Vectron AC 193 923 visited Norway earlier this year. On 21.03.2013 for example, it was tested with CargoNet train 5502 from Bergen to Oslo. The image shows the locomotive with EL 18.2261, one of four "Lok 2000" locomotives that CargoNet currently rents from NSB. - OB Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

Following succesfull winter testing in northern Sweden (Railcolor: with Vectron 193 923), e.g. on the Iron Ore Line to Kiruna, Vectron had received a temporary homologation for the swedish network. Afterwards the vehicle had been used in commercial service until October 2012 covering a mileage of more than 100,000 km. Effective April 30, 2013, the unlimited homologation has been granted.

After transfer from Sweden to Norway test and homologation runs were performed, followed by commercial service in freight operation on the Oslo-Bergen line with gradients of up to 22 ‰ . The homologation for Norway is expected within the next months. - Siemens Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

Siemens 21823 - Siemens 191 001
Siemens ? - Siemens 193 961
Siemens 21826 - Siemens 193 963
Siemens 21828 - Siemens 00 00 5170 034 Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

[update] It can not be the former 193 922, as this locomotive is now in service of Metrans. [update2] The locomotive is new: Siemens 21826 - Siemens 193 963 - Siemens Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

As the 5170 024-033 numbers are used for the ES 64 F4-450-459 locomotives, the 034 is the next one available.

http://www.rynek-kolejowy.pl has many new images. Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

The video shows unit 193 923 and CargoNet EL14.2187 with a freight train of this Norwegian operator, heading for Bergen. KAR/turogond

Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

193 924 hauled a four car double deck passenger train today (KBS 210 Cottbus-Leipzig vv), SAT/TAV test runs. Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

The Vectron locomotive entered the Tunnel through the French portal. This was followed by traction, braking and pantograph tests. The locomotive left emerged from the Tunnel in Folkestone in England before heading back to France for a second test phase. The goal of Eurotunnel is not to have to rely on special six-axle locomotives any more, but to use standard four-axle models to operate rail freight services between the Continent and Great Britain. Michel Boudoussier, Deputy Chief Executive of Groupe Eurotunnel SA, said: "The approval of new rolling stock is the necessary complement to the open access set up by Eurotunnel. I am pleased that our close cooperation with Siemens is paving the way for new international freight traffic, ensuring a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. The tests mark Eurotunnel's contribution to the construction of the European railway network.“

"We are pleased to have succeeded in demonstrating the exceptional performance of the Vectron here, too. True to the Vectron slogan of "Creating corridors", we have been able to show that it is feasible to operate a standard vehicle safely and reliably in the Channel Tunnel", said Karl-Hermann Klausecker, CEO of the Siemens Business Unit Locomotives and Components.

The Vectron test runs last weekend proved that a standard locomotive conforming to the TSI guidelines can operate services through the Channel Tunnel safely and reliably without the need for any major modifications (apart from the installation of the TVM train protection system). - Siemens

Railcolor: Siemens' efforts to get the Vectron approved and homologated for many different countries and services slowly pay off. The Vectron is becoming the most widely accepted platform in Europe. It can run in the tunnel, complies with TSI High Speed regulations and in the mean time has approvals for Poland, Romania, Germany and Sweden.

Update: BTW it is also the first time the RailAdventure wagons are going through the tunnel! Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

When you look at the Siemens documentation about the Vectron, homolgation of an AC locomotive for Northern France only, fits on the envisaged Corridor E of the Vectron plan. This route connects North-Western France with Italy. - MB/Siemens Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

A distinguishing feature of the Vectron platform is the compatibility of certain elements of other vehicle versions with the homologated locomotive. For an AC or multi-system locomotive, other customer-specific versions can be certified through a delta review based on the first prototype that has now been granted homologation. In order to qualify for national homologation, the Vectron required successful Europe-wide certification in compliance with the valid Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI). This EU certificate reduces the required extent of national testing within EU states.

The Vectron's national homologation was performed within the framework of the cross-acceptance procedure, which is based on an agreement between Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and the Netherlands. The task of confirming compliance was divided among the five national authorities. Thanks to this approach, cross acceptance certificates are now available which will be used for further homologations in the other countries. This parallel approach to homologation across the five countries makes optimum use of the time required for the processes in each country. Vectron locomotives have already received homologations for Poland, Sweden and Romania. - Siemens

Railcolor: This is a major breakthrough, both for Siemens and the locomotive market. Since a long time a homologated, modern multi purpose locomotive is available to the market again. Lease company Railpool is the first that can gain direct profit from this decision of EBA. Their six machines are for rent. Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

INNOTRANS 2012 Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

The Siemens Vectron Last Mile is far ahead of competition, as the platform it belongs to has been trough most of the homologation processes in Europe now. The new TRAXX and the Gama still have to start dynamic testing. This will at least take 1-2 years.

INNOTRANS 2012 Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

In cabine one, Siemens has proudly placed the official document from the Polish UTK, which tells us that the Vectron is homologated officially, without any restrictions, for their country. The Vectron DC is officially approved for Poland since last Friday (14.09.2012). Also, Siemens does not want to call this specific machine a prototype anymore. Many of its components have been tested for millions of kilometers in other products. The 5 170 020 itself also completed 70.000 km already.

The next big step fot the Vectron will be the unresticted homologation for Germany. This should be only a matter of weeks. INNOTRANS 2012 Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

The Vectron locomotive family has received its EC Certificate from Eisenbahn-CERT (EBC) in Bonn (Germany), the Notified Body for Interoperability of the Federal Railway Authority. This means that Vectron fulfills the requirements set out in the Technical Specification for Interoperability (TSI) relating to rolling stock operating on the trans-European high-speed rail system (TSI HS RST), making it the first locomotive platform to be certified according to this specification in Europe. On the basis of this certificate, the Vectron can be approved for operation in all EU states. Additional evidence only has to be provided for compliance with applicable national requirements not covered by the TSI.

Ulrich Wiescholek, Head of EBC, said: "The EBC took the platform concept particularly into account during the EC verification procedure. Each locomotive variant within the ‘Vectron family’ has the same basic configuration and – depending on the locomotive's specific area of operation – is further equipped with individually selected configuration packages. By establishing ‘verification modules’, which span a range of parameters as large as possible and enable modular combinations, ressources, time and costs associated with variant verification can be reduced. This means that a new variant can usually be certified at a low cost and within a very short space of time."

Vectron locomotives fulfill the TSI HS RST specification for class 2 vehicles operating on the trans-European high-speed rail system (vehicles with a maximum speed from 190 km/h to 250 km/h) as well as the TSI SRT (Safety in Railway Tunnels), which covers large parts of national fire protection requirements in Europe. In addition, the Vectron complies with TSI PRM (Accessibility to Persons with Reduced Mobility) and the noise level requirements set out in TSI HS RST as well as in the specification for the trans-European conventional rail system TSI NOISE.

There will be an official certificate presentation ceremony during InnoTrans 2012, on Tuesday, September 18, 2012, 2:15 p.m. Location: Siemens outdoor exhibition area, Track 2/20 - Vectron AC Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

In the past weeks, there was a small run on the very last stock units that Siemens built in 2011. Stern&Hafferl got two, and Metrans three machines, leaving only one white machine (Siemens 21690 / Siemens Vorratslok no.65) for sale.

In total, Siemens has produced 181 units of this locomotive type, of which the majority (100) is property of the Austrian state railways. Now it has to make room for its successor: the Vectron DE. From the Siemens press statement:

The successor of the highly popular Eurorunner ER20 is the Vectron DE. The vehicle concept is a consistent, further development of the Eurorunner, utilizing the maximum number of meaningful synergies with the electric variants of the Vectron. The Vectron leverages the operating and project experience gained from over 1,600 Eurosprinters and Eurorunners. Market demands, customer feedback and customer interviews have been channeled into its development along with the new normative requirements (e.g. with regard to crashworthiness and reduced emissions) and the sensitivity analyses of technical parameters and solutions. In addition, a number of improvements have been deliberately implemented in the Vectron DE. Compared to the ER20, various performance parameters, such as the diesel engine power rating and the performance and braking power of the electric brake, have also been improved. In times of ever increasing fuel costs, special priority has been attached to low fuel consumption. Adria Transport 2016 Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

completed: RO
provisorial approval: SE and PL
soon expected: DE and AT
next round: CH, IT and NL
ambition: CZ

- Siemens Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

EuroSprinter for sale! (black vs. white)
For anyone still interested: Siemens still has three 189 series locomotives for sale: E 189 845, 822 and 823. All three were present during the day, parked next to a black one: ES 64 F4-995.

PCW Thunderbirds are go!

In Wegberg, Siemens has several locomotives used for shunting. The have PCW numbers. PCW 6 is a red Vossloh G800BB, PCW 7 is the EuroRunner and the EuroSprinter godfather is now PCW 8. The question however still remains, will PCW 8 ever run again? For two years now, the machine is parked in Wegberg, have some sort of damage... PCW 7 presented itself in two different sizes. However, the model was a silver scale locomotive, with small inkjet-printed paper logos and graphics.

Everybody Vectron!

A long waiting queue was there all day. Everybody wanted to climb into Vectron 193 922, parked outside. We did not go in, but made some nice close-ups of the exterior and some impressions. Again a tip for everyone looking for works numbers (193 924 = SMP 21697) of Siemens locomotives: go to cab no.1, check the frame right above the right buffer. Good luck!

Hide and seek
Some locomotives did not like all the attention. One had to know what to look for to find them. All in the back of the halls we could see 193 901 (the only Vectron now with the old, Belgian front bow) and Rail One's 474 102. Hidden in the bush outside, two Traxx locomotives were spotted; 186 121 (edit) in Fyra-colors and IGT 246 011 still celebrating German's 150th railways anniversary. Behind ES 64 F4-453 we could identify ES 64 F4-409 and Nordcargo 474 201. - DvdR

SNCB 19 vs Vectron and the auto-coupler
Around fifteen HLE 19 series locomotives were seen in Wegberg. The 1909, 1906 and 1913 were in front of the public. We took the opportunity to make some good close-ups of 1906 and its Schwab-coupler system, that what makes the HLE19 different from its normal HLE18 sisters. Also note the special steel, futuristic construction behind it.

And in the mean while in Mönchengladbach...
And in the mean while in Mönchengladbach... ES 64 F4-406 with CFI-logos is ready to go back to Italy. - TW MRCE ES64F4 RAIL ONE 474 Siemens ER20-2007 Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives SNCB HLE 18-19 Stock locomotives type ES 64 F4 the EuroSprinter

Customer requirements make locomotive manufacturers creative. With new orders they can extend their product portfolio and implement new sub version to what is already available.
Siemens however subscribes the versatility of its Vectron platform by presenting alternative and creative configurations by itself. In 2010, the Vectron-quartet was the surprise of the fair. DC, AC, MS and even a diesel-electric locomotive was presented, all built with the same building blocks and modules.

Vectron Last-Mile
Innotrans 2012 will be about extending the range, partly in practice, partly in theory. At the fair, a Vectron locomotive with additional diesel-generator will be presented. The generator will be an extra module available to all AC and DC versions of the Vectron. One can look at it is a direct response to Bombardier and its TRAXX AC3 locomotive with 'Last Mile' equipment. A useful, hybrid solution for smaller operators, with small fleets, that don't want to be dependent on the availability of a local diesel locomotive, which is not under their control.

However, Bombardier decided to implement it in a whole new base version of the TRAXX platform, and it is not known of the 'Last Mile' feature can be implemented in a TRAXX AC2 (185.2 seires) or a TRAXX DC (483 series) locomotive. In the past two years, the Vectron has been tested and homologated extensively. First approvals are through (RO) or almost completed (SE,DE,AT). The first new TRAXX still has not left its safe-haven in Kassel, more than a year after its presentation, so still has to go trough all the testing. Siemens can strike back here, if they manage to get new orders. Because that is the big question with the Siemens Vectron; who will buy it. Of course, it has been developed for the longer run, but Siemens has invested a large sum of money that it wants to earn back. They won't be able to do that with six units for Railpool and two for FuoriMuro.

However, new, bigger orders are expected. In Europe, the state railways of Finland and DB Schenker in Poland want to modernize their fleet for example. And don't forget that the know-how of the Vectron will also be used for the Cities-Sprinter project for Amtrak.

Vectron Mono Cab
We don't expect a prototype of this one, but yes, it is possible of course to built a Vectron with only one full-fledged cab. A cab is a module on its own and can easily be replaced with something less complicated (the „Heck-End“ is born). And Siemens has done it before, with the diesel-locomotive for Iran. One such unit could be in passenger services. Two units, coupled back to back, can serve as double-locomotive for heavy freight duty.

But ideas are nice and evident, but both configurations are not very common in Europe. Passenger operators only decide to order such a locomotive if their fleet composition leaves them no other option. Train sets are going for the win here.
Double-locomotives are required for long-run, heavy freight trains, and are therefore a more common site in vast countries like Russia and China. But globalization continues. A double-Vectron for Belarus or Brazil maybe? INNOTRANS 2012 Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

Homologation runs have already been completed for Germany, as have the network access runs for Austria. The homologation process for Switzerland, Italy and The Netherlands is also underway. - Siemens

Furthermore, preliminary homologation has already been issued in Poland and Sweden. In Poland, Vectron DC 191 951 and 952 are being tested extensively in both revenue passenger and freight services. In Sweden, Vectron AC 193 krupp_2884_02 is used for trials. Operators such as Rush Rail are fond of the new locomotive.

In Poland, it was able to pull a coal train weighing roughly 3,800 metric tons up a six percent gradient between Zawiercie and Warsaw without any problems. In a further test with 4,000 metric tons on level track, it reached a speed of 15 kilometers per hour after just 200 meters. The tests were carried out with Vectron DC 193 951, which has a service weight of 80 metric tons and tractive power rating of 5,200 kW. The locomotive is currently in service at DB Schenker Rail Poland under supervised operation as part of homologation activities.

In Poland, it was able to pull a coal train weighing roughly 3,800 metric tons up a six promille gradient between Zawiercie and Warsaw without any problems.

Its sister locomotive, 193 952, is also being used for the same purpose by PKP IC in intercity service between Warsaw and Kraków with a top speed of 160 km/h. The route is operated twice daily, covering a total distance of 1,250 km.

In Sweden, a freight train weighing roughly 2,300 metric tons was hauled up a six kilometer long 10‰ gradient. Vectron AC locomotive 193 krupp_2884_02, which has a tractive power rating of 6,400 kW, developed a constant speed of 40 km/h over the entire incline without the need for sanding. Preliminary homologation was issued for the Swedish network after the locomotive successfully completed testing under winter conditions in northern Sweden. The locomotive is currently in service on the route between Gothenburg and Sundsvall via Västerås. - Siemons Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

BTW: Note that the 921 now has the new front now. Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

PKP Intercity will be the next operator in Poland that will evaluate the Siemens Vectron locomotive in everyday practice. Unit 191 952 has completed its test period at ITL Polska and has now arrived at PKP's depot in Olszynka Grochowska. Most likely, 952 will run on the Centralnej Magistrali Kolejowej, where it can reach its top speed of 160 kph. - KAR Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

New locomotive approved: Siemens Vectron now in operation in Poland
The Siemens Vectron DC is now transporting freight and passengers in Poland. The authority granted approval in November 2011.

Trial operation agreed with three railway companies
Siemens received the preliminary approval for DC locomotives from the Vectron family in Poland. It Must now prove its worth in the Polish winter. In November 2011 the Polish approval authority Urząd Transportu Kolejowego (UTK) granted Siemens preliminary approval for the DC variant of the Vectron locomotive. The two locomotives with the serial numbers 5 170 020 and 5 170 021 are equipped with the SHP Polish train control system and have been in operation on test trips in Poland since 2011, e.g. in the testing area near Żmigród. In the coming months they must prove their reliability in freight and passenger transportation in order to obtain permanent approval for operation on Polish rails. To this end Siemens is working together with three Polish railway companies. The handover of the first vehicle (020) to the first operator – the DB Schenker Rail Polska railway company – took place last Friday. Further partners will include ITL Polska and PKP Intercity.

About the Vectron DC
The DC variant of the Vectron is designed for a three kilovolt system and is thus suitable for networks e.g. in Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and the Czech Republic – provided that the corresponding train control systems have been installed. The locomotive has a maximum power of 5,200 kilowatts and a tractive effort on starting of 300 kilonewtons at a weight of 80 tons. During trial operation in Poland it will run at speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour.
The Siemens Vectron family celebrated its world premiere at the InnoTrans International Trade Fair for Transport Technology in Berlin in September 2010. Three months later the Munich-based locomotive rental company Railpool purchased the first six vehicles.

Railcolor.net: Check this image.. This Vectron locomotive has a new Polish NVR Number: 91 51 5 170 020-9 PL-PCW. It will run under the license of DB Schenker Rail Polska. [Update] This is the former 191 951. The machine that will run under number 5 170 021 is Siemens 21698 - Siemens 191 952. This locomotive will be first hired to ITL Polska. - Siemens Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

For more details, visit the Siemens website. Here you can see the exact testing programs of Vectron 193 901 (Velim, Czech Republic), 902 (around Minden, Germany), 921 (Amstetten, Austria) and 922 (Wegberg-Wildenrath, Germany). - Siemens Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

update: Great report about the rolling stock high light of the CRD2011 on Zelpage.cz. Check the Gravita of Leo Rail.

While the ACkrupp_2884_02 is enjoying the sun, its sister MS902 is performing on the high-speed line (NBS) between Ingolstadt and Nürnberg. The aerodynamic properties of the Vectron in tunnel are measured, according to this item. - DSO Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

193 901 MS and 193 922 AC: Have left Velim > link
193 902 MS: link
193 krupp_2884_02 AC: is on its way to the Czech Raildays exhibition, which takes place in Ostrava from 14. until 16.06.2011 - PK
191 951 DC: will leave the test ring of Velim next week, heading for Zmigrod - PK
Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

However, there was more! We start with the seventh Vectron from the locomotive production of Siemens in Munich. Unit 193 krupp_2884_02 (the third AC configurated machine) was present at the fair with Railpool markings. This is not the final design of course, but just to emphasize the fact that Siemens has found a launching customer for its new product last December. At the Railpool booth inside one could admire a model of a Vectron in a more genuine Railpool-livery; plain silver, black fronts and with the blue surfaces. Its (fictional) number was 193 801. Railpool 193 Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

The website about the Vectron picture contest tells us that the 902 will be testing on the München-Nordring in the next weeks. After that, a Vectron AC machine will start trials on public tracks in southern Germany. Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

Siemens tricked us in Wegberg-Wildenrath last June. They did not tell the complete story. Indeed, the Vectron platform will be Siemens' new platform to compete with Bombardier's Traxx and the Alstom PrimaII, but the range is a bit more versatile than expected. At Innotrans 2010 the Vectron DE will make its debute, alongside the new DC-only version and accompagnied by the known AC and MS version. All four units at the Innotrans are new, so Siemens invested in building in at least six white prototypes. Unlike the 193 901 and 921 that we already knew, the four newcomers have an altered front-hatch design and new lamp-fittings. Some first details about the four new units:

Vectron MS - 193 902 - Another multi-system unit to be used accross Europe, it's decorated with red front markings for Italy. It will be named next wednesday as 'Werner von Siemens'.

Vectron AC - 193 922 - The second AC-machine for services in Germany and towards Eastern Europe.

Vectron DC - 191 951 - A new one, for DC (3 kV) only. Its UIC ratser tells us that Siemens aims at the Polish domestic market first. On one side, the DC unit has automatic couplings, to show this feature.

Vectron DE - 247 901 - The unexpected surprise, a diesel Vectron. A machine with a 2400kW MTU engine. It has features for passenger services, as there is a display up front for example.

Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

Today, two Vectron units were present at Wegberg-Wildenrath. One was making its rounds on the main ring; 193 901, a multi-system high power (6,4 MW) version with a top speed of 200 kph. In the workshops a second unit was available to the always curious press people; 193 921 a 200 kph high-power Vectron for AC voltage systems only, to be certified for Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slowakia and Romania. A third and fourth prototype will be built to get the certification process in the highest gear.

More in dept information will be published soon. Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives

Remarkable is also the announcement that Siemens is soon to introduce a new standard platform for locomotives. Herewith, the Belgian 18 series, Portuguese LE4700 series and the ER20s for Lithuania now prove to be just an interim solution. - Siemens MRCE ES64F4 Siemens Vectron testbed locomotives