NSB El 16

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NSB El 16

Tågkompaniet train type El16 24, Sundsvall, Sweden (Image taken by Henrik Sendelbach).
Power type	Electric
Builder	ASEA
Build date	1977 - 1984
UIC classification	Bo'Bo'
AAR wheel arr.	B-B
Gauge	4 ft 8½ in (1,435 mm)
Length	15.52 m
Total weight	80 tonnes
Top speed	140 km/h
Power output	4,440 kW
Locomotive brakes
Train brakes
Career	Norges Statsbaner
Number in class	17
Number(s)	16 2201 – 16 2217
First run	1977
WikiProject Trains {{Infobox Locomotive Auto}}

NSB El 16 is an electric locomotive which is used on the Norwegian railway system by CargoNet to haul freight trains, and by Tågkompaniet in Sweden. Until it was replaced by the El 18, the El 16 engines also pulled passenger trains.

[edit] History

In the 1970s NSB was faced with a challenge on the steep and wintery Bergensbanen and the El 14 was not adequate enough for the task. The solution seemed to be thyristor locomotive that had successfully been tested by ASEA and Canadian Pacific Railway with possibilities to pull 50% heavier trains than equivalent diesel electric locomotives were capable of. The Swedish Rc4 locomotives were tested on the Northeast Corridor with success and NSB also chose to try the units on Bergensbanen. The locomotives were also equipped with dynamic slip control. In 1976 NSB ordered six unites, but chose to modify the Rc4 design, including the pointed nose which is able to force trough the occasional snowdrifts. In 1980 another four units were delivered and the final seven in 1984. The sets were numbered 16 2201 to 16 2217.

The engines were used throughout the electrified rail network, both passenger and freight trains, with the exception of the northern section of Gjøvikbanen and Sørlandsbanen west of Kristiansand, due to too weak power supply systems. But the systems have since been upgraded.

Retirement from passenger service started with the fissioning of NSB. 8 engines were transferred to the CargoNet freight company. In 2002, a further six engines were sold to Tågkompaniet and the remaining three engines were purchased by CargoNet.

[edit] References

Jernbane.net article on the El 16 (in Norwegian)

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