8100 series: prototype 8101 and 8102
Siemens and Daewoo Heavy Industries (nowadays Hyundai-Rotem) signed an agreement for a technology transfer, needed to modernize the locomotive fleet of the South-Korean railways, KNR (now Korail). In September 1998, two prototypes were completed in Anyang, South-Korea; unit 8101 and 8102, both painted in white, yellow and blue. The exterior design of the Korail 8100 locomotives is largely based on that of the 152 series locomotives built for the German railways. Mechanically, the main difference with the german version is the modified frame and bogie design, adjusted for the use of center couplings.
The 8101 and 8102 were tested by KNR for a year after delivery. The livery of 8102 has changed in the meanwhile, now being the standard white with blue frames and pink cabs. Of 8101 we are not sure. It got the new logos of Korail, but maybe it still has its orginal livery.
8200 series: 8201-8283
Following the trials with 8101 and 8102, Korail decided to order another a batch of ten locomotives. Daewoo delivered 8201-8210 in 2003. Since then the series has been extended up till at least 83 units, all delivered in the white/blue/pink Korail livery.
A nice image/video report on overhauling a 8200 series locomotive can be found here.
Korail staff is posing together with engineers from Rotem and Siemens for the first series produced electric of the 8200 series.
8500 series: 8501-8587 (originaly planned as 8300 series)
Hyundai-Rotem built 56, 6600 kW Co'Co' electrics for freight services. 31 additional locomotives were ordered in 2012. Toshiba Corporation from Japan delivered the key electrical equipment and systems for these electric locomotives. The exterior design is still much inspired by the previous projects with Siemens.
Korail 8100/8200 and 8500
2012-10-18
[KR] Driver training with Korail's new 8500 freight locomotive
update 2012|10|18
[KR] Driver training with Korail's new 8500 freight locomotive
Currently, Hyundai-Rotem and Toshiba are building 87 new six-axle electrics for the railways of South-Korea, Korail. This new 8500 series freight locomotive, will initially replace the early members of the 8000 series. At the moment they are being used on driver training with an empty stock four-car set to provide braking sequence experiences. At least three different rakes are being utilized (no passengers inside). The 8500 is now delivered in batches of three or four locos at a time and stored locally until homolgation. The image shows unit no.8521 during driver training and homolgation on the Korail Jungang Line near Jecheon. - PGG
2012-07-07
[KR] About the new Korail 8500 series freight locomotive
update 2012|07|07
[KR] About the new Korail 8500 series freight locomotive
In 2010/2012, the railways of South-Korea (Korail) ordered 87 new electrics, to be built by Hyundai-Rotem and with Toshiba from Japan as subcontractor for the key electrical parts. The first units of this new sex-axle freight locomotive type were released from the factory earlier this year, and are now testing on the South-Korean network. The video shows locomotive no.8501, but also the 8502 has been portrayed already.
2012-03-19
[KR] 8500 series; the new electric freight locomotives for South-Korea.
update 2012|03|19
[KR] 8500 series; the new electric freight locomotives for South-Korea.
Indeed, these very first images prove that the new series of electrics for Korail from South-Korea will form the new 8500 series. In total 87 (56+31) units are on order / in production. We hop eto bring more images soon. - PW
2012-03-16
[KR] Toshiba/Hyundai Rotem; 31 freight locmotives extra for Korail
update 2012|03|16
[KR] Toshiba/Hyundai Rotem; 31 freight locmotives extra for Korail
Eight days ago, Toshiba from Japan announced 'that it has won a second major contract from South Korea's Hyundai Rotem Company for the supply of key electrical parts for 8500 series electric locomotives for Korean Railroad Corporation (Korail).'
Toshiba is already working on traction drives and auxiliary power supply systems for an inital batch of 56 locomotives. At the time this order was announced, the freight locomotives got a 8300 series designation. Before delivery this was changed.
2010-03-31
[KR] Korail orders 56 new electrics
update 2010|03|31
[KR] Korail orders 56 new electrics
Hyundai Rotem from South-Korea will built 56 new electrics for the national railways Korail. Toshiba Corporation will supply key electrical equipment and systems for these electric locomotives, starting in May 2011 and continue through to April of 2012. These new units, with 6600 kW and a Co'Co' wheel configuration will form the new 8300 class and will be used for freight services. - toshiba.co.jp
When looking at the artist impression, we can conclude that the Koreans do not put much effort in finding their own identity when it comes down to exterior design. Appearantly they don't feel the need to hide where they got their knowlegde from... Like with the KTX-2 high speed trains, it is still easy to see that these modern developments have their roots in Europe. Like the Korail 8100 and 8200, the 8300 class resembles the exterior construction of the Siemens EuroSprinter ES 64 F type, also known as DB 152 series.
2009-04-14
[KR] greetings from South-Korea
update 2009|04|14
[KR] greetings from South-Korea
We got the first picture from South-Korea! It shows Rotem-built unit 8244 during a stop in Dongdaegu Station. In the mean time we know that in 2008 another 28 of these machines have been built for the Korail railways, Korail, designated 8256-8283. - SP
Alstom
Hyundai Rotem from South-Korea will built 56 new electrics for the national railways Korail. Toshiba Corporation will supply key electrical equipment and systems for these electric locomotives, starting in May 2011 and continue through to April of 2012. These new units, with 6600 kW and a Co'Co' wheel configuration will form the new 8300 class and will be used for freight services. - toshiba.co.jp
When looking at the artist impression, we can conclude that the Koreans do not put much effort in finding their own identity when it comes down to exterior design. Appearantly they don't feel the need to hide where they got their knowlegde from... Like with the KTX-2 high speed trains, it is still easy to see that these modern developments have their roots in Europe. Like the Korail 8100 and 8200, the 8300 class resembles the exterior construction of the Siemens EuroSprinter ES 64 F type, also known as DB 152 series.
