Swedish Diesels



SJ V3 42
V 3
The first diesels SJ first in numbers were the three axled V3.s from German firm in the early 50.s. These units wew mainly used as switchers and on short transfer runs in big cities and major yards. Phased out in the early eightes and scrapped except for a handful few survivers, like this one sitting on turntable at one of the former roundhouses in Bollnäs 12. February 2006.


SJ V3 44
V 3
The first major attack on the reign of steam in the early fifties where the 50 Esslingen built V3.s from 1952-1954. These 0-6-0 side rod diesels where placed along the two Brittish built V1.s on switching duties untill they were withdrawn in end of the 1970.s. The private TGOJ received few engines of this type, but they were built by Deutz and have a bit different appearence.






Ex. SJ T21 58
T21
The major treath for the steam power were the deliveries of V3 and the T2 classes of mid fifties. The V (V=växling=Switching) classification are for engines used a s a switcher while the T (T=tung=heavy) are for roadunits. The MAK deliveries of T2 differed from German V65 class by the increase of output from 650 hp to 800 hp, and this resulted in that the cab was placed further off center, and during the sixties they were reclassified as T21.s. Today the engines are long gone, except a handful used on regional lines including this brigthly repainted unit, used by Orsatåg in Orsa.






Ex. SJ T21 58?
It was quite a suprise to find an operating T21 in Ånge. I have looked around and this might be the same unit as seen above. Appearently the new owner has fixed whaever the mechanical proble was.
Ånge 2012-08-04.




NBVJ (SJ) T21 83
Now a look on this as tomorrow it ma be missing more pieces, This ex SJ T21 is sitting in shady track close to the passenger tracks at Nora is parts to keep its four sisters running on Nbvj.s preserved Railroad, which is the oldest rails in Sweden. Along the line is also the oldest raliroad depot in Jarle built in 1850,s. Nora 2007-04-13




SKÅJ T21 103
SKÅJ; a preservation group in located in Stockholm, Sala and Krylbo has had some equipment along the southern part on Inland line but as the line did not want to continue this arrangeemnt SKÅJ scrambled up a mission to relocate them to Falun. To power the train on Inland line they brought a fersh painted T21 103 along. On the electrified lines they had a Ra unit for power. Orsa Summer of 2008.




NBVJ T21 105
It is rather impressive how the developement of gas or diesel burning engines developed in mere some 20 years or so. T21 105 is part of the first road swithcers SJ bought in numbers in the fifties and were in their endo the carriers used as switchers. T21 105, built in 1958 by MAK and a small critter Z4 100 are enjoying the spring sun. Nora 2007-04-13








SJ T21 105
It is rather impressive how the developement of gas or diesel burning engines developed in mere some 20 years or so. T21 105 is part of the first road swithcers SJ bought in numbers in the fifties and were in their endo the carriers used as switchers. T21 105, built in 1958 by MAK and a small critter Z4 100 are enjoying the spring sun. Nora 2007-04-13








SJ T23 120
T23, kitbashing in scale 1:1.
One of the more interesting history of SJ diesels involves the class of T23.s.
Originally they were delivered as Tp-class 2-6-2.s in 891 mm narrow gauge. But as the closing down the branches swept through out the sixties, a number of, then still rather new and modern engines were reconstructed to standard gauge 0-8-0.s and were used untill the late seventies on same duties as T21.s. Few engines escaped the scrapping as this unit that was sold to preserving group in Orsa in summer of 2003.

The engine and a cut of historical but tagged cars formely from another preserving croup, based in Stockholm was sitting in the yard of Mora before to be transfered to its destination only 17 kilometers away.

Date 3. of November 2003 for the image on the top & 5. of Novemeber for the rest of the images.








SJ T23 120
In Orsa the engine is attenened by the volunteers and 17.th April 2004 the engine was started up and rumbling in the warm sunny day at the roundhouse. The second engine of the cubs roster, an 1947 vintage ex SJ 4-8-0 E10 1745 is spending the winter in Grängesberg and is expected to arrive during the spring of 2004






SJ T23 120
A look on two trains that was operated by the local train preservation group in Orsa. The T23 120 was hauling a set of B3-cars, now repainted in orignal brown while the Y7 rail car was used to haul VIP.s for the annual Orsa yran, a street festival in Orsa which is in every Wedensday in July. Orsa July 2008.


SJ T23 120
There is still alot of time for rest for the T23 120 in the round house in Orsa. Orsa 2009-04-04.




BV ex. SJ Tb
One of the most odd looking motive of power are the Tb and Tc class plow engines. Tb is basicly a T21 with a different bodies for the winter plow duties, while the heavier Tc is riding on trucks. During the summers, the plows are removed and they are used for power various MoW. duties over the BV network. Photo in Ånge, August 2003.






BV ex. SJ Tb
The Tb.s are smaller but does share the same looks. Here a couple in Mora-Noret in different versions of BV safety yellow in 28.th May 2003.




BV MaK
BV does not entirely rely on older SJ engines entirely, they went for MaK and ordered 6 of the rack, standard Mak designs that have become a bit of standard diesel over the Europe. Photo in Ånge, August 2003.




SJ Zm 6
It is hard to believe that these critters like this Zm 6, built in1928 in Västerki are still in use! SJ and Green Cargo have use of these very small wheelbased units in shops and not too far ago on light MoW service. The engine weights only 5 tons so the load must be pretty light. With 20 km/h maximum speed you will not find it haul any express trains either. Nora 2009-05-02.




SJ Z4 100
The first really succesful motor engines were the smaller critters, some of the rather basic small units are still use. One of the second generation units is this 1939 built by Kalmar MV is Z4 100, one of the differences from typical Z-class is the long hood and the cab at the other end. The unit is now restored and part of the roster of NBVJ. Nora 2007-04-13.


SJ Z4 100
Kalmarverken (Kalmar Works) also made small critters like this Z4 100 which was orignally built as SJ Zsh 100. Nora 2007-04-13.


SJ Z4 100
The Z4 100 sits on the roundhouse tracks as usual uin Nora and looks to be in pretty good shape.
Nora 2012-08-02.






SJ Z43
Critters of Z-class
Due the competition of growing trafic on the public roads, SJ needed more economical power for the light switching and as well to power the large number of the steampowered trains on the branchlines. The passenger trains ere replaced by the various Y-class railcars. And the remaining freightservice was handeled by small diesel critters like the pictured Z43-class engine pictured at the railway museum in Gävle.






SJ Z43 179 in Falun


SJ Z43 in Grängesberg
Over the years, as the Z43 production went on the engines received more rounded forms and several received a new green and orange paint from the start. later some eventually received the newer orange and blue, like the production scheme of the T44s, V4, V5.s.




SJ Z43 173
Critters of Z-class
Though I know it is there and the fact I have taken a few images of it allready. But none of them are on the critter while it is covered with snow. Falun 11. March 2006.


SJ Z43 173
Critters of Z-class
Well this critter does not offer much horse pwer but a plenty of charm, so tht is why another images of this unit. Falun 27. August 2006.






SJ Z43 173
The refurbished Z43 173 is now part of GDJmf in Falun and sees some action there. Here the little engine is seen in service while assisting suffeling some passanger cars around and getting a little sun on an earlier occation.
2007-09-22 Falun.


SJ Z43 173
The annual photo of Z43 173 at the Falun where it is used as a switcher athe the yard around to their roundhouses in Falun. Thistime it has pulled an E-class stemaer out to the day light as it will be serviced and prepaired for a two day operation of excursions between Falun and Grycksbo.
Falun 2012-04-05.


NBVJ Z43 443


NBVJ Z43 339


NBVJ Z43 139
Compared to the earlier version of Z43.s as.the Z43 seen above the later built received a bit more color and most of all rounded hoods and cabs and these treatment did make the engines a bit more modern looking. Now most of them are not used in commercial road duties or even switching, some of them have found new home at the preserved roads, where they proves to be a great asset in MoW duties.
Nora 2007-04-13


NBVJ Z43 113
An early car body version of a Z43 class unit which according its paint must served an industry. Nora 2009-05-02.


NBVJ Z43 139
Even a preserved railroad need light power for their light duties on transferring unscheduled cars or for the MoW service. This engine is even painted in NBJ paint which it never had during its active duty. Note the more stream lined car body compared to the elder units seen above of the same class. Nora 2009-05-02.




NBVJ Z43 339
Compared to the engine above this engine wears a variation of one of the orignal schemes they had. Green top of the hoods on a orange car body and gray under frame. Many wore also blue instead of green. Nora 2009-05-02.




NBVJ Z43 443
Here a side and a rearview on a late production Z43 443. Note the even more rounded carbody with slanted side windows on this unit from 1958. It is hard to believe that the engine is same class as the the earlier versions of Z43 class. Nora 2009-05-02.






NBVJ Z43 446, Z43 139, Z43 339
On a preseved railroad there are allways a number of duties where these small critters are perfect as for various MOW work and to display the small diesels that took over the work as the motleytypes of elderly steam was replaced. These units may look a little different but they were built in different series and the early boxy bodies was streamlined a bit within the constructions and in the end looked pretty much modern. Nora 2012-08-02.




Midwaggon Z43
I have no idea if this engine is just a display or in service. I do know that one of the modern versions of Z43 has been transfered to the National Railroad museum in Gävle but I am not sure if this unit is the one. Ånge 2012-08-04.


BV Dll 640
Banverket has number of critters for light MoW duty. Here one of them was caught in Mora.
2007-06-04 Mora.


Shop switcher in Borlänge
Though the Z43.s were built in numbers, still a smaller number of critters were purchased to light duty on brnches or on light M.o,W moves. As the trucking overtook much of what was remainig on brnach lines most was disposed off the roster. One of these actually hung around long enough to receive the new SJ paint, yet, deeded over to duty to the freight car shop in Borlänge. Date 11. March 2006.


IBAB Z65 535.
IBAB owns this ex SJ Z65, which they use for MoW runs and the unit is common visitor to Orsa during the spring along with other equipment. Yhe Z65 was the first of next generation of light diesels and these small units were allmost everywhere. They wore orginally the same blue-whote and red scheme as the T43.s but during the overhauls in the late seventies they were repainted to orange and blue. Orginally they were powered by engine from Rolls-Royce, but during the eighties and nineties the remaining units were repowered with Scania engines and alon gsome other modification reclassified as Z70.es and now the Z70.s are phasing out of roster.


IBAB Z65 535.
Ibab uses not only heavy diesels of various NohAB models like ex danish TMY.s and since 2008 also a number of ex Norweigan Di3.s and former SJ.s T43.s. But I guess, for mainky Mow-service, thy use this critter which i guess stil has its original Rolls-Royce engine. Never the less parked next to Nohabs. this rather large critter is more looking like a dwarf. I guess there are not many of these in running condition. Sveg 2009-07-22


SJ Z65 662
One of the odd balls is in once massive a rather fleet of Z65 fllet is the Z65 662, which sprts a bit of a variation of the original scheeme, where is stead of red, the top is paited in green. Odd paint or not, it is now used as a shop switcher at the shops in Orebro. Örebro 2007-04-16




Inlandgods Z65 11 & 12.


SJ Z65 489 in Sweg
Inlandgods leases two Z65 for switching around in Sweg. The elderly small switchers of this class were built in mid sixties in fairly large numbers and several was rebuilt in to Z70 in the late eighties. But this two engines still remains the original Rolls Royce powerplants and for spare parts the SJ Z65 489 ha been cannibalized for parts. Now only the hulk remains. 6th April in Sweg.



In june 2005 the cannibalized remains shows a bit more rust than few years back. But in the otherhand it had donated parts to keep her sisters in operation.


SJ? Z67 647 in Borlänge
I Don't know if this unit is back as GC unit but it is green allright, though painted to a scheme of a local industry but it was sitting at the engine termial at Borlänge 14.th October 2003.


ex SJ Z67 in Bollnäs
A former SJ Z 67 now used as a power for private MoW company in Bollnäs April 17th 2004.




BV ex Z67 in Borlänge
The most of the branchline activities does no longer need small power and a number of units were scrapped or permanently transfered to MoW service. The Z67.s were actually rebuilt older types and therefor they do look different from one unit to another.


CG Z70 701
Still in 2007, some of the rebuilt Z70.s are still in use by Green Gargo, at least one is seen here at the main shops waiting some attention. Örebro 2004-04-13


CG Z70 716
Not all Z65.s went to scrapped, some numbers were rebuilt to Z70.s and some of them are still used by Green Cargo, like this Z70 716 in Ånge. Photo in Ånge, August 2003.


CG Z68
The last? of the SJ/GC critters are the Z68 class, that seem to mainly been used as terminal switchers.
Borlänge 4th of March 2004.






Ge 44 tonner "Yankee"
GE.s first successes were the 44 tonners and one of them ventured to the Domnarvet in Borlänge. Today the preserved diesel is stored in the rounshouses of Falun while waiting on a restoration. Photo 4.th March 2004




Jenbach? no Jung
This interesting side rod 0-6-0 switcher was caught in Sveg 6th of June 2005. I am not certain but much of the outlines looks a bit austrian to me. My guess that the unit is built by Jenbach, but then again my guess was incorrect. I got a mail from Jan Steinhagen, Germany who infromed this on the matter; Arnold Jung Lokomotivfabrik GmbH, Jungenthal (Germany). It has a "Jung"-sign at the front and shows the typical "Jung"-look of the mid-fifties, so there is no doubt about that. It is propably a Jung R40C shunter, the older version of the well-known Jung R42C.
Thank you very much on the info!


Ex.Grycksbo paper plant switcher.
Ex.SKF Porter diesel switcher.
Plant switchers
The larger plant did sometimes go for more exotics that the national or the private lines, though they did also by small critters of SJ design. The blue engine was built by Falun and used as a switcher at the paper plant in Grycksbo, not far away from Falun.

The colorful Porter, though reengined by a pair of Scania diesels, served at the large iron works of Hofors. Both engines and a Ge44 tonner that I try to catch on film, is now a part of the collection of the railroad museum run by volunteers in Falun.



I like the Porter so while I was in Falun 14.th October 2003, I found it sitting in sun shine.
SKF Porter.
While waiting on picking up a friend before going to Gävle to photo shoot at a abandoned shipyard and port I decided to check out what was going on at GDJmf in Falun. They were busy of shuffling their passenger equipment in their cramped area of tracks. To shuffle the cars around they used their ex SKF Porter to do the work. Though the engine is repowered with Scania engines, the nifty US-built was nice to see in action,
2007-09-22 Falun




MfGDJ 7
I have no idea of origin of this unit found in the one of the roundhousea that are now home for the presering group MfGDJ. It does look alot like SJ.s former Z3 class with few details that is different. My guess is that the unit was built by Deutz in Germany. Falun 2012-04-05.








DB Br 211 262-1
During the major upgrade of the mainline Borlänge-Mora in 1995, SJ leased a DB 211 to haul equipment and gravel to the construction sites. The entire line was closed during the summer, and reopened to modern standards with concrete ties and welded new rail following fall. At least, the yard never have seen a V100 before or afterwards.

Detail shots on DB Br 211 262-1


BV equipment in Mora
A Banverkets equipment in a nights rest in Mora 18. September 2004.


BV P & T regulator in Orsa
A Banverkets equipment in a nights rest in Mora 18. September 2004.Late spring and early summer is a lot of activitiy for the MoW crews working on IBAB. Orsa 1 June 2005


Carillion PT 04


Carillion PLB 12
As the thaw of the winter looses its grip, it is a busy time for the MoW crews on the Inland line. The MoW in the southern tier calls Orsa as its main depot. The equiment is psrtly IBab.s own but they also seem to frequently use equipment from Carillion. Orsa 21. May 2006


BV P & T E80E
Another regulator seem to been adopted for another use as it sits next to the building for BV laboratory car shed and depot. Borlänge 11. March 2006.


BV MTR 3990
BV has gone from remodeled old two axle railcar conversions to rail cars guilt from trucks in the eighties and as a pert of new generation they opted these. I guess it is equalent to highway pick up trucks, yet far larger. Borlänge hump is temporary closed down as the crew is replacing rails 20. May 2006.


IBAB MT13
The introdutory of IBAB meant a rather extravigant choise for railcars for MoW. But these are rather versatile units used to haul few ballast cars, freight cars to be used to clear snow during the winters. Orsa 1 June 2005.




IBAB MT3202
Some of the MoW equipment are not exactly big and this make them look rather cute as this little rail car in size of an pick up. IBAB.s paint scheme in maroon and light gray does the world of difference too... Orsa 2009-04-04.


NBJ #?
NBJ had three of these small rail cars, but unfortunally I have no idea which one of them this is. Note that it has a 32 Ford radiator.... Nora 2009-05-02.
Nohab cab units / T43 and early hood units. / T44.s and second generation diesel power / Rebuilt Td and other modern units. / Swedish narrow gauge diesels


Webdesign & Photos:Ollie Ahokas, e-mail: Olliehokas@.yahoo.se.