Class 1100 Electric Locomotive

The year is 1950. There was a great spirit of optimism everywhere in the war-torn countries of Western Europe. The railroad also played a decisive role in this. At the time, it represented freedom and mobility – and also symbolized the dawn of a new era. Naturally, this also applied to the Netherlands, where numerous lines had already been electrified before the Second World War. For this reason, one priority of the “Nederlandse Spoorwegen” (NS) after 1945 was to rapidly expand electric operation and modernize the locomotive fleet. To secure modern locos quickly, the company turned to the French class BB 8100, which had been operating reliably in the neighboring country since 1947. With its two powered, two-axle trucks, this loco type was equipped with the very latest drive technology. In the end, NS ordered 60 machines from Alstom in Belfort and added them to its loco fleet as the class 1100. With an output of 2,722 hp and a top speed of 120 km/h / 75 mph, they soon dominated train haulage on electrified NS routes. They also hauled prominent trains such as the TEE “Rheingold” and “Rembrandt,” or the “Italy-Holland Express.” For four decades, the rugged class 1100 locos were indispensable traction units in the Netherlands, and the last unit was only withdrawn in 1999. Locomotive 1125 was restored to its original 1950s condition at great expense. It can now be admired as a unique treasure in the Railway Museum in Utrecht. Unfortunately, like the other five surviving units, this machine is not operational. However, the new and beautifully detailed Märklin model will make it possible to recreate trains such as the “Rheingold” hauled by a class 1100 in miniature in the future.

Prototype: Dutch Railways (NS) class 1100 electric locomotive. The model replicates the prototype as it currently looks as a museum loco in the Railway Museum in Utrecht. The model is based on a loco from the first production run, without end reinforcement. The colors approximate its paint scheme from the 1950s when it entered service, with a turquoise body and agate gray running gear. With raised decorative strips. Trucks with rectangular recesses. Locomotive road number 1125. The model replicates the current museum condition of the prototype.