This a survey and information thread about all locomotives that were part of DB's modernization program in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Whilst I am hoping that we'll rather get some older German rolling stock in the game, I'd like to see your favourite from this family. Because the Freight and Passenger versions of one generation have just minor changes to them, I've put them together in one category. History and Background As you might have already recognised the BR 146.2, BR 185.2 and BR 101 have a pretty similar design. To explain why we need to have a small history lesson. In the early 1990s, DB needed to modernise their fleet. Most locomotives were constructed in the 50s and 60s and were getting too weak and old for the requirements of modern railways. After the two experimental locomotives (AEG 12X and Siemens ES64P) DB awarded contracts for several new locomotives for high-speed and freight services. These were heavily standardized to simplify repairs and lower the individual price. The plans were to run regional services with East-German locomotives from the 143 family, but soon it came apparent that a new regional locomotive was also needed. DB tested two modified BR 145s and later ordered the BR 146.0 with an upgraded propulsion system and PIS displays. Even though it wasn't mandated anymore it was easier for the manufacturers to hold on to this design even for newer generations of the locomotives. Just the newest generations changed this design philosophy for better wind resistance and better distinguishability. BR 145 (ADtranz Pre-Traxx F-series) Quick Facts: Built: 1997-2001 In Service: 80 Max. Speed: 140km/h Voltages: 15kV ~ Max. Power: 4200kW Weight: 80t Built for medium-weight freight services the 145 was the first sibling of what we now know as the Traxx family. These locos were built by ADtranz, the same manufacturer as the BR 101, which emerged from the fusion of ABB-Henschel and AEG. A second contract was cancelled in favour of the BR 185.0 which was also able to use 25kV ~. BR 146.0 (Bombardier Pre-Traxx P-series) Quick Facts: Built: 2001-02 In Service: 31 Max. Speed: 160km/h Voltages: 15kV ~ Max. Power: 4200kW Weight: 82t As it came apparent that the transition to EMUs would take much longer than expected and the East-German fleet mostly not being capable of running 160km/h, DB ordered a modified version of the BR 145 with a quill drive and a PIS system. BR 185.0 (Bombardier Traxx F140 AC1) Quick Facts: Built: 1999-2005 In Service: 200 Max. Speed: 140km/h Voltages: 15kV ~ | 25kV ~ Max. Power: 5600kW Weight: 85t With more increasing international freight operations of DB Cargo there was also a need for more multi-system locomotives. A second order for BR 145s was changed for this dual-voltage locomotive for use in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Denmark. This marked the birth of the Traxx family which was also ordered by many other state-owned and private companies. It can be differentiated from the Pre-Traxx generation by the smaller ventilation grilles and the resulting small height differences between the cab and the engine roof, which was smooth on the Pre-Traxx generation. BR 146.1 (Bombardier Traxx P160 AC1) Quick Facts: Built: 2003-05 In Service: 32 Max. Speed: 160km/h Voltages: 15kV ~ Max. Power: 5600kW Weight: 84t The Traxx also got a passenger version, the BR 146.1. Because it was only used on national services it was just equipped with electrical systems for 15kV ~ which resulted in a lower price and weight. BR 152 (Siemens ES64F) Quick Facts: Built: 1996-2001 In Service: 170 Max. Speed: 140km/h Voltages: 15kV ~ Max. Power: 6400kW Weight: 86,7t Whilst ADtranz was contracted to deliver the BR 101 and BR 145, Siemens was contracted to build the new heavy- freight locomotive, the BR 152. The original plans were to run freight services in Germany and Austria with this new locomotive, but the Austrian agency refused certification due to too high wheel forces. So the original order was shortened and changed to ES64U2s (BR 182) which were built for the Austrian railways ÖBB. The Danish railways DSB ordered a modified six-axle version of the 152 for their freight services, which is now known as the DSB class EG. BR 189 (Siemens ES64F4) Quick Facts: Built: 2003-05 In Service: 90 Max. Speed: 140km/h Voltages: 15kV ~ | 25kV ~ | 3kV = | 1,5kV = Max. Power: 6400kW Weight: 87t The 189 was built by Siemens in the early 2000s on the basis of the 152 with multi-system capabilities to connect the European network together. It is able to run with all four major voltages used in Europe and is certified in 12 different countries. Equipped with a special coupler these pull the heaviest trains found on the german network with a total weight of more than 6000t. (It is part of a suggested Expansion Pack: German Freight Expansion Pack)
I guess a corporate look was specified by DB - much like BR did with most of their first gen DMUs which had a family look despite coming from differently factories. Also the Networkers 365/465/466 look almost identical (there are detail differences) despite being from 2 different manufacturers. Also with the TRAXX there is also the Quad Voltage BR 186, later build 185s are 186s with fewer pans fitted and the DC mode locked out in software.
Very nice explanation. I voted for the Br189, we need a modern beast for the Erzbomber, and since its multiple voltage capability, it would fare well on future non German routes.
Very informative and if you stand in Duisberg Hbf on HRR there's going to be a DB BR189 6 kiloton iron ore Falns 183 wagons from Rotterdam via the Oberhausen-Arnhem Railway towards Dillengen in the Saarland. Playing the DB BR189 Iron Ore train will give the player a true experience on how to operate a PZB Mode U train.
I voted the BR 189 because this would give a chance to make Voltage Changing Routes and Dutch Routes like the Arnhem-Duisburg Railway or the Amsterdam-Arnhem Railway since the BR 189 is mostly seen in the Netherlands
I agree with you on those routes and I was the one that suggested Arnhem Duisburg since there's no ATB ETCS route in the game and C-Akv couplers. Check the dutch suggestions as to why DB BR189 has those white paint on the front
I voted for the 189, because, well, heavy freight! Honorable mention for the 145 as it's made by the same company as the 101, which i love! I have no firsthand knowledge IRL, only from what i've experienced in this game lol.