The Swiss Crocodile Electric Locomotive

[@Glockenfampf]

Translation of Crewvoices: "First field open 40, departure closed" (engine driver repeats) "Dear engine driver, your train number is 5487, you have 56 axles on your train. Your train weights 450 metric tons. Brake function is good. Then they talk about arriving in Airolo and to put down the pantographs there. "Good Ride" Then the conductor talks to the engine driver about driving a little bit slower in the switchbacks, so the conductor isn't thrown around that much in the back of the train. The driver responds with a joke "so you will stay awake" and the conductor responds with the joke " You HAVE a second guy on the locomotive who supervises you, so you don't fall asleep on the locomotive".

[@ThomasMRuth]

Thank you for this.

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@bhaggen]

I think I heard Schafseckel in there somewhere

[@aoilpe]

“First field” = Erstfeld Station There is also someone saying “There is a catenary problem in Airolo,you have to roll-in with the pantograph down…” The word “Sputnik” is designing a two-axle caboose like car attached to the end of the train.

[@SXS14_]

The Language they are speaking is called "swiss german". Since swiss german is basically a different type of german even the germans can't understand the language except maybe a few words. Many swiss people struggle to speak a clean german language, and that's why you can often clearly idenfitfy a swiss person when speaking german.😅 The locomotive itself is a piece of art and was built to replace the steam engines back in the 1920's and were used until about the 1980s. 7 engines are left, while 5 of them are resting in museums. 1 brown is fully operational and used for tourist rides over the old Gotthard mountain route operated by SBB Historic. The other green one is in a rebuilding process i believe. A good friend of mine is a train engineer here and knows alot of thos historic trains😊👍

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@charleshax]

My man Eric put the cheese on the track

[@Criskena]

@ModelRailRoadingFan1522 Pretty Nice

[@randytaylor1258]

He also shorted it out with his knife.

[@35_Guy]

He did what was needed

[@JonatanGronoset]

MTH also did 3-rail versions of american locomotives in H0. Any europhile know that the only major brand of 3-rail H0 on the european continent is Märklin, so the Märklin fans out there can run a Daylight streamliner set on their layouts thanks to MTH! 😄 The dialect is known as schwiizertüütsch, zürichdialekt or schweizerdeutch and it's the swiss version of german, it's similar but not quite. My grandfather was swiss and he still talked schwiizertüütsch but I never learned to understand it. EDIT: As an aside, some european locos had bells! They were most common on lines that ran through towns, docks and other crowded areas. You'll find bells on many german steamers for example.

[@WalkerBulldog19]

Oh boy I do love me some foreign locomotives. Would love to see many more.

[@nathanielcruz6675]

The Swiss Crocodile locomotives are so called because they have long "noses" at each end, reminiscent of the snout of a crocodile. These contain the motors and drive axles, and are connected by an articulated center section. The center section usually contains the crew compartment, pantographs, and transformer. The Crocodile was built between 1919 and 1921 by Swiss Locomotive Machine Works and Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon. They were rebuild between 1942 and 1947.

[@Nicetrains]

Very nice. I had this locomotive when I had Marklin HO growing up.

[@lamegaming9835]

please review more swiss trains! perhaps the glacier express or re460 intercity and as a swiss person i can confirm that's what we eat every day lol

[@frankjoyce76]

Growing up with lgb - its funny to see you get excited about this 😆

[@schnurrfpv4594]

I gotta say those are gorgeous trains

[@boombox4037]

The crocodile id say is one of the most famous locomotives on the tracks

[@kingjulian9496]

Ive got lgb s first run crocodile when they first started importing to the us. Believe it or not she looks right at home pulling a string of streamline pennsy passenger cars. Dads collection goes back to 1968. I inherited his collection of lgb. Fun but i do love o scale.

[@blackstone1a]

There’s a Czech company called ETS that makes a lot of European outline trains that can be ordered to be compatible with 3 rail operation, but they’re unfortunately the engines are all conventional only models. I’ve got one of their 0-4-0s and a few freight cars and it’s some pretty good stuff.

[@953edmondgreen7]

Warning: ⚠⚠ U. S, has 60 cycle current, Europe has 50. Make sure it says 60 C/S for U. S. at 18 Volts!

[@CybexInteractive]

Transcription of voice clips: The conversations are in proper swiss-german (yes that's different to german, thank you very much ;D) [v0...4] = voice / person / language [v0] "Erstfäld offä, 40. D Uusfahrt zuä." "Erstfeld*1 open, 40. The exit closed." [v1] "Jo verstandä. Erstfäld offä, 40. Uusfahrt zuä." "Copy that. Erstfeld open, 40. Exit closed." [v2] "Sali Lokfüährer. Du hesch für ä 5484 56 Achsä und 450 Tonne. Bräms isch guät." "Hi train driver (US: Engineer). You have for the 5484 56 Axles and 450 tons. Brake is good." [v1] "Sali, verstandä. 56 Achsä, 450 Tonnä, Bräms wär guät. Dankä" "Hi, copy that. 56 Axles, 450 tons, brake is good. Thank you." >> In this conversation the train driver is clearly not all to pleased with the situation of the defective catenary. [v3] "Du, i ha no äs Problem. Ha no ä Fahrleitigsstörig z' Airolo, muäsch mit gsanktäm Bügel iifahrä. Do hesch de Raport derzuä." "Hey, I have one problem here. I have a catenary fault in Airolo, you'll have to enter with lowered pantograph. Here is the Report for it." [v1] "Aha, das au no. Iifahrt mit gsänktem Bügel in Airolo. Dankä." "Ah, this now as well. Entry with lowered pantograph in Airolo. Thank you." [v3] "Jo genau, Guäti fahrt." "Yes exactly, have a good ride." >> This conversation is light hearted but has a slight tone of annoyance on both sides, the two will still go and enjoy a beer together though after work. :D [v4] "Du Meister, fahrsch mer chli langsamer über d Ablänkigä? Dä Sputnik schüttled so grauähaft." "Hey Boss*2, will you drive a little slower over the switches? The Sputnik*3 is shaking so awfully." [v1] "Jo chum. So schlofsch mer dehindä ned i." "Come on. That way you'll at least not fall asleep back there." [v4] "Du chasch scho guät redä. Du hesch no einä ufäm Bock wo luäged dassd ned iischlafsch." "You have easy talking. You have one on the locomotive who is keeping an eye on you not falling asleep." [v1] "Jo scho rächt. I goh jetz hinderä, denn chömer äntli fahre." "Yes it's fine. I'll now go to the back, then we can drive already." *1 Cargo yard located in Switzerland *2 Refering to the train driver *3 Sputnik is a type of caboose owned by the SBB Hope you'll have a lot of fun with my childhoods favourite locomotive. :D Cheers.

[@dinozilic7918]

Now that is a famous classic locomotive

[@strasburgrailfan90]

The fact that they chose an E-bell for this locomotive is hilarious

[@MattyCtrains]

Awesome review Eric! So glad someone is showing this model in detail absolutely fantastic engine! Last I was at Nicholas Smith trains in PA he had that second Crocodile you mentioned your looking for, not sure if it's still available but might be worth a shot! That Dutchess model is fantastic aswell. The German BR-44 i belive was the shortest production run out of any of these trains. Train man Dan here on KZbin has that engine I've seen it in person and the looks and sounds will blow anyone away. Great review of this piece!

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks, I'll reach out and see if maybe they still have it.

[@JohnHuntt]

Thanks for showing the Swiss Crocodile. Your information is helpful Do miss the old MTH selection of the Eruopean engines and cars. Had interest at the time but noy not the money..

[@BrewPub]

Last week I received a Gauge 1 Marklin Krokodil. Mine was made in West Germany. It is nicely detailed considering it is over 3 decades old. I have no Gauge 1 track or controller so for the moment I just look at it.

[@johnpandolfino8663]

I always found these models interesting and was wondering what happened to them ..... thanks Eric for the episode......they look great 👍

[@keithneal3253]

Excellent and enjoyable video. Something different. Thanks Eric.

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks 👍

[@robertm3769]

Great video! I was lucky enough to find one of these over the holidays. It was set up for 2 rail. The engine came with 4 pick up rollers still sealed in package. I am converting it to 3 rail. The manual only shows a picture with 2. There appears to be a place for 2 more. MTH normally has a good picture of where to place the rollers on these 2/3 proto models, but not in this case. Curious if yours has 2 rollers of 4? I thoroughly enjoy your channel, thanks!

[@jakekreutzer]

If you pause the video at 9:30 it shows 4 pickup rollers

[@harrison444]

great video and model 👍

[@Ericstrains]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@MrBnsftrain]

I think a European model MTH should've made was the LNER A1 Flying Scotsman, since that locomotive ran on American tracks in the early 70s. Maybe even a streamlined version of the Duchess to model 6220 Coronation as it visited the 1939 World's Fair in New York. I find it odd they gave this locomotive a modern e-bell instead of the bell used on their GG1s

[@953edmondgreen7]

How about these two Brittish locos? A. Flying Scottman😀😀 with both tender and its passenger cars and B. The A4 sir Nigel Grissly😀😀? Thse two are THE most famous because they broke the steam speed record.

[@lillywho]

15:27 It's hard to understand the specifics because they're speaking in a Swiss dialect, but apparently they're getting track orders from Dispatch. How prototypical these are I can't say. It's hard to understand the rest as you rapid fire them away, plus the acoustics. I'll see if I can sit down and have a better listen later.

[@ursborner72]

Greetings from Switzerland. Someone has already done the translation so I can just enjoy the video. If you want more information about Switzerland or the trains here, feel free to ask. Urs

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks. I think my next holiday will be in Switzerland..maybe next year. I want to go visit to Victorinox factory lol.

[@ursborner72]

@@Ericstrains let me know when your around, I am not far from the Victorinox factory.

[@stuarthart3370]

Thanks Urs, are preserved or restored locomotives still allowed to run on Swiss Railways ?

[@ursborner72]

Hello Stuart. They are allowed and they are still around. You can see the Crocodile on some special occasions as well as other old locomotives, electric and steam.

[@ThomasMRuth]

Swiss watches? What a brilliant looking train!

[@Datboi169]

Absolutely love the European steam engines. Great video!

[@Datboi169]

@@bungieman2810 did you watch the whole video or what

[@jordonfreeman166]

If you ever go to Switzerland, take the Bernina Express. It’s a Meter-gauge train whose route is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The train ride goes from Chur, Switzerland, to Tirano, Italy, and takes four hours one-way.

[@andiputrarailfan]

This video is sponsor by swiss food they're taste so good! If you want 'em then visit swiss! Is a good visit and thanks to swiss for sponsoring this video

[@stelerElk]

That's an ear-piercing whistle. Still like it.

[@legoman2313]

This is definitely the best intro ever, super hilarious

[@TheGermanKnowsBest]

Yeah so the announcement is speaking Schweiz-Deutsch (Swiss German) and yeah even someone like me who speaks Öster-Bayern Deutsch (Austro-Bavarian) German, I can understand some words but the dialect of Swiss German makes it so that I cannot comprehend what they are something. I caught something about something the lines in the mountains, but other than that I do not know. Usually Germans try to speak Northern "standard German" to each other because the dialects impede verbal communication.

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks. I'm impressed that MTH went to the trouble of actually using a Swiss German dialect. Nice attention to detail.

[@paulbender5290]

I think it is very nice

[@thesheq5023]

My all time favorite locomotive. Ive envied the g scale one since i was a kid. They’re just too cool and unique

[@d.cthehobbyist2252]

Love the tweetie bird whistle. Awesome find. The only thing you missed is the Swiss chocolate bars .

[@WhatAboutTheBee]

Cheesiest intro ever 😉

[@erickstrainworld5488]

for the lights the different lights being on is what they use to classify what the train is hauling although i forget what all the different combinations are

[@davidstrainsandlego]

Love the European stuff

[@sleepyg2011]

Beautiful.

[@Manwholikestrains]

3:02 a runaway success I see what you did there

[@AleLGB]

I don't speak german but I've been in Switzerland more than once, and my guess is that Google didn't understand because that sounds more like to the german dialect they use in the northern part. At 15:49 and 15:58 they mentioned "Airolo" which is a small town right before the entrance of the Gotthard Tunnel, so my guess is that they are probably asking if there are any other trains that have a higher priority before accessing it, but I might be wrong...

[@KidYo]

Great video

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@j.j.foster7002]

That is a very cool locomotive!

[@TomedysTrains]

The crocodile is such an iconic Swiss electric locomotive. Good choice for MTH to make when they made it. I hope you succeed at finding a Stanier Duchess Class Pacific type steam locomotive from MTH. I'm eager to see you make a review on that since it [unfortunately] turned out to be MTH's only British train that they made, but it's still an iconic locomotive.

[@V_MA]

Beautiful engine 😍👍👍👍

[@henryszubielski8601]

Another sharp looking European locomotive Eric. Glad you found it. The cars are a nice bonus! Makes for a nice train. Enjoy! P.S. the train looks great on your layout!

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@mattstrainroom]

Great find, Eric - always loved the Croc ever since seeing the first LGB version in G gauge!

[@hugueslalonde]

Awesome 😎🥰🥰🥰

[@GlennFresch]

Congrats. I got the 2 rail scale wheel version of the brown croc when it first came out. The level of detail is amazing, including the box and reefer cars. I’m disappointed they didn’t make more Swiss stuff, as actual Swiss o scale, like Lemanco, is usually incredibly expensive! Also, o scale is rare in Switzerland and is typically 3 rail.

[@georgetrains6168]

Very cool video 🚂👍🍻

[@Ericstrains]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jamesdenny4734]

Now you have to get a brake van to end the train! I always liked the Swiss crocodile. I wish an American model maker would take on the task n build one in N scale!

[@randytaylor1258]

Eric, it's so good to hear from you again. Your enthusiasm for collecting is infectious. I'm sick of self-proclaimed rivet counters. In my experience the naysayers just use their "expertise" as an excuse to collect or build nothing. That Swiss loco must have had some traction force with all those powered wheels. It's gorgeously functional, unlike it's silly whistle. Have you ever considered adding a catenary to a loop on your layout? I only just noticed the misty-mountain backdrop on your layout. Beautiful! You sound in good spirits. Thanks for making me smile.

[@wrangler70jkujeep74]

Wow that's so cool . Love it ❤️ ! I just seen box car on ebay and passenger car seat .

[@randyjacobs9489]

Based on the Patreon list I'm assuming we have Tesla Locomotives coming in the future! LOL! The European Locos are beautifully done.

[@TROOJW]

This is absolutely incredible! I never though model trains would get to the point where they are powered with electricity through their MODEL Pantagraphs. What an amazing loco!

[@wjstix]

Actually, that's been common for decades, back to the early days of the 30's. Trolleys too. Even N scale!

[@charlesmcclure5994]

Cool looking engine 👍👍

[@RailRide]

I guess I should consider myself lucky that I got ahold of the powered/non-powered SBB Cargo TRAXX electrics when they were first released. I hope to one day film them running around my 'test track' (got kinda of backed up in other projects over the past couple of years), but the closest thing I have to modern European freight is a string of spine cars. MTH might've sold a bunch of the typical Euro container flats had they thought to include them amongst the first candidates for their Euro line.

[@zachwheeler9846]

Very nice engine, I think european engines are nice, I don't see anything wrong with running these locomotives on an American layout, I would regardless of whether its realistic or not.

[@thomassabeldindahouse6753]

Wow, this locomotive is absolutely amazing!!!! She is so beautiful!

[@1llenium]

Eric will you ever add catenary on 1 side of your track so you could start running electric trains

[@Ericstrains]

Probably not on this layout, but maybe on the next one.

[@LighthouseProductions1]

Would be nice if you could get ZZ Top music to play through that somehow

[@howardgriffin2966]

Nice video thanks for sharing, quick question Eric would appreciate your help, I have the new Lionel DD35 diesel and one set of mu hoses on the rear fell off what's the best glue to use to reinstall, thank you Howard G

[@Ericstrains]

Just use CA glue, otherwise known as superglue.

[@randytaylor1258]

You might consider using a dab of silicone. Once it's cured it stays flexible so it's less likely to break off if it gets banged again.

[@James_Lee_]

I actually have the Lego model. Took a while to build

[@nicks521]

I see the Acela in the background 🙃

[@matthewdickson7838]

All excellent stock eric so well explained thankyou 👍👍👍👍

[@Ericstrains]

Glad you liked it!

[@Trainboy11]

cool

[@aj.2004]

I’d love to see you do reviews on the other European engines! I know I’ve seen a few of them before. Maybe you did review them all but still, they’re awesome!

[@Donnie67654]

I love European and foreign rolling stock as well. It is much easier for me because I model HO scale. I hope you fine more stock for 3 rail!

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@alanfein358]

Hello Eric. I watch and enjoy your presentations and completely agree with your "eclectic" method of collecting and running. Years ago someone on OGR wrote "its your layout, run what you like". That fit my way and obviously yours as well. I loved your review of the Swiss Crocodile. (I have one) Actually I have 5 different European MTH engines, and I too wish I had more. I have several MTH European passenger sets (French, British, and German) and numerous European freight cars. I purchased these as they came out over the years, and only during Covid lockdown took them out of the boxes to run on my layout. (what took me so long, I don't know) I have many US trains and really like some of the huge western engines. (Big Boy, Cab Forward etc). My emphasis though is on Florida and the Southeast. I am hoping that someone comes out with an O gauge model of the new Brightline train. This train runs from Miami to Orlando and eventually will go to Tampa. However, my favorites are the European trains. My wife and I spent some time in Switzerland, and it is an absolutely beautiful country. We went to the top of Jungfrau and were in the train station at the highest altitude in Switzerland (and I believe the highest in Europe). We were in Bern and visited the home of Albert Einstein, and went to Zurich as well. I nave promised my wife that we will go again, and spend more time in Switzerland. In my opinion, the MTH European trains were the finest, most detailed, trains that MTH made. It also means that you have to be very careful in handling them, as some of the details are quite fragile. I know that ETS manufactures European O gauge trains and you can request that they configure "your order" for AC three rail operation.....and provide knuckle couplers if your want! and buffer beams if you want! I don't know anyone who has ordered any of these, so I haven't heard any feedback. I also believe that ETS engine uses a unique "transmission" whereby when the power is off, the motor disconnects so that you can roll the engine in "neutral". (I don't know if this applies to all their engines?) Eric...... Keep the great reviews coming! Of course I will support your channel! Thank you!

[@TRAIN110ValleyProductions]

I want to do reviews on my own model trains but I removed them because of personal reasons, those include: MTH Coors Light Silver Bullet & Lionel Tinplate Prewar Locomotive 2-4-2. (To be honest I do not know why I am commenting this here.)

[@TheOneTrueDragonKing]

No matter who comes out with them, if Lionel or MTH or any of the other manufacturers comes out with Japanese stuff in 3-Rail O-scale, especially Japanese steam, I'll be all over it. And I'm pretty sure others will too. I'd be VERY into picking up a C62-class 4-6-4 Hudson steam locomotive, especially one numbered C62.48 and/or C62.50. Anyone who likes trains in anime can tell you why that is! "Galaxy Express Three-Nine, cleared outbound!" PS: MTH's operating pantographs are cool, but Lionel did it first, going all the way back to their very first GG1. The only GG1 that doesn't have this feature is the Vision Line one done a few years back.

[@khaerunmisyar3512]

Wow nice video

[@953edmondgreen7]

How about a Garrett Loco? It is impressive! You are missing the boat when you chose the gray Verranda Loco over the Army version, since you DO have several millitary vecjicles on several flatcars, and you can attach both hospital cars to make the entire contest pure military! Also there is a military steam loco I saw on You Tube.

[@TruenoD12]

I also like Swiss chocolateEric

[@TomzTrainzandAccessories]

Eric, your translation was fun to see. It made perfectly sense. LOL. Is this locomotive articulated? It looked like it at some angles, and at other times, it looked like a postwar GG1 set up. Just curious. Great video and nicely described. Very cool looking locomotive, especially the operating pantographs.

[@Ericstrains]

It's a center-cab locomotive, like the American Milwaukee Road bi-polars.

[@Broncort1]

I have the Wascosa tanker car set and a German passenger car set so I guess I did ok. Both sets are highly detailed…MTH did a great job on them!

[@jordonfreeman166]

I got the Lego version. It was a fun build.

[@salninethousand2496]

The MTH European steam engines are amazing, even in 1:45 scale. Amazing detail.

[@coreymitchell3900]

Just out of curiosity idk if you'd know this but what's the size comparison of the lego version and a o gauge? Asking because I'm planning on a small layout and would want to display my lego Loco

[@victordandrea8697]

Don't worry about the haters your track your train enjoy I love it

[@GlennFresch]

I should note that there is an upcoming cabin fever auction of what I assume is MTH warehouse items that includes a ton of the beer wagons and European passenger cars. However, I think all of them are 2 rail.

[@jamesdenny4734]

Come on, Eric, that wasn't real Swiss cheese? Where were all the holes!? 🤔

[@Shipwright1918]

Wow...Personally would've liked to get MTH's LMS Duchess as I like to run British locomotives, unfortunately it was too big for my layout. I wonder if enough of us asked, Lionel might make some more Thomas-style engines? If nothing else, they'd be easy to kitbash into semi-realistic British engines.

[@OwenConcorde]

Don't forget the Hogwarts Express! That's British as well!

[@Shipwright1918]

@@OwenConcorde Already got that one, though. 😉

[@GlennFresch]

One of my big disappointments in the MTH Swiss croc was that they didn’t make a correct green one. The brown Ce6/8ii here is correct for the as delivered paint scheme and represents the engine as it looked in the prewar era. MTH did make a green version, but it doesn’t have the postwar modifications made to the body and frame of the engine. The rebuilt crocs lost a cab door on each side, got steps and grab irons, amongst modifications and some had a speed upgrade, reclassifying them to Be6/8ii.

[@avsavannahvalleyrailroad9479]

Are you tracks 6 inch of center

[@ErikVince]

Love the horn on it it is a cute horn

[@amadigidigaula771]

Great to see this kind of unusual product. I wish this range was still being made by MTH. I have to have separate layouts for my UK and US O scale trains. Great that you can do it all on 3 rail US. There are a few different EU O gauge standards - 1:43 is very much UK. EU tends to be 1:45.

[@therailfanman2078]

I have the Lego version of this. It's a great set

[@globalintermodal]

Hi Eric -Nice "EXTRA"

[@achmadzein8465]

Good info... 👍🏼👍🏼🙏🏻🇮🇩

[@brandonharris7516]

Wow

[@fluffnose3386]

Fantastic video! I think I asked a while back, but would you be against reviewing the LEGO version? I think it would be cool to see your take on the LEGO set!

[@eclipsepicturestudio]

It would've cool if you could to some British trains like mallod.

[@blackegret666]

Rail of War introduced me to this lovely machine (It was called the Rhino Industrial ingame)

[@simonalexandercritchley439]

Believe it or not some swiss humour ! Swiss dialects can be hard to understand even for german speakers.The whistles on european electric locos are compressed air by the way.There is also CE 6/8 crocodiles in Austrian livery in green or blood orange with detail differences, notably under the cab. I have one in HO by Roco.

[@brandonharris7516]

I have the LEGO one

[@OwenConcorde]

Very nice review of the Crocodile! 🙂 It's a shame that the European market didn't do well despite I was one of the few people who suggested new European designs to MTH. I'm probably still holding on to my European O gauge (including my two ETS items I bought at a train show in summer 2011) despite having thoughts of collecting more European trains in 2 rail HO (more variety of such models, especially the ICE trains) one day. I'm still doing traditional American three rail O gauge which I've been obsessing since I used to watch I Love Toy Trains on VHS when I was a little kid in the late 90s, but it wasn't that long before I got bit by the European train bug ever since Thomas the tank engine (based on mostly on British protoypes) originally got me into trains in general. I did contact MTH a few times a few years back about what happened the European product line, but they were silent and I'm not sure what did they do with the tooling of such trains when they sold most of the other stuff to companies like Lionel and Atlas.

[@robertgibbonsmeyers3606]

orient express mth engine with cars currently on ebay

[@Ericstrains]

I saw that, thanks. I've already got a variation of that set.

[@lukebarber9511]

I think the main reason for the lack of success with this line is that it caters to a fringe sector of a fringe sector of the hobby; most US-based Euro modellers tend to model in HO, N, Z, or G scale. BTW I have an HO scale Class 44 from Trix, and even in HO scale it's quite impressive: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGe5faRjgsiif6s