No. 1000 - 1025) were coupled to 3-axle tenders Class C when delivered. As soon as 1909-11, however, these were replaced by 4-axle bogie tenders Class A. At about the same time this locomotive class started to be withdrawn from the most demanding express duties. Until the final withdrawal of the class in 1939 the engines were used mainly in light express and local passenger traffic. During the years 1926-27 five locomotives were sold to the private "Ostkustbanan" (OKB) railway, which in 1929 had the engines rebuilt to a six-coupled design (designated Class A3). In 1930 the SJ followed the example and had three engines rebuilt in a similar way, at the same time replacing the boilers with larger ones. These engines were then re-classified A2. A 1001 has been preserved at the Swedish Railway Museum in Gävle.

The OKB variety of the Brimalm Class A model.
Photo by B E / Janne Lundberg

The model:

This very handsome hand-built brass model has been produced in a series of 300 examples representing four different varieties:
A 1001 (S J, Motala Verkstad 1907), 80 examples.
A 1014 (S J, NOHAB 1908), 80 examples.
A 1020 (S J, Motala Verkstad 1909), 100 examples.
A 15 (O K B, Motala Verkstad 1907), 40 examples.

Photo: B E / Janne Lundberg

The propulsion of the model is by a flywheel equipped tender mounted Swiss precision motor (Faulhaber M1724-1). The power is transmitted by a slender cardan shaft to a gear box of unique design with hardened steel worm and bronze gear. The gearbox drives on to the rear coupled axle from which the power is transmitted to the front coupled axle through the coupling rods. A balanced lead weight in the boiler enhances the pulling power. The design guarantees a very silent and smooth running locomotive.

The model is characterized by

• Exact scale 1:87 (H0)
• 2-rail DC with current collection through 12 wheels
• 616 hand-mounted parts
• Simulated inside motion with a fully functioning double crank axle
• Cab with detailed interior and removable roof (the steam whistle functions as fastening screw)
• Detailed smokebox interior and smokebox door which can be opened
• Glazed windows and headlights
• Sprung driving wheel axles with ball bearings
• Hjulringar i rostfritt stål med RP 25-profil
• Sprung couplers and buffers
• Detachable snowploughs and top headlights
• Realistic running characteristics 0-110 kp

Five years technical warranty.