FS Class E.331
FS Class E.331
FS Class E.331 were three-phase electric locomotives used by the Italian State Railways. Eighteen units were built from 1914 to 1919 by Breda (with electrical parts by Brown-Boveri).
They used a 2′C2′ wheel arrangement on standard gauge (1,435 mm). The locomotives could run at four different speeds by changing the number of poles on the traction motors, using the same system as the E.330. Current was drawn from a two-wire overhead line by two pantographs, both kept in use.
The locomotive had a rigid frame with three driven axles connected by two jackshafts and inclined connecting rods. The front and rear bogies had smaller wheels.
Electrical system and performance: three-phase overhead line at 3.6 kV and 16.7 Hz. Weight: 92 tonnes. Maximum speed: 100 km/h. Power output: about 2,000 kW (2,700 hp).
They operated on the Frejus line between Turin and Bussoleno and were well suited for flat terrain or gentle gradients. A noted issue was the rotary switch used to change the number of poles, which could fail.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 08:24 (CET).