NSB El 1

NSB El 1 is the first electric locomotive series used by the Norwegian State Railways, from 1922 until 1973. Twenty-four engines were delivered from ASEA and Thune, twenty-two in 1922 and two in 1930. Based on the German DB E 71 and Swedish SJ Oc it has two two-axle bogies with one motor in each.

NSB El 1
NSB El 1 2001
Type and origin Power type Electric Builder ASEA Thune Build date 1922–1930 Total produced 24
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR B-B  • UIC B'B' Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 ^1⁄2 in) standard gauge Length 12.7 m (41 ft 8 in) Loco weight 61.3 t (60.3 long tons; 67.6 short tons) Electric system/s 15 kV  ​16 ^2⁄3 Hz AC Catenary Current pickup(s) Pantograph
Performance figures Maximum speed 70 km/h (43 mph) Power output 690 kW (930 hp) Tractive effort 157 kN (35,000 lbf)
Career Operators Norwegian State Railways Numbers 2 2023 – 2 2024 Locale Norway Retired 1973

History

Brand new El 1 at Oslo West Station in 1922

El 1 loading SF Ammonia on the Rjukan Line in the 1940s

When the Drammen Line from Oslo West Station to Brakerøya was electrified as the first NSB line in 1922, NSB was in need of electric traction. The engines were used both for passenger- and freight trains. At first it was used on the Drammen Line, then on Sørlandet Line. In 1966 two of the locos, no. 2001 and 2002, were sold to the Rjukan Line where they served until 1988. Two of the locomotives have been preserved (no. 2001 and 2011).