Builder: Tad64
Region: Europe & Middle East
Category entered:
Year entered: 2022
Brand of building bricks used:
LEGO
Since 2026, the Brick Train Awards have accepted models created with other LEGO®-compatible construction brick systems.
About SBB E 3/3 „Tigerli“ Electric-steam locomotive by Tad64
This locomotive is a steam locomotive that use electricity to heat the boiler to create steam instead of burning fuel in a firebox.
Because Switzerland has no reserves of coal, but the mountainous region offers a lot of cheap hydroelectricity.
In an attempt to save on coal the SBB fitted in 1943 two 0-6-0 steam shutters with a pantograph and electric heaters.
This model is build in 8w and has an special electric equipment. Steering is possible lika a normal PU-System. The Hub hasn’t a batterie box. The current, 16V AC, comes from 9V-Tracks. The wheels are custom made in molded brass. Brushes from a slot car takes the current from the wheels and give it to some diodes, a capacitor and a step-down-regulator to stabilize the current to 9V DC. This method connect the advantages from a 9V-train-system with the Powers Up steering possibilities.
Other custom parts are the LED-lights. The front signal is an typical Swiss shunter signal. The blue light show the driver side of the locomotive. The couplers are BT Kadee coupler and the coupling and driver rods was printed by Bricks on Rails. A 1mm wire stabilize the steam pipe.
Manufacturer plate and locomotive number are made from Becker Modellbau in etched brass.