SJ E

The E, E2 and E5 classes of the Swedish State Railways (SJ) were three closely related types of steam locomotives. The E class 0-8-0 locomotives were part of the development of modern superheated types that had begun with the A class in 1906, and were intended for both mixed traffic in Norrland and heavy freight trains in southern Sweden. Many of them were rebuilt to the 2-8-0 E2 class between 1935 and 1951, enabling a speed increase from 65 kilometres per hour (40 mph) to 70 km/h (43 mph). Three E class locomotives built for private railways became known as the E5 class following nationalization, as they were slightly heavier than the ones built for SJ. The E class was ill-suited for hauling express trains, due to their low speed, but they were otherwise used for all types of traffic and in all parts of Sweden. The light axle load meant that they could be used on minor lines and industrial railways, extending their use after mainline steam operations had been reduced. Both E and E2 class locomotives remained in daily service until 31 March 1972, the last day of regular steam operations on SJ. Most were then placed in the strategic reserve, where they remained until 1990, and many have been preserved.