Electric Locomotive

Road Number 182 560 in a Special Paint Scheme for “25 Years of German Reunification” In the summer of 2000, the ÖBB refused permission in general for the DB class 152 to operate on the former‘s rails. The DB AG reacted very quickly and ordered 25 two-system locomotives from Siemens that were extensively similar in design to the ÖBB class 1116 “Taurus” (Bull). The German dual-system locomotives can be considered as a further development of the class 152. Delivery of the new DB class 182 began in July of 2001 and was completed as early as December of 2001. Its main electrical components, the single wheel set control with four pulse converters, the three four-quadrant controllers switched in parallel for the two DC intermediate circuits, as well as the control and operation are very similar to the class 152. Essential differences are in the shape of the locomotive ends and in the design of the trucks. The striking rounded end shape with the fiberglass hood made of plastic provides an aerodynamic look. The new truck is designed for high speeds and was used for the first time on the Spanish Euro Sprinter. Its core piece is the so-called high-efficiency propulsion with separated brake shaft (HAB) that in principle corresponds to a hollow shaft propulsion with rubber cardan joints. In the Siemens nomenclature, the dual-system locomotives are known as the “ES 64 U2”. These units are in use on not just the DB and the ÖBB, but also on different “state” and private transport firms. A considerable number of them consist of leased locomotives, a number of which are used by MRCE Dispolok GmbH (formerly Siemens Dispolok). Most of them have been painted in an inconspicuous black scheme. In April of 2015 ES 64 U2-060 (road number 182 560) was selected from this pool to mark “25 Years of German Reunification” with attractive adhesive film. Their ends are adorned with the striking slogan of the Leipzig Monday Demonstrations “Wir sind ein Volk” / “We are one people”. In addition, one side of the locomotive celebrates “25 Jahre Deutsche Wiedervereinigung” / “25 Years of German Reunification” while the other side marks the “Tag des Mauerfalls” / “The Day the Wall Fell” in Berlin. The MRCE locomotive is used by TX Logistik.