SJ U

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U

Uf 849 Gällivare 28.05.00
Power type	Electric
Builder	ASEA
Build date	1926-56
Total production	124
UIC classification	C
Gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8½ in)
Length	9,600 mm
Locomotive weight	47.4 tonnes (Ub, Ue) 49.2 tonnes (Uc) 50.4 tonnes (Ud, Uf)
Electric system(s)	15 kV 16⅔ Hz AC
Top speed	45 km/h (Ua, Ub, Uc, Ue) 60 km/h (Ud, Uf)
Power output	610 kW (Ua, Ub, Uc, Ud) 920 kW (Ue, Uf)

U is the series of electric shunter locomotives operated by Statens Järnvägar and TGOJ of Sweden. They were built by ASEA between 1926 and 1956.

[edit] History

During the 1920s SJ was electrifying parts of their railways, and to supplement the D-series SJ also needed electric shunters. Three shunters were ordered from ASEA and given designation U, later changed to Ua. They were driving rod C units based on Swiss design and similar to the D-series. The Ua had cabins in one end, but this was not particularly suited for shunting, so the cabin was moved to the middle in later models, though most of the rest of the design was kept.

The first four Ub-series shunters were delivered in 1930 and a total of 90 Ub locos were delivered until 1950. In 1950-54 five were built for TGOJ. 17 units were also exported to Norges Statsbaner of Norway, where they were designated NSB El 10.

Based on a similar design was the accumulator locomotives of the Ö-series, that could run on both pantographs and batteries. But since these were not particularly well suited for shunting, one Uc shunter was ordered with this capability and delivered in 1933. On the outside it was the same as the Ub-series, but since there was no space for the accumulator, it was placed in a separate car. This was taken out of service in the 1950s, though it was used as a regular shunter until 1991.

In 1955-56 ASEA built 25 Ud shunters for SJ. They were equipped with more rounded cabins and boosted speed to 60 km/h. This allowed it to also haul local freight trains.

Most Ubs and Uds were later refurbished with more powerful engines, increasing power from 610 kW to 920 kW. In 1987-91 60 Ub and 16 Ud were upgraded with new driver cabs, capability of multiple operation and radio driving. Those not rebuilt were taken out of service. But it soon proved difficult to keep them in service, and the Rc1 was from 1997 phased in as shunters.

[edit] External links

• Järnväg.net on Ua/Ub/Uc/Ud
• Järnväg.net on Ue/Uf