2009-07-30 - The legendary Red Arrow Railcar RAe 2/4 1001 flies again after a refurbishment at the ABB Sécheron Transformer Service Center in Geneva.
The Red Arrow RAe 2/4 1001 is a Swiss railway legend. These eye-catching railcars first
SBB traction transformer damaged - before repair | went into service at Swiss rail operator SBB (Schweizerische Bundesbahnen) in the mid-1930s. Of the two working examples still around today, one is owned by the SBB’s heritage foundation (SBB Historic).
Traction transformer damaged
This unit was earmarked for a number of special trips in summer 2009 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Swiss Museum of Transport. Then in September 2008, a “flashover” damaged the Red Arrow’s traction transformer so badly that there seemed no hope of repairing it in time for the celebrations. |
Research - An efficient solution
With time ticking away, someone remembered the Red Arrow on display at the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne (Switzerland). It had been out of service for a number of years – but might it be possible to get its transformer up and running again?
Transport to ABB transformer service center in Geneva
There was no other option, so the traction transformer was removed and transported to the ABB Transformer Service Center in Geneva where the experts from ABB Sécheron set to work.
With ABB responsiveness again driving efficiently
After various diagnostic measurements, active part inspection and service operations such as factory revision including oil and gaskets exchange, the transformer was successfully tested and handed over to SBB Historic with a fresh coat of paint.
The foundation’s Red Arrow has been running impeccably with the refurbished transformer since March 2009 and will now be able to take part in the summer’s anniversary celebrations. | 
SBB transformer after factory revision |
To learn more about the ABB offering in the rail industry visit
www.abb.com/railway