© trainspo.comASEA NSB El 15
Built by ASEA
Overview of the ASEA NSB El 15
Discover the NSB El 15, a powerful electric locomotive built by ASEA in 1967. This robust machine boasts an impressive 5400 kW power output and a substantial tractive effort of 420 kN, capable of reaching speeds up to 120 km/h.
Operating on a 1435 mm gauge with a Co'Co' wheel arrangement, the NSB El 15 measures 19.8 meters in length and weighs 132 tons. It is powered by 15 kV AC 16.7 Hz electric systems, making it a formidable presence on the tracks.
This versatile locomotive has a notable service history, having been operated by both the Norwegian State Railways (NSB) and Hector Rail in Sweden, where it was classified as Hector Rail 161. Its enduring reliability and capability have made it a respected workhorse in rail operations.
ASEA NSB El 15 technical specifications
| Value | Imperial / US | |
|---|---|---|
| Built by | ASEA · 19676 units | |
| Top speed | 120 km/h75 mph | |
| Power output | 5,400 kW7,242 hp | |
| Tractive effort | 420 kN94,420 lbf | |
| Electric systems |
| |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mmStandard gauge4 ft 8½ in | |
| UIC axle arrangement | Co'Co' | |
| Length | 19.8 m65 ft 0 in | |
| Weight | 132 t291,010 lb |
Operators of the ASEA NSB El 15
Railway companies that have operated the NSB El 15, with the class designation used by each of them.
| Operator | Class | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Norwegian State Railways | NSB El 15 | Norway |
| Hector Rail | Hector Rail 161 | Sweden |
ASEA NSB El 15 photos
Photos © their respective authors, shared on trainspo.com. They may show liveries or variants that differ from the specifications above.
More electric locomotives from ASEA

ASEA
LE 5100 / 060-EA
Electric locomotive
1965 · 120 km/h

ASEA
CFR 470
Electric locomotive
1965 · 160 km/h

ASEA
MMV 0470
Electric locomotive
1965 · 120 km/h

ASEA
Rc1
Electric locomotive
1967–1968 · 135 km/h

ASEA
Rc2
Electric locomotive
1969–1975 · 135 km/h

ASEA
Rd2
Electric locomotive
1969–1975 · 135 km/h

ASEA
El 16
Electric locomotive
1977–1984 · 140 km/h

ASEA
Rc3
Electric locomotive
1970–1971 · 160 km/h
Similar electric locomotives from other manufacturers

Thune
El 14
Electric locomotive
1968–1973 · 120 km/h

MTE
BB 25150
Electric locomotive
1967–1977 · 130 km/h

Electroputere
CFR 474
Electric locomotive
1965 · 5,100 kW

MTE
BB 25100
Electric locomotive
1964–1965 · 130 km/h

LEW
DR 250 / DB 155
Electric locomotive
1974–1984 · 125 km/h

Kim Chong-t'ae
Red Flag 1
Electric locomotive
1961–1980 · 120 km/h

LEW
E 11 / Br 211 / Br 109
Electric locomotive
1961–1976 · 120 km/h

Alstom
BB 20200
Electric locomotive
1970 · 140 km/h