At the end of the 1930's there was a need to reduce travel time in order to keep up with the competetion from other transportation services. When SJ ordered a new series of locomotives they decided to rely on single axle power distribution instead of the old well functioning coupling rod concept. The main reason for this was the good experience the Germans had gained from their class E17 and E18 locomotives.
A pre-order of 3 engines were delivered in 1942. 12 locomotives were later delivered 1945-1946 and the remaining 9 were delivered 1948-1949.
The class F engine became the classic electric passenger train locomotive in use by SJ and it remained in duty over a long period of time. They were modernized 1964-1968. Most of the engines were taken out of service between 1978-1983 but 3 locomotives are kept for public display in museums.
This particular locomotive, No:701, was first delivered 1949, taken out of service in June 1983 and sold to SKAJ (museum) in September 1983.