The SJ T43 is a class of diesel–electric locomotive that was operated by Statens Järnvägar (SJ), the state-owned railway company of Sweden. Designed for shunting and light freight duties, the T43 class was built by Nydquist & Holm AB (NOHAB) under licence from General Motors Electro‑Motor Division (EMD) between 1955 and 1959.
History and Production
- Manufacturer: NOHAB, Trollhättan, Sweden, under an EMD licence.
- Production period: 1955 – 1959.
- Number produced: 90 units (fleet numbers 43 001 – 43 090).
- Entry into service: 1956.
The locomotives were introduced to replace aging steam shunters and to provide a more reliable, low‑maintenance solution for yard work and short‑haul freight services across the Swedish rail network.
Technical specifications
- Power type: Diesel‑electric.
- Prime mover: EMD 567 C, a two‑stroke V12 diesel engine.
- Continuous power output: Approximately 600 kW (≈ 800 hp).
- Transmission: DC generator feeding DC traction motors on each axle.
- Wheel arrangement: Bo′Bo′ (two bogies, each with two powered axles).
- Maximum speed: 80 km/h (50 mph).
- Tractive effort: Around 180 kN (continuous).
- Dimensions: Length 12.0 m, width 2.9 m, height 4.0 m.
- Weight: Approximately 68 t (metric).
Operational use
The T43 proved well suited to yard shunting, branch‑line freight, and occasional passenger work on lightly trafficked routes. Their relatively compact size and moderate power allowed operation on the tighter curves and lighter track structures common in Swedish secondary lines. The class remained in regular service with SJ into the late 1990s, after which many units were transferred to private operators, preserved by railway museums, or retired and scrapped.
Successor and related classes
The T43 was succeeded by more powerful diesel locomotives such as the SJ T44 and the larger SJ T41/42 series, which incorporated advances in engine technology and higher horsepower ratings. However, the T43’s simple, robust design continued to make it a valuable asset for secondary duties even after newer classes entered service.
Preservation
A number of T43 locomotives have been preserved in Swedish railway heritage collections, including units displayed at the Swedish Railway Museum in Gävle and at various regional heritage railways. These preserved examples are occasionally operated on special events, illustrating mid‑20th‑century diesel shunting technology.