SJ Ra

Infobox Locomotive
name = Ra
powertype = Electric

---

size = 300px
caption = Rapid 988 at the Swedish Railway Museum
builder = ASEA
builddate = 1955, 1961
totalproduction = 10
uicclass = Bo'Bo'
gauge = RailGauge|sg
wheeldiameter =
length = 15,100 mm
weight = 65 tonnes
topspeed = 150 km/h
electricsystem = 15 kV 16⅔ AC
collection method = Pantograph
poweroutput = 2,640 kW
tractiveeffort = 200 kN
railroad = Statens Järnvägar
roadnumber = 846-847
987-994
retired = 1996

Ra or Rapid is a electric locomotive operated by Statens Järnvägar of Sweden. Ten units were built by ASEA, two in 1955 and eight in 1961. Ra was used on express trains until the 1980s.

History

During the 1940s SJ had a need for quicker locomotives for their express trains. In 1953 to bogie-locomotives were ordered from ASEA. Inspiration for the appearance came from North America, whith round shapes and a bulldog nose. The two first units were successful and SJ ordered additional eight units from ASEA, delivered in 1961. Though never being used for more than 130 km/h, it was capable for 150 km/h, and served mainly on Stockholm - Göteborg and Stockholm - Oslo. They were mainly taken out of service in the late 1980s, though two remained in service until 1996. Most have been preserved, including at the Swedish Railway Museum and at Nässjö Railway Museum.

External links

* [http://www.jarnvag.net/lokguide/Ra.asp Järnväg.net on Ra]