Data refers to electric versions,[2] except where noted
The Vectron is a locomotive series made by Siemens Mobility, introduced at the 2010 InnoTrans trade fair in four prototype versions: diesel, multi-system, and both AC and DC electric power. The diesel version has been replaced in 2018 by a dual mode locomotive which is powered by electricity on electrified sections of the track and can be switched to diesel mode on non-electrified sections.[3] The Vectron series is reconfigurable and modular, with a Bo'Bo'wheel arrangement, and is intended as the successor to the EuroSprinter family of locomotives. It can be configured to use any or all of the four electric power systems[4] commonly used in Europe. A more affordable, basic version called Smartron was introduced in 2018.[5][6][7]
Background and design
Around the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century Siemens successfully produced freight and passenger/universal versions of its EuroSprinter locomotive platform; initially made as single voltage machines for European state railways (Austria, Germany), later as multivoltage locomotives for cross border working; this design resulted in numerous orders from both state and private railways, as well as rail leasing companies, primarily in the European Union area.
Siemens identified the potential for further growth in the market, particularly in trans-Alpine freight (Northern Europe to Italy), railfreight from northern European ports into Europe and from Baltic ports into Russia, as well as the potential for growth in newer members of the European Union (Poland, Hungary etc.).[8]
The design incorporates elements from previous Siemens locomotives—the train control package and traction control system are from the ES64F4 and ES64U4 Eurosprinter models respectively, whilst traction system is derived from the ER20 Eurorunner. The cab and replaceable front end (buffer-bar) derives from the latest Eurosprinter model[9] i.e. locomotives such as the Portuguese CP Class 4700 or Belgian SNCB Class 18.
Design
The Vectron is designed to be easily reconfigurable to a variety of country or work specific configurations; reconfiguration to different safety systems is simplified with pre-designed mounting points for track equipment, modular safety equipment cabinets in the locomotive body[10] and a driver's desk designed for a wide variety of information equipment.[8]
The locomotives are also available in a medium power (5.2 MW or 7,000 hp) version for regional passenger and medium freight work as well as a high power (6.4 MW or 8,600 hp) version. DC only versions are only available in medium power.[2] The standard design speed is 160 km/h (99 mph), which can be upgraded to 200 km/h (120 mph) with the addition of semi-active yaw dampers incorporating a bogie–bogie steering mechanism.[8] Since 2022, the locomotive can also be ordered with a top speed of 230 km/h.[11]
The main body of the vehicle is self-supporting, consisting of an underframe of three longitudinal sill plates (centre and sides), side walls, transverse support members for the bogie pivots and for the transformer, and end sill plates. The roof is in three sections and is removable, and the two driver's cabins also have a replaceable front end. The buffer beam section is also a separate part, which allows replacement if it is damaged in a collision.[8]
The main compartment of the locomotive contains the electrical equipment except the main transformer and batteries which are located below the frame. All electrical components are placed in predefined locations on either side of a central aisle connecting the two cabins with each mounting position being reserved for a single type of equipment.[8]
The bogies transmit tractive force through a central pivot. The traction motors are flexibly supported by the bogie frame, and are connected to the wheelset mounted reduction gears by a multiple disc coupling. A full hollow shaft (folded cardan) drive system is also optional. Mechanical braking is via wheel-mounted disc brakes. Electrical regenerative braking is also used.[8]
The locomotives can work in double, multiple and push-pull formation with other Vectron, Eurosprinter and Eurorunner locomotives as well as some other locomotives fitted with the same multiple working equipment.[8] The design also allows single cab version for use in permanent double coupled locomotive working or for use with passenger trains with a blanking module replacing one of the cab ends.[12]
Diesel engined versions
A fully diesel powered version was launched in 2010. The design uses a 2.4 MW (3,200 hp), MTU 16V 4000 84R engine.[13]
An electric locomotive design with 180 kW diesel engine for shunting operations was presented at the 2012 InnoTrans trade fair.[12]
In 2018, a dual mode locomotive was presented as a combination of electric and diesel locomotive. The new locomotive weighs 90 metric tons. The locomotive is designed to operate on a 15-kV AC electrical system and is equipped with the PZB train protection system. Regardless of its operating mode, the locomotive develops a rating of 2,000 kW at the wheel rim. The Vectron's diesel tank holds 2,500 liters of fuel. The locomotive's top speed is 160 km/h.[14]
Operations
Introduction and testing
The first locomotives of the type were AC and multisystem locomotives presented at the Wegberg-Wildenrath Test and Validation Centre in June 2010.[15] AC, DC, multivoltage electric system and a diesel engined version were officially launched at the 2010 InnoTrans trade fair.[13]
The Vectron design received certification to operate in Romania in 2012,[16] the DC Vectron version also was homologated for use in Poland in 2012,[17] and the design received European community certification for inter-operability on high-speed rail systems.[18] (EC Decisions 2002/735/EC and 2008/232/CE)
Certification for use of the AC version in Germany was obtained in December 2012, as part of a joint certification procedure between Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and the Netherlands.[19]
Over the night of 25–26 January 2013, a modified Vectron locomotive was tested in the Channel Tunnel.[20]
Certification for use in Austria was obtained in early 2013.[21] Full certification for use in Sweden was obtained in April 2013, replacing a temporary certificate.[22]
The AC version received certification for Hungary in late 2013.[23] In January 2014 the Vectron locomotive class received certification under the EU 'Technical specification for interoperability for Locomotives and Passenger rolling stock' (Decision 2011/291/EU),[24] and in July 2014 the AC version was certified for use in Norway.[25]
The locomotives were released for operation in Turkey in November 2014.[26] Preliminary certifications for some multisystem locomotives in the Czech Republic[27] and Slovakia[28] followed. A preliminary certification for some DC version locomotives in the Czech Republic was reported shortly after.[29] The permanent authorizations for the MS and AC versions were granted in March 2015 for the Czech Republic[30] and in May 2015 for Slovakia.[31] In July 2015, the DC version was homologated for Italy.[32] Since August 2015, the MS version is homologated for Poland.[33] The homologation for Croatia and Slovenia was published in September 2015.[34] Since February 2017, the MS version is homologated for Italy.[35]
A Siemens press release on the occasion of 500 sold locomotives[36] revealed that homologations also exist for Bulgaria, Serbia and Switzerland. The MS version was homologated for the Netherlands in September 2017.[37]
The diesel engined version Vectron DE is homologated for use in Germany since September 2014,[38] for use in Turkey since November 2014[26] and for use in Austria since August 2015.
Homologation overview
Homologations which cannot be clearly assigned to the locomotive's electric system were assumed on the basis of neighboring countries and current systems and are given in brackets in the following table.
For freight service in Poland, with delivery from 2012 to 2015, (option for further 13 locomotives).[41] First units delivered December 2012.[42] Four of them are currently leased by PKP Intercity as temporary replacement for EP09 until July 2015.[43]
160 km/h version, prefitted for conversion to multi-system versions. Ordered by leasing company Mitsui Rail Capital Europe (MRCE), for expected use between Germany, Austria, and Hungary.[44]
Contract of 80 Sr3 class units and €300 million with Finnish national operator to replace VR Class Sr1 on passenger and freight was finalised in early 2014, with option for 97 more.[48] Series production from 2018 to 2026. 1,524 mm (5 ft) gauge and modified for work down to −40 °C. Also fitted with 'last mile' diesel engines for unelectrifed docks and yards.[49] First unit delivered April 2015, for pre-series production testing.[50] Units are winterised, including air intakes on roof. Sr3 is taller than other Vectrons due to equipment on the roof in "a hump". Front looks also different due to missing air intakes and SA3 automatic couplers.[50] In January 2019 the application for usage in passenger trains was denied, due to problems with the STM enabling the ETCS based onboard signalling system to communicate with Finnish signals. There were random emergency brakings.[51] Permission for passenger use was obtained in spring of 2020 after problems with ETCS equipment were fixed.[52]
2 DC units ordered by Compagnia Ferroviaria Italiana (CFI) with 180 kW diesel shunting modules ('last mile diesel') for operations on unelectrified sections.[53][54]
Ordered for leasor European Locomotive Leasing (ELL), part financed by KKR.[55] Agreement for up to 50 locomotives, with AC versions for Germany, Austria and Hungary, and multisystem versions with additional equipment for operating into Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, also fitted with ETCS.[56][57]
For operation in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and the Netherlands, including trans-alpine freight.[63]
ENON GmbH
AC / Diesel
1
2015
ENON GmbH freight subsidiary EGP (Eisenbahngesellschaft Potsdam) ordered a locomotive for cross-border traffic between Austria and Germany. The locomotive is equipped with a diesel engine for shunting or railway siding trips.[64]
ITL Eisenbahngesellschaft
MS
6
2015
Order for three locomotives for use in Germany, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.[65] (option for three more taken in 2016.[66]
For delivery early 2016 to summer 2017. Equipped for Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, and with ETCS; 3 locos equipped for Netherlands as well. Option for five further units.[67]
MRCE
MS / 15 kV AC
21
2015
October 2015; 10 locomotives for use in Germany and Austria, 11 for use in Germany, Austria and Italy. All fitted with relevant national safety systems as well as ETCS.[68][69]
The multisystem locomotives can be operated in all countries neighboring the Czech Republic as well as in Hungary and Romania. All locomotives will be equipped with train control systems for these countries as well as the European Train Control System (ETCS). The locomotives have a maximum output of 6,400 kW and a top speed of 160 km/h.[77]
PIMK
AC
2
2016
Two units ordered by PIMK (Bulgaria), one of which is former 5.6MW test locomotive 192 962.[78]
DB Cargo Deutschland operated the Vectron DE locomotives on long-term hire from Siemens. After the end of the hire, two locomotives were sold by Siemens to RTS - Rail Transport Service GmbH, the other two to ENON GmbH.[86]
Framework contract for the delivery of up to 100 alternating current (AC) locomotives, 50 alternating current (AC) locomotives with diesel power modules and 50 multisystem (MS) locomotives. A firm order for 30 MS locomotives was placed at the signing.[88] Till 2024, 178 of the locomotives were ordered.[89]
6.4MW, for use in the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Poland and Slovakia[92]
ITL Eisenbahngesellschaft
MS
6
2017
Three locomotives for use in Germany, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania and Hungary, three more additionally also homologated for the Netherlands.[93]
For use in Denmark (from 2021) and eventually Denmark-Germany cross border services (Possibly Sweden and Norway in the future, as these countries utilize same electrification as Germany). Original contract was for 26 units with option for additional 18.[105] In 2020 Siemens Mobility and DSB released a press release announcing that the DSB order was raised to 42 locomotives, bringing the total number of Vectron locomotives sold to 1003.[106]
^"mgw Serive Gmbh. & Co. KG", mgwservice.de (in German), archived from the original on 2 April 2015, retrieved 28 April 2014, Aktuelles: 11.04.2014: Vertragsunterzeichnung für einen Siemens Vectron. Auslieferung August 2014
^"Change in Ownership at Railpool", railpool.eu, 9 May 2014, archived from the original on 12 May 2014, retrieved 12 May 2014, In parallel to the acquisition of Railpool, an order for five Vectron locomotives has been placed with Siemens for delivery in the coming months.