Gotthardbahn 2-8-0 Locomotives in Switzerland

Class C4/5 (Locobase 2529)

Data from Gustav Reder (Michael Reynolds, trans), The world of steam locomotives (New York: Putnam, 1974). See also [], last accessed 19 January 2017, (First viewed August 2002). Works numbers were 2576-2583 in 1906.

These engines, designed by Maffei's Anton Hammel, were purchased to increase the tonnage rating up the Gotthard to 180 tons at 25 mph. In addition, they had to be able to hit 40 mph on the flat.

According to Gustav Reder, the design "bore all his [Hammel's] design hallmarks: four-cylinder compound motion, bar frame, high-pitched boiler with wide firebox unhampered by the wheels." Another feature was the Adams radial axle on the pony truck. When delivered,, these engines had a Clench steam dryer, but were refitted with Schmidt superheaters between 1913-1916. Electrification rendered them redundant in 1925 and they were scrapped.

Price per engine -- 127,300 Swiss francs.

According to Gotthardbahn,ch, these engines managed a max speed in the mountains of 28 kph (17 mph) and 65 kph (40.4 mph) on the level.

Tonnage ratings were as follows:

Mountain -- freight 180 tons

Mountain -- passenger 260 tons

Level -- freight 520 tons

Level -- passenger 800 tons

In the mountains, the tonnage rating for passenger trains was 230 tons. On the flat, these engines were rated at 520 tons.