DANISH State Railways (DSB) is buying 26 ‘Vectron’ AC 6,400 KW dual-voltage (15kV/25kV AC) electric locos from Siemens, with an option for 18 more.
The locos will be built in Munich and are due to be delivered by December 2020, entering service in 2021.
The 200kph locos will be used with double-deck coaches to allow replacement of most of DSB’s 1980s vintage ‘ME’ class Co-Co diesel locos, used with Bombardier-built, push-pull-equipped double-deck coaches to operate many regional passenger services to the south and west of Copenhagen.
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The ‘ME’ class loco fleet has suffered major axle problems in recent months, with many locos out of service awaiting repairs. Most will return to traffic during 2018.
The new DSB ‘Vectron’ locos will be approved for use in neighbouring Sweden and Germany, and will be fitted with ETCS as well as conventional systems for all three countries.
Siemens will maintain the new loco fleet for 10 years, with options for that contract to be extended.
Read more in the May issue of The RM – on sale now!