Railcare's locomotive workshop in Långsele has started a collaboration with Grenland Rail to upgrade eight of the classic 1144 locomotives, formerly in service with the Austrian ÖBB, for use in freight traffic in both Sweden and Norway.
The powerful four-axle 1144 locomotives were manufactured in Austria from the late 1970s until the mid-1990s, and even then, they were inspired by Swedish railway technology, especially when it came to optimising the relationship between power and reliability, which there was experience in Scandinavia.
‘By adapting the locomotives for the Scandinavian market, where winter climate and high demands on reliability are standard, a circle is closed between the history of the 1144 locomotive and its future role on the Nordic tracks,’ says Patrik Söderholm, Operations Manager at Railcare Lokverkstad.
The contract awarded to Lokverkstaden in Långsele involves upgrading the eight locomotives in three stages. First, an audit of the main components will be carried out to ensure that the locomotives are in good condition, while the driver's environment will be upgraded with a more ergonomic and modern cabin. The locomotives are then adapted to cope with the harsh Nordic climate, including the overhaul of pantographs and the installation of climate protection. They are also painted in Grenland Rail colours.
Finally, modern on-board systems are installed. Four of the locomotives will have ATC (Automatic Train Control), while the other four will be equipped with the European safety system ETCS (European Train Control System). All locomotives will also have radio control. Railcare is responsible for the entire process – from design and integration to handling approval at the ERA (European Railway Authority).
‘We take overall responsibility for ensuring that the locomotives meet all the requirements for operating the railway in both Sweden and Norway. It is great that we get to use all our expertise and commitment to extend the life of these reliable and proven locomotives,’ says Patrik.
