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SJ and Swedish private railways Class Y3/S5/S7, 1927-70 version
New 1999

Photo: B E / Janne Lundberg

The prototype, Class Y3 / S5 / S7:

The private railway company Bergslagens Järnvägar during the years 1915-27 took delivery of a very successful tank engine class with driving wheels of 1400 mm diameter, which was designated BJ Class Y3. The class could be rebalanced for 12,5 or 14,5 axle load. In 1921 the same type of engine was introduced on the private Hässleholm-Markaryds Järnväg (HMJ) and in 1928-29 on the likewise private Landskrona & Hälsingsborgs Järnvägar (L & H J). The total number built was 25 engines. The locomotive HMJ 6 was taken over by the SJ in 1930 and classified HVd, but it was sold in 1934 to the private Skåne-Smålands Järnväg and became SSJ Y3 Nr. 14. In 1940 the engine returned to the SJ, keeping its class designation Y3. In 1942 the L & H J engines were taken over by the SJ as Class S5, which designation Y3 1489 now also received.

Of the BJ Y3 engines eight had 12,5 tons axle load when nationalized. They were classified S5 by the SJ. After rebalancing to 14,5 tons axle load they became Class S7. In 1947 the same thing happened to S5 Nr. 1489. Fourteen of the twentytwo BJ engines were balanced for 14,5 tons axleload at the time of nationalization and were thus designated Class S7. All engines had been withdrawn by 1970.

Some technical data:

Early BJ version with blue-grey boiler, red wheel rims and wheel centers and kerosene headlights introduced in 2003. Below: The same model with black boiler and cylinders as running later during the private railway era.

The model:

The Y3 Class was a very well proportioned and popular engine for secondary lines. Its reputation is well founded and even today well reflected in the number of engines preserved by railway societies.

Photo: B E

Our standard model is based on the typical condition of the prototype from the 1920ies to the 1960ies when the engines were withdrawn. Once more we have chosen to produce an exclusive hand-built brass model of a very attractive and engine of adequate size for the average model railway. This model is produced in 250 examples. The beautiful model has the same high quality level and fine details as our earlier productions. Like these, it is also furnished with a flywheel equipped Swiss precision motor and ball bearing transmission system specially designed to give the locomotive exceptionally fine slow speed characteristics and smooth running qualities in the range from 0 to 80 scale kph. Like the prototype the middle axle is powered and the rotation transmitted to the other coupled axles though the individually milled and prototypically linked coupling rods. Lead weights in th e boiler and side tanks in combination with the fully sprung chassis gives the engine wonderful running qualities.

Photo: B E

The model is characterized by

• Exact scale 1:87 (H0)
• 2-rail DC with current collection through 12 wheels
• May be equipped with digital control system / decoder
• Simulated 2-cylinder Walschaert steam machinery
• Cab with detailed interior and removable roof (the whistle serves as fastening screw)
• Detailed smokebox interior and smokebox door which can 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
• Detachable snowploughs and headlight armature
• A wide choice of signs and decals enclosed
• Realistic running characteristics 0-80 kph
• Original Brimalm spare parts kept in stock
• Five year technical warranty.