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The ”Habersack / Haversack” – Only a few Swiss steam locomotives achieved such a high degree of popularity and quality that they were given a name.
The Eb 3/5 tank locomotive was designed intentionally with a particular shape and got its nickname ”Habersack” from the field pack long familiar to Swiss men, when they did their military service.
From 1911 to 1916 SLM built a total of 34 of this locomotive with its power output of almost 1,000 horsepower / 735 kilowatts . It was initially intended for passenger service and could run at 75 km/h / 47 mph in both directions.
After the locomotive has been equipped with an additional braking system, these locomotives were also quite suitable with their 74 metric ton service weight for freight service.
In 1930’s they were assigned mostly to this latter service. Regular use of this attractively shaped veteran of the Swiss steam locomotive era decreased as the Swiss rail network was completely electrified.
Between 1950 and 1965 these locomotives were gradually put into storage or sold, a real pity though that these beautiful machines just collecting dust.
