Siemens First Vectron Electric Locomotive Delivered to Railpool GmbH
Railpool, the Munich-based locomotive leasing company received it’s first Siemens Vectron electric locomotive earlier today at a special event attended by the Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs Martin Zeil.
During the event, Siemens Rail Systems Division CEO, Dr. Jochen Eickholt presented Railpool with the first of six new generation Vectron electric locomotives that have a rated power of 6400kW and have been designed to run at up to 200km/h. Railpool were the first company to decide in favour of the newly developed Vectron series at the end of 2010 placing an order for six locomotives. Speaking of the delivery, Dr. Eickholt said “This is the first delivery of a locomotive based on our new platform. It is an encouraging signal for our business’. Minister Martin Zeil also commented on “The development of this flexible locomotive concept and the demand it has generated demonstrate the competitiveness of the Bavarian rail industry. The Vectron will make rail transportation even more attractive and take the strain off the road system well beyond Bavaria’s borders.”
European Train Control System (ETCS) Fitted on Siemens Vectron Locomotoves
The Vectron AC locomotives are being built at a locomotive factory in Munich-Allach in Germany and will be used in cross-border passenger and freight services in Germany and Austria. They are equipped with the European Train Control System (ETCS) along with wiring for other train protection systems meaning their area of operation can easily be extended in the future. Railpool’s Vectron AC locomotives are equipped with TMC and WTB multiple traction control with an Austrian remote control concept. A total tractive effort of 600kN with no limitations can be achieved when the locomotives are hitched up for double running.
Railpool GmbH CEO, Dr. Walter Breinl explained the main reason for his company choosing the new Siemens Vectron was down to the interchangeability of the locomotives. He said “The decisive factor for Railpool was that we can deploy the Vectron in freight, regional and intercity services without restriction – in other words the locomotives are totally interchangeable.” This was the first order Railpool have placed with Siemens since the company was founded in 2008 and takes their number of locomotives up to 100 and the investment total up to €450 million. Railpool have also signed up for spare parts supply from Siemens’ warehouse, an option from the Railcover modular system in order to ensure a high level of availability of its locomotives.
