Success stories · 2023
MOB locomotive GDe 4/4 6000
At the end of 2021 the GDe 4/4 project got under way. The goal was to build not one but two MOB GDe 4/4 locomotives on a 7¼-inch (184 mm) gauge: one at 1:5 scale, the other at 1:4 to match existing coaches.
First, of course, the vehicles had to be designed. Starting with the wheels, the drivetrain and the bogies, we moved on to the body and the components needed for operation, not forgetting the visual details to be fitted to the vehicle. From the shape of the body to the last screw, everything had to be thought of.
In developing these two vehicles we paid particular attention to ease of use, comfort for the driver and smooth running. That is why all the technical components were packed in extremely compactly, which left plenty of room for the driver.
As soon as the last parts were designed and the bills of materials finalised, production of the individual parts began. We preferred regional partners to keep communication and transport as efficient as possible.
Within a few weeks the first assemblies arrived for quality control.
From the start we focused on a robust, low-maintenance design. Working closely with all suppliers, we found excellent solutions everywhere. Many components such as the battery, motors and gearboxes were developed together with our partners specifically for this vehicle so that everything works together perfectly. A big thank you to everyone involved for the good, flexible collaboration!
As soon as the painted parts were back, final assembly of the sub-assemblies began. Thanks to very detailed and precise planning, this went smoothly and without surprises. While the first assemblies were in final assembly, the long-awaited locomotive bodies were ready for collection. The clever design made it possible to combine the load-bearing chassis and the body in one welded structure. This also gives easy access to all components during maintenance, without having to remove a heavy body.
After an inspection, the bodies were released for painting.
At the beginning of November 2022 the painted bodies of the two GDe 4/4 arrived in our workshop, so almost all parts were ready for final assembly. By then the controls of both vehicles were prepared for installation and assembly progressed quickly. After a short break over the new year, the last parts needed for driving were fitted and the software was prepared for the first runs. On 12 January 2023 the first locomotive, GDe 4/4 6003, was put on real track for the first time, at its future home with the Dampfbahn Aaretal in Münsingen.
Over the following weeks we carried out extensive test runs. First the software was thoroughly tested and optimised to guarantee reliable operation. To make sure the mechanics meet the requirements too, the vehicle was then pushed to its limits several times. Thanks to the unique design and suspension of the running gear, the locomotive can take extremely tight curves despite being over 3 metres long. Uneven track is no problem either. The drivetrain combined with the double suspension gives the vehicle particularly smooth running.
With these very satisfying results the locomotive went back to the workshop once more, where it received its unique wrap and the final details.
At the beginning of March it was time for the second locomotive, GDe 4/4 6002, to leave the workshop for good. After a short test run at the Dampfbahn Aaretal in Münsingen it set off for its final destination. In the coming years it is to be a reliable workhorse of the leisure park and, as its first purely electric vehicle, usher in a new era of electrification and sustainability. With the matching coaches in tow it will delight young and old for a long time to come.
Just in time for the start of the season at the Dampfbahn Aaretal in Münsingen, GDe 4/4 6003 was inaugurated in its unique gold livery, a real eye-catcher.
Good looks, easy maintenance and comfortable operation come together perfectly in these powerful locomotives built for hard work. Are you looking for a one-of-a-kind model locomotive, or has this project caught your interest? Then get in touch!