LGB Class Ge 6/6 II Electric Locomotive

The LGB Class Ge 6/6 II Electric Locomotive (HC-L22064) is a finely detailed G scale model of the Rhaetian Railroad Ge 6/6 II, depicting road number 703 "St. Moritz" in authentic Era VI presentation. Measuring 65 cm over the buffers, this premium locomotive combines robust drivetrain performance with advanced digital control, including an mfx/DCC decoder offering many light and sound functions. The model accurately reproduces the prototype’s articulated body and distinctive rectangular lower headlight, while servo-driven single-arm pantographs can be raised and lowered digitally. Two powerful ball bearing Bühler motors drive four wheelsets, delivering smooth, reliable operation.

Features

• Length over the buffers 65 cm / 25-5/8"


• Model of a Rhaetian Railroad (RhB) class Ge 6/6 II, road number 703 "St. Moritz"


• Prototypical Era VI paint scheme and lettering


• Rectangular lower headlight as per the prototype


• Four wheelsets driven by two powerful ball bearing Bühler motors


• mfx/DCC decoder with many light and sound functions


• Single-arm pantographs are servo driven and can be raised and lowered digitally


• Correctly reproduced articulation in the middle of the locomotive

Prototype Background

From the mid-Fifties, the Rhaetian Railroad required stronger locomotives to support power plant projects in the Bergell area (Albigna) and the intensive cement traffic from Untervaz near Landquart to the Engadin, reaching up to 1,000 metric tons per day. A single unit had to move around 250 metric tons on a 3.5% grade on the Albula line and about 180 metric tons on the 4.5% grade between Küblis and Davos. In collaboration with SLM (mechanical) and BBC/MFO (electrical), the solution was a locomotive with three two-axle trucks and an articulated body, ideally suited to RhB route conditions. Two Ge 6/6 II units were initially ordered in 1955 and delivered by mid-1958 as road numbers 701 and 702.

The outer trucks and single-phase series-wound motors were shared with the Ge 4/4 I 601–610. Each 294 kW (400 hp) traction motor was governed by a low-voltage step relay controller of the period, providing 28 speed levels from approximately 70 to 480 volts, along with 15 electric brake steps. On descending grades, recuperative braking operated via the proven MFO excitation motor circuit. The LGB model captures these prototype characteristics with precision-focused detailing and robust performance features suited to G scale operation.