Marklin 38350 SBB Ae3/5 10217 Electric Locomotive VI (~AC-Sound) HO Gauge

SBB Ae3/5 10217 Electric Locomotive VI (~AC-Sound) 1:87 scale model produced by Marklin. This model is ready-to-run straight out of the box and would make a excellent addition to any model railway collection. Features: AC Sound Model Best suited to Epoch VI Model Railways This model mainly operates in Switzerland This model is decorated in SBB company markings Completely new tooling. Highly detailed metal construction. World of Operation mfx+ decoder with extensive light and sound functions. The lighting for the cab, control desk, and machine room is digitally controllable. Flashes from the relay are digitally controllable. With buffer capacitor to bridge short unpowered sections of track. Buffer height conforms to NEM. Details The SBB Ae 3/5 is a landmark electric locomotive from the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), introduced in the 1920s as Switzerland pushed ahead with mainline electrification. Designed to handle both express passenger and freight services, the Ae 3/5 became one of the most versatile and successful early AC electric types on the Swiss rail network. Built in several batches between 1924 and 1929, the Ae 3/5 featured a Bo-Bo wheel arrangement with four powered axles, giving it strong traction and balanced running at sustained speeds. Its electric equipment was designed for Switzerland’s standard 15 kV 16.7 Hz AC overhead system, enabling efficient operation on newly electrified routes where steam traction had been costly and operationally limited. Throughout its long career, the Ae 3/5 worked on key Swiss main lines, including steep and challenging Alpine approaches, where its reliable performance and dynamic braking were vital. The class handled fast passenger trains, mixed traffic and heavy freight with equal competence, making it an everyday workhorse across Switzerland’s diverse topography. Many Ae 3/5 locomotives remained in regular service well into the 1960s and 1970s, a testament to their robust design and adaptability through multiple generations of traffic needs. A number were later preserved and continue to appear on heritage excursions, delighting enthusiasts with their classic Swiss electric character.