For shunting operations in wagon workshops and container terminals,
for moving locomotives without their own power, or for transporting
electric locomotives in depots without overhead lines, the
Lokomotivbau Elektrotechnischen Werke (LEW) in Hennigsdorf began
delivering the first series of battery-powered shunters to the
Deutsche Reichsbahn in 1966. Based on the proven EL8 mining
locomotive, these compact workhorses quickly gained popularity due
to their low procurement costs, minimal maintenance requirements,
and emission-free operation. A total of 506 units were built by
1990. Initially a standard feature in all Deutsche Reichsbahn
maintenance and repair facilities and widely used in East German
industry, the ASF remained essential even after the founding of
Deutsche Bahn AG. Today, these shunters can still be found in major
DB workshops across Germany, including ICE maintenance depots—some
even sporting classic ICE livery. With the closure of DB facilities
and industrial plants, many ASFs found new roles in other
workshops, private railways, and railway preservation groups. Only
a handful have been scrapped to date.
Technical features:
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