photo: Železničář.cd.cz / Public domain/Alpine Vacuum Cleaner
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the class 1044 locomotive became a symbol of Austrian railways. Nicknamed the 'Alpine Vacuum Cleaner' for its distinct cooling-air suction sound, the prototype launched in August 1974, breaking records just weeks later. Even though it was replaced by more modern engines after 2000, its legacy endures.
The 1044 series represented the modern image of Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) until the arrival of the Taurus engines two decades later. Its first model hit the tracks in August 1974 and set a new Austrian speed record of 176 km/h on September 5 between Wiener Neustadt and Neunkirchen, according to Magazin Železničář.
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The Development and Early Tests of the Alpine Vacuum Cleaner
In the late 1960s, Swedish company ASEA pioneered using semiconductor-controlled thyristors in locomotives, introducing the technology on Rc-series engines for Swedish railways. ÖBB borrowed an Rc2 1049 locomotive to test it on the steep Austrian mountain routes. At home, Austria was still producing 1042.5 engines, but the demand for modern, higher-performance locomotives was growing.
Following successful tests with the Swedish locomotives, ÖBB placed an order for ten all-purpose locomotives for service on the challenging Tauern line with gradients up to 30 percent. These locomotives remained in use until 2001, after which they were sold back to Sweden. However, this foreign purchase decision led to criticism from the domestic industry, which argued for Austrian-made options.
Technical Hurdles with the Alpine Vacuum Cleaner
Once fully operational, significant technical issues emerged. Problems with axle cracking and overheating of braking resistors plagued the series. In the winter of 1979-80, a critical shortage of spare parts forced Austrian authorities to intervene to restore the supply chain. The final unit, 1044.126, was delivered on April 24, 1987.
In early 1988, ÖBB ordered more 1044.2 locomotives to support the launch of its InterCity network, with these newer engines adapted for sustained speeds of up to 160 km/h. This second series was produced until 1995, almost 21 years after the prototype. The 1044 locomotives served ÖBB across all routes, from prestigious express lines to freight.
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The Legacy of the Alpine Vacuum Cleaner
Over the years, the 1044 class saw numerous upgrades and color changes. Initially, they were painted in bright orange, with accents of ivory stripes. Later schemes included traffic red and gray with unique promotional designs, such as the blue paint job with Euro symbols on the 1044.018 model, notes Magazin Železničář.
The later units featured advanced LZB/PZB 80 security systems, allowing for multiple-unit operation. The locomotives became cultural icons in Austria and across Europe, appearing in films and documentaries, especially in Austrian and German productions.
Today, although replaced by the Taurus series after 2000, the Alpine Vacuum Cleaners remain a valued part of ÖBB’s fleet. Their history and impact on Austrian rail span over 50 years, symbolizing the evolution of rail technology and design across the decades.
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Source: Magazin Železničář