DB Class 151

The Class 151 is an electric heavy freight locomotive built for German Federal Railways between 1972 and 1978. They were built as a replacement for the ageing Class 150, in order to cope with the increased requirements of this type of locomotive, in particular the desire of a 120 km/h (75 mph) top speed.

DB Class 151
Two Class 151 locomotives hauling a freight train in November 2015
Type and origin Power type Electric Builder AEG, BBC, Henschel, Krauss-Maffei, Krupp, Siemens Build date 1972–1978 Total produced 170
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC Co′Co′ Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge Length 19,490 mm (63 ft 11+3⁄8 in) Axle load 19.7 t (19.4 long tons; 21.7 short tons) Loco weight 118 t (116 long tons; 130 short tons) Electric system/s 15 kV 16.7 Hz Catenary Current pickup(s) Pantograph Safety systems InduSi, SiFa, PZB90
Performance figures Maximum speed 120 km/h (75 mph) Power output 6,288 kW (8,432 hp) Tractive effort Continuous: 250 kN (56,000 lbf), Starting: 395 kN (89,000 lbf)
Career Class 151 162 (Hector Rail) Locale Germany Delivered 1972

Locomotives of Hector Rail are designated as Class 162.^[1]

Technical specifications

The locomotives have a Co-Co wheel arrangement, and a weight of 118 tonnes (116 long tons; 130 short tons).^[2]

History

On 21 November 1972 the first locomotive, 151 001, was delivered by AEG and Krupp. It was followed by 11 further pilot locomotives, which were extensively tested before the main order was built. Altogether 170 locomotives were built.^{[citation needed]} Originally the Class 151 locomotives were also suitable for passenger service, however it is not possible anymore due to the lack of required safety equipment.^{[citation needed]}

Deutsche Bahn's Class 151 fleet was sold to leasing company Railpool in 2017.^[3]

Saar-Rail bought three Class 151 locomotives in 2018. Two of them operate on freight services with torpedo cars, while one locomotive serves as a spare parts donor.^[4]

As of 2020^[update], 34 locomotives are in service with private railway companies. DB Cargo has leased 19 locomotives.^[5]

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  Class 151 locomotive hauling a passenger train in April 1984
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  Hector Rail 151
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  RBH Logistics 151 123
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  Two Class 151 locomotives of Lokomotion
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  151 039 in EGP livery