Electric locomotive 103 004 in beige/red livery with dark gray roof, single-arm pantograph of the DB, Era IV.

“The Class 103 – Stars of the Railway” To increase speeds in passenger train services, the Deutsche Bundesbahn developed the Class E03 in the 1960s. The prototype locomotives E03 001 to E03 004 were available from 1965. These locomotives, designated as 103 001 to 103 004 from 1968, differed from the series machines built from 1970 in several details.
Visually very striking was the second fan row on the series locomotives. The main area of use for the beige/red painted locomotives was the TEE as well as the IC/EC services. From 1987 onwards, the locomotives were gradually painted in an orient red shade, with various design versions being applied. In 1997, the star of the former “Star Locos” of the DB began to decline. They were replaced by the BR 101. In 2003, regular service in train operations ended, but the locomotives 103 001, 103 113, and 103 245, which are under the DB Museum, are still used sporadically.

The new Arnold model in detail:
- Frame made of metal die-casting, housing also made of high-quality plastic
- The locomotives feature a detailed and illuminated machine room setup (in digital operation with flickering of the fluorescent tubes when switched on).
- Powerful five-pole motor with flywheels - All wheelsets driven - Both sides equipped with short coupling kinematics with coupler mounts according to NEM 355 - Front and rear lights illuminated depending on the direction of travel and switchable in digital operation
- Many extra details added and finest pantographs made of metal