©in text Mike Parsons
OBB 1063 : Prototype & Production series
Article by Mike Parsons, photos by Ron Ferguson
In 1983, a pre-production series of 5 class 1063 electrics was introduced. These were primarily designed for tight work such as shunting and pick-up freights, although with their ability to work under 25KV 50Hz wIres, they also see use on the Hohenau - Breclav cross border line (nut all examples are dual-voltage)
The first photo above shows 1063.001, shunting the marshalling yard at ZVbf. Wien Kiedering. Compare this picture with the second of 1063.016, from the first production series, taken in the yard at Wolfurt, near Bregenz. Both these pictures are taken from the same end or the engine, note the lack of front grill on the production loco, as well as the higher profile of the bonnets.
The final picture shows the penultimate example built, 1063.050, at MalInitz-Obervellach on the Tauern Pass at the head of a pick-up freight. This shows how the new OBB livery sits on these engines. This shot is taken from the other end of the loco to those of .001 and 016 and shows the platform upon which shunting staff stand during manoeuvres, a feature that can be seen at the far end of the photos of the other two engines.
Production of the 1063s ceased in 1993 with the delivery of 1063.051 and the design has been enhanced to produce a follow-up class of engine. the 1163s, which will eventually number 40 examples.
'HO' gauge modellers have a good model of a pre-production series engine available from Kleinbahn, no model is currently available of a production series engine.
Other photosgraphs not in the original article but available through the ARG include
Class 1063, 1064, 1163
Photo 1163-017-5
©in text Mike Parsons