Breda BLS Ae 6/8

Built by Breda, SAAS, SLM

Top speed

100 km/h

62 mph

Power output

4,280 kW

5,740 hp

Weight

140 t

308,647 lb

Length

20.26 m

66 ft 6 in

Track gauge

1,435 mm

Standard gauge

Years built

1926–1943

Overview of the Breda BLS Ae 6/8

Explore the BLS Ae 6/8, an iconic Swiss electric locomotive.

Built between 1926 and 1943 by Breda, SAAS, and SLM, this powerful machine represents a significant piece of railway engineering history.

It boasts a top speed of 100 km/h and delivers an impressive 4280 kW of power, with a substantial tractive effort of 245 kN, making it a reliable workhorse for BLS AG.

With a length of 20.26 meters, a width of 2.95 meters, and a height of 3.78 meters, this 140-tonne locomotive is a testament to robust design.

Operating on 15 kV AC 16.7 Hz electric systems and featuring standard 1435 mm gauge, its UIC classification of (1'Co)(Co'1) highlights its unique axle arrangement.

Discover the enduring legacy of the BLS Ae 6/8, a true marvel of Swiss railway heritage.

Breda BLS Ae 6/8 technical specifications

	Value	Imperial / US
Built by	Breda, SAAS, SLM · 1926–1943
Top speed	100 km/h62 mph	62 mph
Power output	4,280 kW5,740 hp	5,740 hp
Tractive effort	245 kN55,078 lbf	55,078 lbf
Electric systems	15 kV AC 16.7 Hz
Track gauge	1,435 mmStandard gauge4 ft 8½ in	4 ft 8½ in
UIC axle arrangement	(1'Co)(Co'1)
Length	20.26 m66 ft 6 in	66 ft 6 in
Width	2.95 m9 ft 8 in	9 ft 8 in
Height	3.78 m12 ft 5 in	12 ft 5 in
Weight	140 t308,647 lb	308,647 lb