Rc5 1324 with a mixed-livery train. SJ created a deadline for brown coaches to be withdrawn or repainted! [Photo: Lars-Tommy Gustafsson.]
Swedish Railway Models in H0 Scale
We concentrate on r-t-r models, but will mention a few kits where appropriate. Unless otherwise stated, all Märklin models operate on the 3-rail system only.
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Passenger Coaches | Goods Wagons
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For many years, the passenger coaches in operation upon the FLMJ have been divided into four groups labelled “1940s,” “1960s,” “1980s” and “Pre-1940s.” Strictly speaking, the 1980s design was introduced in the late 1970s and what we considered to be the 1940s design can be traced back to the 1930s, or so it seemed. It had been difficult to distinguish between 1940s and previous designs, and we have felt for a long time that our website guide was probably incorrect, or at least misleading. Now, however, following some research with a limited knowledge of Swedish, we are able to improve the information that we can share. So, imitating the style that we have used for locomotives, rail cars & multiple units, here is a brand new guide to the passenger coaches for Swedish railways in H0-scale, focusing mainly on types at the FLMJ.
Rc5 1324 with a mixed-livery train. SJ created a deadline for brown coaches to be withdrawn or repainted! [Photo: Lars-Tommy Gustafsson.]
Top - A short regional train at Strömstad with 1930s and 1940s coaches. [Photo published in "Tåg."]
Bottom - 1980s coaches in a more recent livery, seen at Månstorp.
Type codes are summarised here, but are not universal (especially the suffixes)!
Prefix Letters
A = First Class
B = Second Class
BC = Couchette
D = Post
F = Baggage
R = Restaurant
S = Special
V = 2-axle Coach
WL = Sleeper
Some Suffix Letters (but they keep changing)
B = Child coupe or facilities
C = For carrying containers
F = Minor modifications
G = Rebuilt
K = With DSB electric heating and ferry tie-down points
R = With MD bogies if not applicable to whole type
S = Kiosk or Pantry
T = Vacuum toilet
U = UIC cable fitted (for push-pull etc)
Left - A grounded 1930s design coach at Sörtjärn.
Right - A typical - but modified - 1940s design coach, this one looking unlikely to return to service.
First Class Coaches
Three generations of first class coaches, A7 (our first SJ model) nearest the camera, then A2 and A5.
A2
65 of these coaches were built 1963-1968; seating 40 passengers in two compartments and two saloons. A few of these were relabelled A2K as they were fitted with DSB electric heating and tie-down points for use on the ferries to Denmark. One, number 5155 was fitted with air conditioning.
Lima produced a pretty good 1:90 scale length model, very well detailed at the time, and in a small assortment of liveries. Later models were retooled with better glazing and NEM couplings, but they never received the built-in tail lamps (working nor non-working).
Märklin produces a 1:100 scale length model, very well detailed, complete with non-working tail lamps.
NMJ produces an excellent model in various versions from original brown Ao2 to more recent A2.
An NMJ Ao2.
A5
24 of these coaches were built 1932-1945 (7) and 1945-1951 (17); seating 48 passengers in two saloons. Fifteen were labelled A5F and were completely smoke-free.
Märklin produced a 1:100 scale length model A5F for the Swedish market only, of the 1930 type.
UGJ produced a kit of the 1940 type, more recently produced by Lokstallet.
A7
56 of these coaches were built 1980-1987; seating 53 passengers in two saloons. They have the same body (and window spacing) as the B7, introduced around the same time.
Roco produces a model, which has been available in a small assortment of liveries, and also as the A11 version. They have recently announced a version in two-tone grey with red doors livery.
A11
A few of these coaches were rebuilt from A7 with a seating layout similar to the UA2 (first-class coach in the X2000 sets) to be used in the X2000-relief trains! (Quite simply, there are not enough X2000s available for the full maintenance schedules to be fulfilled!) They were intended to run at 180km/h, but SJ declined the expense of fitting magnet-brakes, a requirement for such speeds!
Roco produces a model, complete with the extra circular window, based on their standard A7/B7 body.
Two former Norwegian (NSB) coaches in use with the Swedish Orient Express! We haven't included these in our report presently, but NMJ has announced models for release soon!
First & Second Class Coaches
AB2
35 of these coaches were built 1960-1962; seating 12 first class passengers in two compartments and 48 second class passengers in two compartments and two saloons.
NMJ produces an excellent model in various versions from original brown ABo2 to more recent AB2.
An NMJ ABo2.
AB3
78 of these coaches were built 1961-1964; seating 20 first class passengers in two compartments and one ‘open’ compartment and 32 second class passengers in two saloons. 20 were relabelled AB3K as they were fitted with DSB electric heating and tie-down points for use on the ferries to Denmark. Also, a few were relabelled AB3T as they were fitted with a vacuum toilet.
Märklin produces a 1:100 scale length model, very well detailed, complete with non-working tail lamps.
NMJ produces an excellent model in various versions from original brown ABo3 to more recent AB3.
AB4
39 of these coaches were built 1930-1941 (32) and 1942-1948 (7); seating 12 first class passengers in two compartments and 64 second class passengers in eight compartments. Most of the earlier versions were relabelled AB4R as they were fitted with MD bogies, and they had been rebuilt from ABo11b (previously from BCo7b)!
Heljan produces a model of the earlier type, but as the BCo11b (2nd & 3rd class) (in original condition with concertina gangways). These are available with up to three different running numbers.
UGJ produced a limited edition kit of the later version for sale at the railway museum at Gävle.
AB7
84 of these coaches were built 1937-1940 (20) and 1942-1952 (64); seating 20 first class passengers in two compartments and one ‘open’ compartment and 46 second class passengers in three compartments and one saloon (the saloon with 3+1 seating). Many were relabelled AB7R as they were fitted with MD bogies.
UGJ produced a kit of the 1940 type, more recently produced by Lokstallet.
AB8K
6 of these coaches were built 1954-1957; seating 18 first class passengers in three compartments and 36 second class passengers in six compartments (all compartments seating 6). These coaches bore a striking resemblance to typical German (and Danish) coaches of the period and were intended for international traffic, being fitted of course, with DSB electric heating and tie-down points.
Roco produced a compromised scale model of this design, but with an incorrect number of compartments!
AB8K, a design different from the rest, but not alone in that respect.
AB9
19 of these coaches were rebuilt 1994-1997 (originally built 1980-1989); seating 27 first class passengers in one saloon and 27 second class passengers in one saloon and one double-compartment!
Roco produced a model of this design as it deploys the standard A7/B7 body, but did not change the interior fittings to suit.
AB9 seen at Hallsberg.
Second Class Coaches
Three 1980s second class coaches, in an assortment of modern liveries.
B1
100 of these coaches were built 1960-1968; seating 62 passengers in two saloons. A few were relabelled B1K as they were fitted with DSB electric heating and tie-down points for use on the ferries to Denmark. Also, a smaller few were relabelled B1T as they were fitted with a vacuum toilet. Two (5099 & 5102) were fitted with EPB and allowed to operate at 160km/h, and one (5103) was fitted with air conditioning.
Märklin has produced a 1:100 scale length model in the original livery, and then retooled it with the later liveries.
NMJ produces an excellent model in various versions from original brown Bo1 to more recent B1.
B3S
2 of these coaches were rebuilt 1974 (originally built 1942 and 1944 as B8); seating 54 passengers in two saloons, and with a small serving kiosk at one end.
UGJ produced a very limited edition model of this type.
B5
115 of these coaches were built 1960-1967; seating between 60 and 68 passengers in five compartments and two saloons. The standard B5 seats 68 passengers. The B5B has two of the compartments made into children’s rooms with ‘changing’ facilities, thus 60 seats, and the B5G has one compartment converted for staff use.
Fleischmann produces a very poor representation of the Bo5b in 1:100 scale length.
Lima did NOT produce a B5, but simply relabelled their A2 as a B5 so that they could have a second class coach in their range!
Märklin produces a 1:100 scale length model, very well detailed, complete with non-working tail lamps.
NMJ produces an excellent model in various versions from original brown Bo5 to more recent B5.
B6
171 of these coaches were built 1940-1949; seating between 92 and 98 passengers in one open saloon. These were effectively loco-hauled commuter coaches and had double doors on each side at each end to speed up boarding and alighting. They did not have gangways, but did have fall-plates! The standard B6 seated 98 passengers, as did the B6F where one of the toilets was converted to a guard’s coupe! The B6G had 92 seats, but we have no further information (other than to record that B6G 4070 was rebuilt with only 80 seats)! 8 were rebuilt for use in the Göteborg area and relabelled B6GL / B6FGL, all with 92 seats.
På Sporet produces the B6 and B6G in an assortment of epochs.
C M Laser produced the B6G as an almost r-t-r model, as a limited edition.
B7
171 of these coaches were built 1979-1990; seating 78 passengers in two saloons. They have the same body (and window spacing) as the A7, introduced around the same time.
Roco produces a model, which has been available in a small assortment of liveries, and also as the B9 and B11 versions. They have recently announced a version in two-tone grey with red doors livery.
B8
226 of these coaches were built 1930-1939 (98) and 1948-1952 (128); seating 78 passengers in four compartments (two at each end) and two saloons, each with 3+1 seating. All of the later coaches were actually labelled B8F. (The label “B8” is now used for B7 coaches that have been modified as “Family” coaches!)
Heljan produces a model of the earlier type, but as the Co8d (3rd class) and Co8cs (with cafe compartment) (both in original condition with concertina gangways). These are available with up to three different running numbers.
Märklin produced a 1:100 scale length model for the Swedish market only, of the 1930 type.
UGJ produced a kit of the later type, actually as B8FR (with MD bogies); more recently produced by Lokstallet.
B9
38 of these coaches were rebuilt 1994-1997 (originally built 1979-1983); seating 68 passengers in two saloons and one double-compartment.
Roco produced a model of this design as it deploys the standard A7/B7 body, but did not change the interior fittings to suit.
B11
A few of these coaches were rebuilt from B7 with a seating layout similar to the UB2 (second-class coach in the X2000 sets) to be used in the X2000-relief trains! (Quite simply, there are not enough X2000s available for the full maintenance schedules to be fulfilled!) They were intended to run at 180km/h, but SJ declined the expense of fitting magnet-brakes, a requirement for such speeds!
Roco produces a model (without an extra circular window), based on their standard A7/B7 body.
B15
147 of these coaches were rebuilt 1942-1952; seating between 68 and 78 passengers in an assortment of layouts! The standard B15 and B15R seats 74 passengers in four compartments (two at each end) and one saloon (with uni-directional 2+2 seating). The B15B seats 68 passengers in five compartments (two of which are joined to provide children’s facilities) and one saloon; and the B15F seats 78 passengers in five compartments and one saloon.
UGJ produced a kit of the basic body, as B15F; more recently produced by Lokstallet.
Co8a
We are unaware of how many of these coaches existed – if any; and one could question the authenticity of the model! Nevertheless, there is a similarity with the AB5, where the coach has tapered ends, but in all other respects is similar to the 1930s design. The model suggests a coach that seats 80 passengers in ten compartments. Any more information would be appreciated, please. (These were built at Kalmar Verkstad after a German design. They were known as “Hechtvagnen” and were later reclassified Bo8a and then became one of the many B8 variants. (Thanks Bo -Ed))
Roco produced a model of a Co8a, number 2990.
Co8a, a German design that eventually became a B8 variant.
Second Class Couchette Coaches
BC1
13 of these coaches were rebuilt 1948-1951; seating 64 passengers in eight compartments, but sleeping only 48.
UGJ produced a kit of this type, more recently produced by Lokstallet.
A UGJ BC1 couchette coach, flanked by two Lima WL2 sleeper coaches.
Second Class and Goods Coaches
BF2
21 of these coaches were built 1943-1950; seating 32 passengers in four compartments, and with 25m² of luggage space.
UGJ produced a kit of this type, more recently produced by Lokstallet.
A BF2, half for passengers, half for baggage.
Post Coaches
DF28
20 of these post and luggage coaches were built from 1965, and are still in use by GreenCargo.
NMJ had announced a model in original and later versions, but has withdrawn this proposal.
DV30
58 of these 2-axle ‘vans’ were rebuilt 1984-1990 (originally built 1964-1966 as van type Gbs); and are now used within post trains.
Märklin produces a model of this design in the brown livery.
DV30 - previously a Gbs van, but now classified as a coach, not a wagon!
Goods Coaches
F4
28 of these coaches were built 1943-1950; four variations giving three amounts of luggage space! The standard F4 and the F4K (the latter for running into Denmark) has 52m², the F4C (for containers) has 53m² and the F4F (with sorting racks) has 45m².
UGJ produced a kit of the F4F, more recently produced by Lokstallet.
An F4 in the old livery (1940s design) and F33 in a newer 'post' livery (1960s design). NMJ is to produce a better (and different) 1960s design, soon!
F5 (F33) & F6K (F24K) (+ S17)
35 (F5) and 10 (F6) of these coaches were built 1961-1962 and 1961. They use the same body, but internally, the F6 has a side corridor, thus giving it only 24m² of luggage space compared with the F5’s 33m². As they have been rebuilt, they have been reclassified F33 (ex-F5) and F24K (ex-F6K).
Lima used to produce a pretty good model of the F5, which only needed renumbering to represent the F6K. It has also been available as the F33 (with roller shutter doors for luggage instead of sliding) and as the S17 generator van (see below).
An old F5, later to become FV1, modelled by Heljan; this one in advertising livery.
FV1
285 of these 2-axle vans were built 1937-1949, with a luggage capacity of 31m².
Heljan produces a model of the FV1 in a number of guises, but labelled as F5 (not incorrectly).
Restaurant Coaches
R1
21 of these coaches were built 1960-1962; seating 46 passengers in saloons either side of the central cooking and serving area.
Märklin has produced a 1:100 scale length model in the original livery, and then retooled it with the later liveries.
NMJ had announced a model in original (as Rbo2) and later versions (including R2), but has withdrawn this proposal.
R3
15 of these coaches were built 1953-1954; seating 48 passengers in a saloon in one half of the coach, and with the cooking and serving area in the other half.
Lima produced a pretty good 1:90 scale length model, very well detailed at the time, but only in the original livery. The retooling with better glazing and NEM couplings did not occur due to that firm’s liquidation.
NMJ has proposed a model of the R3 in various epochs, liveries and markings.
RB4
20 of these coaches were rebuilt 1984-1987 (originally built 1942-1952 as B3); seating 48 passengers in two saloons, and with a serving kiosk between them.
UGJ produced a very limited edition model of this type.
Special Coaches
Most special coaches have only one of each type, and were built for a specific purpose. In some cases, the same designation is used for different types!
S1 3607
Rebuilt 1945 from type A5 (later version), this is a conference coach with a variable number of seats, mostly around a central ‘board’ table. It also has a small bar.
UGJ produced a kit of this model, based around their A5 model, in two liveries.
S1 5248
Built 1981 into the same body as the new A7 type, this is also a conference coach with a central table and small bar.
Roco produced a model of this coach as part of their A7/B7 range.
The Roco Conference coach in its special livery.
S6
9 of these coaches were rebuilt 1994-1996 (originally built 1962-1968 as types A2 and AB3); for use as postal coaches, but not actually classified in the ‘DF’ type series!
Märklin produces a 1:100 scale length model, very well detailed, complete with non-working tail lamps.
S11
2 of these coaches were rebuilt 1991 (originally built 1962 as type AB3K); seating 15 passengers in the bistro area and 32 in the cinema! These are used exclusively in night trains.
Lima produced a 1:90 scale length model, based on their A2 design, in each of the two liveries that have been applied.
Top - A cinema & bistro coach (1960s design) by Lima nearer the camera, and a bistro coach by UGJ (1940s design) coupled to it. Both coaches are in a modern livery, but the shade of red on the Lima model is typically wrong. NMJ is to produce better 1960s designs, soon!
Bottom - Proof that this unusual livery did exist; a bistro and cinema coach seen in a train at Hallsberg. [Photo: A. Allum.]
S17
1 of these coaches was rebuilt 1998 (originally built 1962 as F5 then F33). This coach now has a diesel-electric generator and is hired out to one of the TOCs.
Lima included the S17 in their range, using the F33 body.
S17, based on the F5/F6 design from the 1960s, but this one is fitted with a generator!
Sleeper Coaches
WL2
37 of these coaches were rebuilt 1946-1952; sleeping 33 passengers in eleven compartments.
Lima produced a pretty good 1:90 scale length model, very well detailed at the time, but only in the original livery. The retooling with better glazing and NEM couplings did not occur due to that firm’s liquidation.
Other Coaches
2-axle wooden body coaches
Lightweight 2-axle coaches with a 9 metre wheelbase and steering axles were built 1911-1930 for SJ and a few other companies. They were cheap to build with a focus more on stability than on comfort. Original ones had steel bodies that rusted too quickly so later ones had teak bodies, with the earlier ones being retrofitted. They remained in service until the 1960s; many are preserved.
Trix (& Märklin) produced a set of three (C3d / CD3 / F5) with wooden bodies in a set with a type Sa steam loco. Märklin went on to release a solitary coach to support the set, but a 2-rail Trix version was never produced.
2-axle steel body coaches
2-axle coaches with a shorter wheelbase and without steering axles were also built. (Date and other details uncertain!)
Liliput produced a second class coach (B3g) and a baggage coach (F5). Along with some bogie coaches, these have been out of production for a long time.
2-axle passenger coaches; Liliput steel-bodied SWB nearer the camera, Trix wooden-bodied (real wood) LWB farther away.
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