
After its successful test ride from Hungary to Turkey and back, the Bombardier Traxx F140 AC3 Last Mile locomotive no. 187 009 passed the climate tests in the Vienna Climatic Wind Tunnel during the past weeks. The functioning of the machines in case of ice, snow and extreme heat was evaluated. Under these difficult conditions, the tests included for example starting up the locomotive, checking the unobstructed view through the front window and the functioning of the coupling.
On the one hand, the locomotive was tested at temperatures of up to -35°C – this showed that even at such low temperatures the control technology reacted very quickly and that the additional diesel engine was operative.
On the other hand, the tests were about the locomotive's performance at up to 45°C and wind speeds of up to 200 km/h. These tests especially checked whether the air conditioning unit (the air conditioning system) and the Flex Panel were able to withstand the extreme conditions.
The bottom line after four weeks of tests: Once more, the Traxx F140 AC3 Last Mile locomotive has proven successfully its functionality under extreme conditions. - Bombardier