Things don't look good for James Bond and Alpha Trains > Lineas 186 228 / 2836. These are the two locomotives that collided head-on last week at Leese-Stolzenau. These images show the damage on both machines. Photos: Thomas Wohlfarth

On November 15, EQT Infrastructure II announced that it had completed the acquisition of GB Railfreight from Groupe EuroTunnel through an indirectly owned company within the Hector Rail group. Founded in 1999 by the current CEO John Smith, GB Railfreight is the third largest rail freight operator in the UK, and provides a wide range of rail transport solutions and rail services.

Bo Lerenius, Industrial Advisor to EQT and Chairman of the Hector Rail Group, says: “As one of the UK’s leading rail freight operators, GB Railfreight has proven its strength in the rail industry. The focus on innovation and delivery of outstanding customer service are two key factors that make us believe that GB Railfreight is an excellent fit with Hector Rail.”

More information can be found on Mainlinediesels.net

According to various sources, Bombardier's customer Hector Rail wants to know if the operator can successfully use a Traxx DE ME locomotive in mixed traction with its Class 241 series electrics. Now a vital part of the Danish network north of Padborg is temporarily without catenary, there is an excellent opportunity to test this.

On the sections without overhead power, 245 204 is used to pull the freight trains while being controlled from the Class 241 Traxx AC2 in front of it. Various impressions of the Multi Engine Traxx during combined operations can be found here and here.

The Hector Rail 241 in these images is technically used as driving trailer. Its pantographs are down and locked. The main switch is off. Tractive effort comes 100% from the NAH.SH 245 204 with is controlled from the cabin of the 241. So, there is no driver in the cab of the diesel locomotive.

Although unconfirmed, it has been indicated that after testing in Denmark has been completed 245 204 will also pay Sweden a visit.

(Martin Drube / Martin Greiner)

This morning, Hector Rail 241.005 arrived in Kassel Rangierbahnhof to pick a locomotive in complementary colours: Paribus 245 204 for NAH.SH. (Christian Klotz)

The route of these machines: Krefeld - Dortmund - Rostock - Trelleborg - Malmö. According to various sources, Bombardier's customer Hector Rail wants to know if the operator can successfully use a Traxx DE ME locomotive in mixed traction with its 241 series electrics. This, because a vital part of the Danish network is temporarily without catenary.

Hector Rail operates trains in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Germany. Hector Rail's customers are large industrial and transport companies. For these customers cost-effectiveness and quality are crucial criteria when selecting transportation partners. Financial stability and sustainability are also of fundamental importance.

Together with EQT Hector Rail will be able to continue developing the attractive offering in the rail market. The change in ownership is highly beneficial for Hector Rail’s continued expansion.

EQT views Hector Rail as a well-run business with a strong track record and an excellent reputation. EQT believes the railway will gain market shares going forward and has the ambition to realise substantial value creation opportunities together with the Company

The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2014 after customary anti-trust approvals.

http://www.hectorrail.com 1995: ÖBB 1012 (SGP) HectorRail 241 Hector Rail 242 Hector Rail ES64F4

At the same day, latest additions to the fleet of Hector Rail were seen in Malmö; Unit 241.011 and 012 hauled a freight train to Padborg. - DM HectorRail 241

Hector Rail decided to acquire two additional locomotives in december 2010 so that it could continue to offer cross-border services to new customers. - CK/Hector Rail HectorRail 241

Now 185 404 and 406 are waiting for transport to Scandinavia... - DSO DBSRS 185.2 Green Cargo 185.2/Litt Re/Litt Br HectorRail 241

Therefore, Hector Rail has decided to acquire two additional locomotives so that it can continue to offer cross-border services to new customers. The delivery of 241 no. 11 and 12 is scheduled for August 2011. There is an option for an additional four locomotives. - Hector Rail HectorRail 241

Other fresh ones from Kassel in the picture. CBRail 285 105 leaves Kassel with Railion unit 185 002, which has had an overhaul and now fits in better with its normal 185 series collegues. Third machine is Veolia 185 598, which seems to have a better future than its Traxx MS brothers. Its the first 185.2 machine for Veolia, two more are on order. The other two picture show the also brand new 486 503 for BLS Cargo and 186 223 for ATC/CobraRail. A special thanks goed out to Christian Klotz for these images.

Finally a picture from Italy, where also Traxx machines are in production. E 483 101 for Nordcargo performing trials. - M22 DB Schenker Rail Italia Traxx DC HectorRail 241

HectorRail 241