DB BR 101 no. 101 036-2 is seen slowing down just outside of Bonn Station with an InterCity service from Dusseldorf to Mainz, most of which sees good use of the West Rhine Railway.
The DB BR 101 is a classic among the modern electric locomotives of Germany, with heritage spanning some of the nation’s most revolutionary designs and continuing the honour by working throughout the Deutsche Bahn network every day including the West Rhine Railway: Köln – Koblenz which is available with TS2016.
In the early 1990s, a majority of Germany’s express passenger services performed by locomotives that date back to the 1970s including the DB BR 103 and DB BR 120. Both of these once-revolutionary locomotives had more than outlived their purpose where they were now hauling heavier trains than they had ever been designed for, this resulted in a lot of damage over time with increasingly poor reliability rates and maintenance costs. Germany was in desperate need of a new express passenger locomotive.
Following the reunification of Germany, the newly formed Deutsche Bahn AG (DBAG) went on the lookout for designs, with many manufacturing companies bidding for the deal. There were over 30 designs in the second phase of bidding some of which were quickly eliminated, in particular the non-German manufacturers. One company in particular, ABB Henschel, didn’t even have a design ready to show, but more of a concept known as the eco2001. The eco2001 was basically 2 modified DB BR 120s, with changes to various components that massively increases the reliability of the locomotives.
In 1994, DB signed a deal with ABB which would develop into an order of 145 locomotives the following year, with the first locomotive completed and displayed in the Orient Red livery by July 1996. Around this time ABB had merged with AEG to form ADtranz, this was beneficial because it meant the future DB BR 101s would be built quicker in multiple locations. Different components were built at a variety of facilities, with the final assembly taking place in Poland. The first DB BR 101 officially entered service in February 1997.
The DB BR 101 was designed and procured to be an efficient, high speed passenger locomotive and is capable of achieving this in part due to the carefully structured sloped front and rear of the locos. This slope may look extreme in places, but it optimizes streamlined efficiency to its maximum especially when compared to its cost-effectiveness. The slope is also designed not to disrupt the flow of air between the rear of the locomotive and whatever it may be hauling. The DB BR 101 was also designed with bogies derived from the ICE series, as a basis for potential speed modifications in the future, as fast as 250 km/h.
All 145 locomotives were completed by 1999 and entered service hauling express passenger services across the Deutsche Bahn network including the likes of the Nuremberg – Munich High Speed Line where the 101s operate the fastest regional service in Germany at 200 km/h. All the DB BR 101s are based in Hamburg where they receive their periodic safety checks and maintenance, they were originally based in Frankfurt, but with the rapid increase of the various ICE series’ and push-pull operated consists, they were moved to Hamburg despite the amount of driver training that would require, the 101s sometimes visit Nuremburg for major maintenance works.
The basis of the DB BR 101 has its roots in some of the most ground breaking electric locomotives, so much so it shares a lot of heritage with the popular TRAXX series of locomotives and a variation of the DB BR 101 was ordered for a most unlikely customer, New Jersey Transit, which in the early 2000s worked with ADtranz/Bombardier to procure their ALP-46 and ALP-46A locomotives.
(Above) The service makes an intermediate stop at Bonn station, the only other stop after Bonn and before Mainz will be Koblenz, however the service won’t be followed that far for today. (Below) Shortly after departing Bonn Station, the speed limit becomes 160 km/h, giving the DB BR 101 a chance to display its high speed capabilities, helped by the unique sloped design.
(Above) Another design feature of the DB BR 101 that aids high speed running is how the pantographs are placed, the lowered set is nearly undetectable in terms of drag, and the side panels that cover the bogies also aid. (Below) The DB BR 101 was built with a very flat profile, this made them a perfect opportunity for advertising purposes and they were used as such with multiple examples of advertising being visible on many 101s.
(Above) The InterCity service now slows right down and crosses onto the passing loop for Bonn-Mehlem Station, but it won’t be long before the speed is back up to a much more desirable speed. (Below) The DB BR 101 is fitted with some of the most up to date safety and control systems which make them just as reliable as newer locomotives built today, the features include AFB and super slip control.
(Above) Despite the bogies’ heritage of being derived from the ICE series, they still have some major differences, mainly the shorter wheel base and smaller wheels designed to make the DB BR 101 operate better on tighter curves. (Below) After re-joining the main line, 101 036-2 accelerates towards line speed. To make the locomotive even more efficient and safer at these speeds, all the cab doors and windows are tightly sealed when not in use.
(Above) The InterCity service now makes its way through the more scenic and winding section of the West Rhine Railway, while the speed limit here is slower, the views are just spectacular for the passengers. (Below) While the InterCity service is running at less than half the top speed of the DB BR 101, these locomotives do get to open up along the Nuremberg–Ingolstadt high-speed rail line operating the fastest regional service in Germany.
(Above) 101 036-2 passes a DB BR 294 hauling a light freight consist northbound, both of these locomotives are fine examples classic modern traction, albeit each one for totally different reasons. (Below) The service roars through Rolandseck Station at about 100 km/h providing a stunning scene to anyone in the area, the passengers unfortunately do not get this view, although first class probably won’t complain.
(Above) The winding track continues heading south along the bank of the Rhine, where 101 036-2 sets the scene perfectly with its early morning express in-tow. (Below) The next station passed is Oberwinter, the service hauled by 101 036-2 has now been running for 90 km, however due to the rural nature of the route it isn’t even halfway to Mainz.
(Above) The DB BR 101 travels over one of the straighter sections of track found south of Bonn as it heads for Remagen, the line doesn’t stay like this however and will continue to wrap the bank very shortly. (Below) As the service approaches Remagen, it is travelling at 120 km/h which when compared to other sections of the route may not be as fast yet it is still very impressive for the location and effortless for the DB BR 101.
(Above) The next station to fly past the windows will be Sinzig where following the journey will come to an end, for now though there is still time to admire one of ADtranz’ best locomotive designs. (Below) 101 036-2 darts through the countryside as the line briefly turns away from the Rhine and straight for Sinzig station. The early morning sun is glaring off the front of the locomotive, it must have been recently sent for maintenance in Hamburg.
(Above) Just as the chase nears its conclusion, the DB BR 101 passes its ‘locomotive cousin’, the DB BR 146.2. Both the 101 and 146.2 (TRAXX) share a very similar heritage and both went on to be fine examples of German engineering. (Below) The InterCity service displays power as it travels through Sinzig Station, it’s next stop will be in Koblenz and will finally end up in Mainz, from where it could literally operate to anywhere with catenary in Germany.
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