"Crocodile" Ce 6/8 II # 14253 of SBB Historic, based in Erstfeld, is on a test run after a repair, from Erstfeld to Göschenen, on the uppermost level of the loops of Wassen. The locomotive, built in 1919, suffered a defect in the step switch on July 25, 2022, while traveling with the San Gottardo adventure train. The repair was quite extensive and could now be successfully completed. In recognition of the importance of the Swiss Crocodile electric locomotive to the history and development of mechanical science and technology, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has designated the Ce 6/8 II Crocodile locomotive as a Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark. Delivered in 1920 by Swiss Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon (MFO), the locomotive, serial number 14253, was the third Ce 6/8 II to be produced. Crocodile # 14253 is the oldest surviving locomotive of its type and is still operational today. It is owned by SBB Historic, a foundation whose mission is to preserve documents and artifacts from the history of Swiss rail transportation.
ASME President Karen Ohland presented a plaque commemorating the landmark designation on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2022, in Erstfeld, Switzerland. In her address, Ohland congratulated SBB Historic and the ASME Swiss Section on this honor.
