NSB El 1 is the first electric locomotive series used by the Norwegian State Railways, from 1922 until 1973. Twenty-four engines were delivered from ASEA and Thune, twenty-two in 1922 and two in 1930. Based on the German DB E 71 and Swedish SJ Oc it has two two-axle bogies with one motor in each.

NSB El 1
NSB El 1 2001
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
BuilderASEA
Thune
Build date1922–1930
Total produced24
Specifications
Configuration:
 • AARB-B
 • UICB'B'
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge
Length12.7 m (41 ft 8 in)
Loco weight61.3 t (60.3 long tons; 67.6 short tons)
Electric system/s15 kV  16+23 Hz AC Catenary
Current pickup(s)Pantograph
Performance figures
Maximum speed70 km/h (43 mph)
Power output690 kW (930 hp)
Tractive effort157 kN (35,000 lbf)
Career
OperatorsNorwegian State Railways
Numbers2 2023 – 2 2024
LocaleNorway
Retired1973

History

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Brand new El 1 at Oslo West Station in 1922
 
El 1 loading SF Ammonia on the Rjukan Line in the 1940s

When the Drammen Line from Oslo West Station to Brakerøya was electrified as the first NSB line in 1922, NSB was in need of electric traction. The engines were used both for passenger- and freight trains. At first it was used on the Drammen Line, then on Sørlandet Line. In 1966 two of the locos, no. 2001 and 2002, were sold to the Rjukan Line where they served until 1988. Two of the locomotives have been preserved (no. 2001 and 2011).