DB Class 120

Last updated
Deutsche Bundesbahn Baureihe 120
120 105-2 U-P und H, 2013.jpg
120 105-2 with an InterCity from Berlin to Cologne, 2013.
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
Builder BBC, Henschel, Krauss-Maffei, Krupp
Build date1979–1980 (120.0)
1987–1989 (120.1)
Total produced65
Specifications
Configuration:
   UIC Bo′Bo′
Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge
Length19.20 m (63 ft 0 in)
Loco weight84.0 t (82.7 long tons; 92.6 short tons)
Electric system/s 15 kV 16⅔ Hz AC Catenary
Current pickup(s) Pantograph
Traction motors Four
Loco brake KE-GPR, electric brakes
Train brakes Air
Safety systemsSifa, Indusi
Performance figures
Maximum speed200 km/h (124 mph)
Power output5,600  kW (7,500  hp)
Tractive effort 340  kN (76,000  lbf) Max
215  kN (48,000  lbf) @92.6 km/h (58 mph)
Career
OperatorsDeutsche Bundesbahn
Deutsche Bahn AG
Class 120
Withdrawn2011 - present
DispositionStill in active service

The DB Baureihe 120 is a class of electric locomotives operated by DB Fernverkehr in Germany. From 5 July 2020, almost all locomotives (except for one from the 120.2 subseries) have been withdrawn.

Contents

Background and design

The locomotives' prototypes, delivered in 1979 (Mark 120.0), were one of the first electric locomotives with three-phase motors controlled by thyristor-based power electronics. This principle, mainly devised by the german branch of swiss-based Brown, Boveri & Cie lay the foundation for all current electric and diesel-electric rail engines. For this, the Mark 120 is often acclaimed as milestone in locomotive technology. They were based on experiments made in the 1970s with diesel-electric test platforms (Mark DE 2500/ DB Mark 202). In Norway, a new four-axle Locomotive, Mark El-17, was launched during 1983 with top speeds up to 93 miles per hour (150 km/h).

The design was intended to be the first truly universal locomotive, capable of pulling fast passenger trains as well as heavy freight trains. While the electric equipment exceeded expectations, the mechanical part suffered from its lightweight construction necessitated by the heavy electronics of the time.

After extensive tests, a series of 60 locomotives (Mark 120.1) were ordered in 1984 and delivered in 1986–1988. Original plans to build up to 2,000 machines were ultimately ended by DB's privatisation. The 120s went to DB Fernverkehr, the other divisions of Deutsche Bahn ordered locomotives that featured technologies from the 120, but were not direct successors. However, the mark 120 engines formed the foundation for the power cars of the german high-speed trains ICE 1 and ICE 2

Technical data

120.0120.1
General
OperatorDB=>
Manufacturing year1979-19xx1986–1988
Number of manuf.560
Supplier mechanical partHenschel, Krauss Maffei, Krupp=>
Supplier electrical partBBC, Siemens, AEG=>
Axle arrBo-Bo=>
Weight84.0 t (82.7 long tons; 92.6 short tons)=>
Axle load21.0 t (20.7 long tons; 23.1 short tons)=>
Max tractive eff340 kN (76,000 lbf)340 kN (76,000 lbf)
Max speed280 km/h (170 mph)200 km/h (120 mph)
Body
Length19,200 mm (63 ft 0 in)=>
Bogie distance10,200 mm (33 ft 6 in)=>
Height over pantograph4,375 mm (14 ft 4.2 in)=>
Body width3,000 mm (9 ft 10 in)=>
Coupling buffers and chain =>
Surfacesmooth steel sheet=>
Colourwine-red beigered, white
Bogies
Track width1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge =>
Wheel base2,800 mm (9 ft 2 in)=>
Wheel diameter, new1,250 mm (49.21 in)=>
Primary suspensioncoil=>
Secondary suspensioncoil=>
Brake shoe, rheostatic, regenerative shoe, regenerative
Bogie Weight15.96 t (15.71 long tons; 17.59 short tons)=>
Min hor radius 100 m (328 ft)=>
Electrical equipment
Catenary voltage15 kV=>
Catenary frequency1623 Hz=>
Max cont power4.4 MW (5,900 hp)=>
Traction motorQD646BQg 4843
Max power trainheating900 kW (1,200 hp)=>

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