Class / BR 249 | TrainsDepot.org

Class / BR 249

Also known as: Vectron Dual Mode Light

UIC / EVN numbering: 90 80 2249

Vehicle type: Hybrid locomotive

Registration country: Germany

Railway companies: DB - DB Cargo AG / ex. Schenker Rail / ex. Railion

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In service:

from 2024

Built by:

Siemens

Tare weight (t):

84 t

Power output (x'xxx kW / x'xxx hp):

2'200 kW*
*electric operations
1'120 kW*
*diesel operations

Fuel tank volume (l):

1'500 l

Maximum speed (km/h):

120 km/h

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Vehicle's history

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2020

September 8

DB Cargo enters into a significant agreement with Siemens for the procurement of up to 400x Vectron Dual Mode locomotives. This comprehensive deal has a projected value exceeding one billion euros.

The Vectron Dual Mode locomotives are designed for versatility, capable of operating on both electric and diesel power. This feature is particularly beneficial for addressing the 'first mile/last mile' logistics, where tracks lack overhead wiring, such as in rail sidings located within harbor areas, industrial zones, and shunting yards. Siemens will tailor the design of these locomotives to meet the specific operational requirements of DB Cargo.

In September 2020, DB Cargo placed the initial order for 100 Vectron Dual Mode locomotives, with delivery scheduled to commence in 2023.

The locomotives for DB Cargo will be delivered under the designation Vectron Dual Mode Light, featuring a power output of 2.0 MW for electric operation, 1.1 MW for diesel operation, and a maximum speed of 120 km/h.

Despite some misconceptions, these locomotives are not intended for intensive shunting tasks. Instead, they are primarily designated for short- to medium-haul routes, connecting marshalling yards to end customers. Consequently, their operational focus will be on shorter mainline journeys, while intensive shunting duties will be managed by newly introduced VRS Modula and Toshiba HDB 800 locomotives. This strategic fleet renewal aligns with DB Cargo's commitment to reducing diesel consumption and carbon emissions, promoting a more sustainable rail transport solution.

Sources: https://press.siemens.com/global/en/feature/db-cargo-and-siemens-mobility-conclude-framework-agreement-400-vectron-dual-mode

2022

January 18

The initial order is followed by an additional order for 50x locomotives in January 2022 (46x additional units for DB Cargo and 4x units for DB Bahnbau Group). Delivery of the locomotives will begin in 2026 and they will be produced at the Siemens Mobility plant in Munich-Allach.

In the meantime, Siemens releases photos from the production line for the 100x locomotives from the first batch:

The first unit, registered 90 80 2249 001-9, has also already been spotted outside the Siemens factory.

Sources: https://press.siemens.com/global/en/pressrelease/siemens-mobility-deliver-50-dual-mode-locomotives-db-cargo-and-db-bahnbau-group

2024

March 15

On March 15th, 2024, DB Cargo officially celebrated the handover and authorization of their new Class 249 locomotives a.k.a. the Vectron Dual Mode Light.

249 001, the first prototype locomotive, got a special retro livery to commemorate the older classes it was supposed to replace.

249 001 was presented in the DB Cargo works Halle (DE), under the eye of many press delegates and DB Cargo director Dr. Sigrid Nikutta. During this presentation, the final paperwork for the authorization of this new locomotive class was officially handed over. Commercial service is expected to commence soon, starting operations from DB’s hub in Halle (Saale).

The design should honor the Vectron's classic predecessors: the V90 shunter built in Western Germany and the heavy six-axle power-diesel from the east, better known as the "Ludmilla". From the different options, the design that depicts typical features of each classic locomotive was chosen without strangely deforming the shape of the new Vectron or making it asymmetric:
the lower ivory-coloured line and the horizontal ridges and rhombic air vents are from the Ludmilla;
the waistline and the hatches originate from the V90.
The idea to give the locomotive two different halves, of course, symbolizes the transition from old to new: old iconic diesel locomotives get replaced by a new type of locomotive that can save fuel by running electrically when possible!

Following the ceremony, 6x locomotives (249 001 - 006) are being tested at the Zwickau and Kreuztal sites to check their performance under real conditions before series delivery. They will be put through their paces until the end of June. They must prove themselves with high trailer loads, steep gradients, and long distances. A particular focus is on switching between electric and diesel operations. The DB Cargo project team supervises, documents, and analyses the operations.

After two months of trial operation, the team has drawn some initial conclusions: the dual-power locomotives can be used in the planned shifts and perform as expected, even in challenging weather conditions. Notably, the time savings on routes previously operated with diesel shunting locomotives under overhead lines are considerable. Small adjustments have already been identified during the test runs and Siemens is working on these final tweaks.

Once the trials are completed, series delivery will start in late summer 2024. By the end of the year, 30x dual-power locomotives should be in operation, and all 146x machines are to be delivered by 2027.

Sources: https://railcolornews.com/2024/03/15/locomotive-vectron-dual-mode-light-for-db-cargo-officially-handed-over/

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