Nordic Re-Finance is contemplating the purchase of Re 620 locomotives from SBB Cargo, but not before the ‘first of class’ 620 052 is successfully authorized with the ATC train safety system for Norway and Sweden. Meanwhile, there is news about possible future designs:
About Re 620 052 (‘Kerzers’)
- EVN-number: 91 85 4 620 052-1 CH-SBBC
- Manufacturer: SLM
- Model: Re 6/6
- Year built: 1978
- Works number: 5094
Nordic Re-Finance can acquire at least 17 Re 620 locomotives from SBB Cargo. While locomotives are being sidelined and scrapped in Switzerland, the possibility of several units heading to Sweden is increasing daily.
Nordic Re-Finance has applied to the European Railway Agency (ERA) for authorization to install ATC systems in the 620 locomotives that the company plans to buy from the Swiss federal railway company SBB Cargo. If ERA approves of these machines running in SE/NO without updating their ETCS, it will be a viable business case for Nordic Re-Finance. They are awaiting a decision from the commission regarding the approval for an exemption from the ETCS requirement. If granted, they will install and authorise the locomotives with ATC.
Two unique liveries
Meanwhile, Nordic Re-Finance has selected two distinctive liveries for their future machines. One locomotive will feature a design inspired by its Swiss heritage, adorned with white Alpine mountains and the Swiss flag. Another will likely be wrapped in black with a white border and a starlit sky, giving it a striking and modern appearance. The plan is to have the Swiss tribute on one locomotive and the rest in black, although this is not set in stone.
Market demand and maintenance
Nordic Re-Finance believes a high demand for heavy electric locomotives at a reasonable price contributes to increased competitiveness for rail transport. SBB Cargo, as a state-owned company, has maintained the locomotives very well, which Nordic Re-Finance has great confidence in after purchasing both the 482 locomotives (Traxx Br 185 AC2) and AM843 (Vossloh G1700) from them. They hope they will receive approval to equip these locomotives with ATC2 to get them into service in Sweden quickly.
This potential acquisition marks a significant step for Nordic Re-Finance, which aims to enhance its fleet with well-maintained and versatile locomotives ready to meet the demands of the Scandinavian rail market.
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