Mitsui Rail Capital Europe is a rolling stock leasing company, part of the Mitsui conglomerate from Japan. In 2005 it invested in several types of Bombardier electrics, including five AC2 electrics for services in Germany and the Alp-countries. In 2006 six additional machines were ordered.
At the end of 2011 two locomotives were completed for services to Scandinavia; 185 407 and 408.
Currently, DB Regio is using two MRCE lease locomotives for its passenger services around Stuttgart. 185 565 and 567 are pulling trains ('n-wagen') to Heilbronn, Singen and Osterburken for example. Tobias Brüggemann photographed 185 565 in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen on 11.11.2016.
MRCE 185.2
2016-06-06
[EU] HHLA/Metrans logos are spreading [updated]
update 2016|06|06
[EU] HHLA/Metrans logos are spreading [updated]
Recently, several locomotives got new, small HHLA/Metrans logos. We already mentioned MRCE 185 556. New is MRCE 185 547 and SBB Cargo 482 029.
[DE] MRCE 185s with CTL Logistics logos [updatedx2]
update 2016|04|03
[DE] MRCE 185s with CTL Logistics logos [updatedx2]
Four MRCE locomotives got new logos of CTL Logistics recently. The white logos combine nicely with the black of MRCE. The no's: 185 545 (corredted, not 544!), 555, 563, 566 and 572. (Udo Plischewski / Jens Mittwoch / Albert Hitfield)
Bombardier Services in Kassel has just completed the R1 main overhaul on MRCE locomotive 185 569 (REV 20.10.2014). The leasing company did not spend money on repainting the locomotive until now. The machine is still its original black livery, without MRCE logos. - CK
REV 02.10.2013. MRCE locomotive 185 567 just completed a first test run after its first main overhaul, officially completed today. Its livery did not change. - CK
[EU] The purpose of a last mile diesel engine [updated]
update 2013|07|13
[EU] The purpose of a last mile diesel engine [updated]
This image illustrates why a electric locomotive with an additional combustion engine is useful. TX Logistik 185 407 tows an additional old diesel locomotive, which is used for shunting at the beginning and the end of the route of this timber train. With an electric locomotive, which can also run limited distances without catenary, the diesel locomotives would be obsolete. - AK
For the Scandinavian region, and for operators that are specialized in heavy duty services, a six axle dual mode locomotive would be ideal.
Update: We got an comment in this item. In Scandinavia for example, the last mile is not always 'just a few' kms. It can be hundred kilometer of track without catenary. The diesel locomotive that needs to help out here, needs more than just a 180 kW diesel engine for example. - BD
The Traxx F140 AC2 locomotives of leasecompany MRCE are due for a R1 overhaul. On 13.06.2013, locomotive MRCE 185 563-4 was seen in Kassel, but still in its old, original livery (update: REV 12.06.2013). Today, MRCE 185 571-7 completed a test run after completion of the R1 (REV 20.06.2013). The locomotive now sports the most up to date version of the MRCE livery, being the first of its type to do so. - CK/KAR
MRCE 185.2
2013-04-17
[DE] Kassel runs today
update 2013|04|17
[DE] Kassel runs today
We stay in Kassel for this item. Two pictures from the area. Two Multi Engine diesels and MRCE locomotive 185 408-2 with a false VKM-number. The number is German, starting with 91 80, but the keeper marker is Austrian, A-TXLA. - CK
Three images of MRCE > TX Logistik 185 407-4 in Germany. They prove that after more than a year of delay, this machine is now approved for revenue service in Germany. - NE/GB/AH
MRCE 185.2
In the past days, the IC colored 146 552 is performing trials with DB Schenker 185 339. The image shows the machine at track no. 200 heading towards Kassel, at Altenbeken. The intensity of trial runs made with new Traxx AC2 locomotives in Germany is remarkable, as hundreds of these machines are in everyday service already. But the Eisenbahn Bundesambt is more strict than ever. Raildox 185 409, LNVG 146 541 and 542, all are or have been subjected to longterm trial periods. Lease company MRCE did not want to wait any longer for its new 185 407 and 408 and decided to accept 185 407 and 408 without the envisaged homologation for Germany. They can only be used in Sweden and Denmark for now.
DB Fernverkehr Traxx AC2MRCE 185.2Raildox 185
2012
2012-10-12
[DE] MRCE 185 407/408: going north
update 2012|10|12
[DE] MRCE 185 407/408: going north
We hope to bring you more details about the current status of these two MRCE locomotives. Fact is that 185 407 and 408 are outshopped again. Yesterday they were transported northbound behind locomotive 185 671 running for boxXpress.de. A video:
[DE/DK/SE] 185 408 TXL/Marco Polo outside the factory today
update 2012|09|07
[DE/DK/SE] 185 408 TXL/Marco Polo outside the factory today
Also the future MRCE 185 408-2 got some fresh air today, two times. This morning for a trial run. In the afternoon, it took Akiem 76102 to Kassel Rangeribahnhof.
Both 185 407 and 408, to be delivered to MRCE, are still in Kassel, waiting for delivery. Their assembly was completed already at the end of 2011. Nice detail: Check all the signalling system equipment on the bogie on the right. - CK
MRCE 185.2
2012-05-12
[DE] Freight train derailment in Bremerhaven
update 2012|05|12
[DE] Freight train derailment in Bremerhaven
A single locomotive runs into a freight train and falls over. Train driver mildly injured. First report.
MRCE 185.2
2012-04-06
[DE/DK/SE] 185 407 and 408 and Marco Polo
update 2012|04|06
[DE/DK/SE] 185 407 and 408 and Marco Polo
The new MRCE locomotives 185 407-4 and 185 408-2 carry Marco Polo logos. Marco Polo is the name of a EU-project that helps to reduce the costs of transport to the environment, the economy and society. An impression of their final design.
MRCE 185.2
2012-01-17
[SE/DK] System change trials with MRCE 185 407 and 408
update 2012|01|17
[SE/DK] System change trials with MRCE 185 407 and 408
Two images from last Friday, 13.01.2012. You see MRCE 185 408 during a ATC DK/SE system-change trail at Øresund. Second picture shows CFL MX 1023 with 407 and 408 before returning to Padborg. - PF
update: Only 408 was on trials on 13.01.2012, because the Danish ATC trails for 407 were not succesful the day before. 407 completed the tests solo on 16.01.2012 - PF
MRCE 185.2
2012-01-10
[DE/DK/SE] MRCE 185 407 and 408 leave the factory [updated]
update 2012|01|10
[DE/DK/SE] MRCE 185 407 and 408 leave the factory [updated]
This afternoon, the two new MRCE locomotives for international services on the DE-DK-SE corridor left Kassel. - CK
Update: Beacon Rail's 185 594 returned to the Kassel factory. The 407 and 408 continued their journey hauled by TXL 185 531. Both engines will now start test runs in Denmark and Sweden in the next days. - FB
MRCE 185.2
2011
2011-12-16
[DE/DK/SE] Scandinavia watch out, MRCE is coming - maiden run 185 407
update 2011|12|16
[DE/DK/SE] Scandinavia watch out, MRCE is coming - maiden run 185 407
Finally, we have vision. Today the new Bombardier 34961 - MRCE 185 407-4 completed its maiden run. Pictures were made in Kassel, Bebra and Fulda (thanks again!). The black and silver (!) locomotive will be delivered to MRCE. It is the first one for this leasing company that will be able to run in Germany, Denmark and Sweden. Remarkable is also its service number: 185 407, following the number scheme of the DB Schenker imperium. - CK/AH
Railcolor.net comment: And who will operate this machine? We don't know. But just add some logos and the livery of the 407 will closely resemble the locomotive in the picture...
MRCE 185.2
2011-12-03
[DE] more black paint (189 803 and 185 407)
update 2011|12|03
[DE] more black paint (189 803 and 185 407)
The number of locomotives in black keeps on growing. During the past weeks two interesting new units were seen in Germany. In Berlin-Reinickendorf, the white
Siemens 21619 - Siemens E 189 803 has turned black. - FP
In Kassel a new Traxx AC2 is seen, fit for running in Scandinavia; 185 407. It has the D/A/S/N package and is partially black. The fronts are white and red, the sides are silver. It NVR-number tells us it will be delivered to MRCE (D-DISPO) - CK
MRCE 185.2Stock locomotives type ES 64 F4
2009
2009-12-29
[DE] back in business
update 2009|12|29
[DE] back in business
This show how fast it can go... Two weeks ago unit 185 570 was mentioned in a crisis-topic about umemployed leasing locomotives, and now its back in business again. The machine helps out on the Würzburg - Frankfurt relation, hauling passenger trains. - AH
MRCE 185.2
2009-12-18
[DE] crisis in Krefeld
update 2009|12|18
[DE] crisis in Krefeld
Yesterday the depot of Krefeld was visited. Next to many historic rail vehicles, also modern locomotives are serviced here. At this moment several Class66 and Bombardier Traxx vehicles are parked in- and outside the depot, waiting for a company that wants to hire them... 'Around' were ATC 185 524, 535 and 536, and MRCE Dispolok 185 566 (with CFL Cargo logos) and 570.
Alpha Trains Traxx AC1MRCE 185.2
2009-08-23
[DE] 185 574 Alexander Neubauer
update 2009|08|23
[DE] 185 574 Alexander Neubauer
Last week, 185 574 got some new vinyls. - HG
MRCE 185.2
2009-02-14
[CH] RTS returns two Traxx engines
update 2009|02|14
[CH] RTS returns two Traxx engines
RTS Railtraction from Switzerland has returned two of its three rented Traxx engines. The picture shows 185 570/569 with their RTS vynils removed, in Weil am Rhein (DE), just before they headed for Stuttgart and beyond... So again two Traxx engines with the ability to run in Switzerland have become unemployed, just like Angel Trains' 185 576/577, which, despite many speculations are still enjoying there free time in the depot of Haltingen (DE). Let's see whats happen with them. - ML/DSO
MRCE 185.2
2008
2008-10-02
[DE] 185 573 Alexander Neubauer [update]
update 2008|10|02
[DE] 185 573 Alexander Neubauer [update]
The machine has some new logos. 185 573 will replace ES 64 U2-026 by RAN, which will be returned to MRCE Dispolok. The fresh 183 500 for MGW, will also be rented RAN, for a period of two years. - SS/RAN
MRCE 185.2
2008-03-29
[DE] [NL] [FR] Various Traxx news
update 2008|03|29
[DE] [NL] [FR] Various Traxx news
We can report on several issues concerning Traxx locomotives. Yesterday the brand new, red painted 185 585 and 586 were delivered to the HGK, by transporting them from Kassel to the HGK depot in Bruhl-Vochem. The HGK will also return two machines to leasing company MRCE Dispolok. 185 544 and 573 will be returned tomorrow, after their HGK logos have been removed.
E186 148 and 149 have arrived in the Netherlands and were handed over to ITL, which already is using them right now. Logos and numbers still need to be applied.
Euro Cargo Rail E186 162 was transported to France, being the very first Traxx locomotive for this operator visiting its new home country.
Another thing is that 185-CL 008, also known as RBH 221, will be given back to ATC, the leasing company, on 15.04.2008. The machine already lost its RAG/RBH logos and numbers. - DSO/SS/TEV/KAR
Alpha Trains Traxx AC1Macquarie Rail (former CBRail) TRAXX MS2eMRCE 185.2MRCE Traxx AC1
2008-03-11
[NL] [DE] MRCE and MRCE Dispolok merger...
update 2008|03|11
[NL] [DE] MRCE and MRCE Dispolok merger...
Yesterday, Mitsui published a press statement about the short term plans it has with both its MRCE and MRCE Dispolok leasing subsidiaries;
Mitsui Rail Capital Europe B.V. in Amsterdam (MRCE) and Dispolok GmbH in Munich (Dispolok) will
take an important step in integrating their locomotive leasing operations as of April 1, 2008.
MRCE successfully established in October 2004 as a subsidiary of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (Mitsui) for
locomotive leasing operation in Europe, and Dispolok, acquired by Mitsui in October 2006, will
integrate their operations to create one of the largest European locomotive operating lessors and
service providers with more than 200 locomotives already delivered to customers in more than 10
countries in Europe.
The integration will comprise a transfer of all leasing operations to Munich, which will be renamed
MRCE Dispolok GmbH (MRCE Dispolok), and a concentration of all corporate operations in
Amsterdam, which will continue to carry the name of Mitsui Rail Capital Europe B.V.
All day-to-day locomotive lease operations including sales & marketing, fleet management, logistics
management and service & maintenance management for the entire fleet of MRCE and MRCE
Dispolok will be centralized in Munich, while the marketing and technology strategy & development,
business administration, financing and budgeting, locomotive procurement and ownership will be
homed in Amsterdam. Current MRCE sales staff will be operationally assigned to MRCE Dispolok
but physically remain in Amsterdam to be closer to core customers in North & Western Europe. All
shares of Mitsui in Dispolok will be transferred to MRCE. A new corporate identity and logo design
will be introduced including the unification of the entire fleet to a black color scheme.
This integration is to combine the industrial and financial strength of MRCE and Dispolok and to
establish the basis for further expansion and diversification.r. Miki, the current CEO of MRCE and
future Managing Director, Group CEO of MRCE explained: “The integration will be mainly driven by
using best the existing expertise and capabilities at the actual locations and we have not been
chasing a holding structure but more a vertical concentration into corporate and market functions”.
Mr. Stahl, the current President and COO of MRCE and future Managing Director, Group Marketing
& Strategy of MRCE outlined: “This will be to combine the strength of both while eliminating
weakness. We think to have created an organization which by operations has an unparalleled depth
of know-how and functions in this specific market and commit to spearhead market development to
all aspects in favor of our business partners”. Dr. Breinl, the current COO of Dispolok and future Chief Officer, Group Technology, Development of MRCE added;” We are leading ETCS development
having invested in a very promising and future oriented design and configuration for our fleet and
have started to look into a different design of locomotives”.
For the near future, MRCE will focus on the European Rail new development by supporting and
assisting privately and nationally held railways to regain transportation market shares, while
endeavoring to protect the environment, as well as to improve the efficiency of the supply of goods to
meet the growing demands of the society. In close cooperation with Mitsui, MRCE is planning to
diversify into various new business segments related to rail freight transportation.