Ins and outs in Kassel. Various locomotives went in and out at Bombardier's assembly factory. We have recorded 186 299, 346, 438 and 451. More details next week in the Railcolor Weekly. Photos: Christian Klotz

Bombardier and Railpool have signed an agreement for 20 extra Bombardier TRAXX MS locomotives. The new locomotives for Railpool will be equipped for service in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium (D/A/CH/I/B/NL). Their delivery is planned for May 2018 - December 2019. This latest order increases Railpool’s fleet of TRAXX locomotives to 189.

Thorsten Priebe, COO, Railpool, said: “Our first TRAXX locomotive was delivered in 2009 – since then we made very good experience regarding performance, traction effort, efficiency and reliability with our TRAXX fleet. Based on this experience, we want to offer these additional locomotives for the most important European freight corridors which connect several of the biggest European harbors.”

Mike Niebling, Director Sales, Locomotives, Bombardier Transportation, added: “We are pleased that we can continue the very successful collaboration with Railpool regarding these 20 additional locomotives. Railpool as our second largest locomotive customer has contributed significantly to the development of our TRAXX locomotives in the last nine years.”

Bombardier will assemble the 20 TRAXX locomotives at their Kassel, Germany, site, the car bodies at its Wroclaw site in Poland, and the bogies in Siegen, Germany. Source: Railpool

Railcolor: Soon we publish a fleet overview of Railpool on Railcolornews.com. Stay tuned.

On 24.04.2017, Railpool 186 295, crashed onto an excavator at Deurne (NL). On 03.07.2017 the machine was taken to Kassel. The photo shows the damaged locomotive behind RailAdventure 103 222 while passing through at Espenau-Mönchehof. Photo: Christian Klotz

This weekend, Railpool 186 299 and 300 were taken to Viersen, and then to Venlo (NL). These images were made in Viersen on 01.07.2017. Photos: Achim Scheil

New Railpool TRAXX MS locomotives have left Kassel, destination unknown:

Railpool 186 299 CZ/DE/AT/BE/NL/SK/HU
Railpool 186 300 CZ/DE/AT/BE/NL/SK/HU
Railpool 186 438 DE/AT/PL/NL/CZ/SK/HU (used for tests only up till now)
Railpool 186 445 DE/AT/CH/IT/NL/BE (locomotive was already in Velim (CZ))

Like the recently delivered 186 298, the country specific package on 299 and 300 was changed from DE/AT/BE/NL into CZ/DE/AT/BE/NL/SK/HU. This is a new combination of countries for Railpool. Railpool TRAXX MS2e

The work is done! 'Our' Railcolor Design department has successfully completed the Lineas full-wrapping project. Over the past 6 weeks we have managed the design, production, application and promotion of Lineas liveries for six locomotives, of four different types. Now the new Lineas brand name and identity is visible daily on the railnetworks of Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany and Austria. We thank Van Strien Print&Sign, the people of TW Antwerpen and Lineas for the nice cooperation.

A new configuration for Bombardier's TRAXX multisystem locomotives is being introduced. Last week we showed you the new Rhenus/LTE locomotive with the country specific package DE/AT/BE/NL/CZ/SK/HU (allbeit in a different order, with CZ as main country in stead of DE). Now Bombardier is preparing identically configured locomotives for Railpool, such as the 186 300 shown above. Also Railpool's future 186 298 has been refitted with the same configuration. Earlier the machine was still a 'normal' DE/AT/BE/NL locomotive. Photos: Christian Klotz

In service as of today, Railpool > Lineas 186 255 in its new freight force livery. In total there are now four Lineas wrapped locomotives: 186 293, 7789, 7784 and 186 255. Two more to come. Photo: Joeri Vanvaerenbergh

Railpool > Lineas 186 293 at Waasmunster on 04.05.2017. Photo: David De Baere

On 03.05.2017 railfreight operator Lineas, formerly known as B Logistics, has presented its first locomotive sporting its new Lineas logos and colors. The images show Railpool > Lineas 186 293 during its presentation at Antwerp. After a festive roll-out, the machine was taken to the freight yard to take on its freight train.

The 186 293 is the first of six locomotives in the fleet of Lineas that will get a full wrapping. Next one up is a ‘Reeks 77’ shunter (no. 7789) that will be ready by the end of the week. During the next weeks a second 77, a ‘Reeks 13’ electric, a ‘Class 66’ and a TRAXX locomotive that can be used in France will be ‘Lineased’ too. Very special is that it is one of the very few Railpool lease locomotives that is wrapped completely.

We are happy to be part of this project. Railcolor Design was given the chance to consult on the application of the proposed designs and is responsible for the project management of the wrapping of all six locomotives.

This image makes the damage on Railpool's 186 295 very visible. On 24.04.2017 the machine and its freight train hit a excavator at Deurne (NL). In the end, the locomotive and its train were pulled back to Venlo, where the image above was made. Photo: Arnold de Vries

On 27.04.2017, B Logistics has officially presented its new brand identity and name: Lineas it is. Next week, the first rebranded locomotive will be presented, we will keep you posted. Read more on Railcolornews.com.

The new Railpool 186 298 DE/AT/BE/NL at Kassel on 20.04.2017. Photo: Christian Klotz

Over the weekend, RailAdventure took three TRAXX locomotive to the south-east of Germany: brand new Railpool 186 445, 187 315 and test locomotive Macquarie Rail 186 236. The first two machines continued their journey to Velim, 186 236 was taken towards Austria.

The batch of 17 TRAXX AC3 locomotives for Germany, Austria, Hungary and Romania (187 300-316) for Railpool is almost complete. The only two machines we have not seen yet, are the 187 300 and 314.

It took longer than expected, but here is the first Railpool TRAXX MS locomotive with the country package DE/AT/CH/IT/BE/NL, also a Transalp locomotive as are 186 101-110, but additionally equipped for Belgium. The machine is the designated 186 445, that was seen today by Christian Klotz during its maiden run while it was brought to Kassel Rangierbahnhof.

While searching for a Czech operator issuing its third tender, we also stumbled upon an entry from the Dutch railways (NS) that "intends to conclude a framework agreement for a period of 5 years (with the possibility for extension for an additional 3x1 years) with all selected suppliers capable of providing (a) lease(s) for (a) TRAXX DABNL locomotive(s) that are suitable for use on the Dutch network, including HSL (High Speed Line) and the Belgian Network (including line 4) and suitable for sandwich operation with the existing fleet of NS Traxx DABNL Locomotives and ICRmh Coaches, on all routes."

The end date for interested parties to submit a bid is 03.03.2017.

Railcolor: NS is also looking for more DE/AT/BE/NL configured locomotives for pulling Intercity Direct services. NS already has 66 such machines in its fleet (45 in ownership, 21 on hire from Alpha Trains and Macquarie Rail), of which 61 units are currently available to NS' Intercity Direct program. Three other units are being used for software tests: 186 002, 186 122 and 186 236. The workshops in Dessau have just completed a revision 186 240 and 186 237 is subhired by NS to the Belgian railways to pull trains between Amsterdam and Brussels.

New and in service of RTB Cargo now: 186 297. Pictures: Rik Hartl / Norman Gottberg

It was early this morning, when the new 186 297 left Kassel for its maiden run. The machine is equipped for Germany, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands. Photo: Christian Klotz

This is Railpool 186 102, looking fresh and clean, the blue striping is gone. Lokomotion, that has the locomotive in its fleet since 2009, has returned the locomotive to Railpool recently. Reportedly, the 186 102 is now hired to LTE. - RH

Railpool > B Logistics 186 253 is one of four new TRAXX locomotives in the fleet of B Logistics, used for international freight services in Belgium and France. Correction: Today Alpha Trains 186 350 / 2905 was seen pulling a B Logistics train, so not all Alpha Trains locomotives for France are gone already. 186 252-255 should in the end replace Alpha Trains 186 346-350. Photo: Nicolas Beyaert

On 19.12.2016, four new Railpool locomotives left the Kassel factory area, bound for Belgium. They will soon be handed over to B Logistics, which will use them to replace its Alpha Trains 186s (2900 series) used for services in Belgium and France. Photos: Christian Klotz

Remarkable was that 186 253 was sent back to Kassel later that day, plus, 186 252, 254 and 255 did not continue their journey together. They ran separately to Aachen for example, first came 186 254, then 186 255 and 186 252 was the last one.

Update from Antwerp. On 21.12.2016 the 253 arrived in the evening. Thank you Robin Melis:

Railpool 186 293 short after its arrival at Antwerp (BE). With the arrival of this locomotive the Railpool era is starting for B Logistics. The railfreight operator closed a deal with Railpool in October 2015. It is a long term agreement, covering a ten year period. B Logistics will gradually hire 36 multi system locomotives for various international freight corridors, Europe-wide. Photo: Robin Melis

Starting this week, RTB Cargo will be operating Railpool 186 428 (with new logos) for border-crossing freight services between Belgium and Germany. The picture shows the locomotive during staff training on the Aachen - Montzen connection. Remarkable: the 428 has lost its Austria certification again. Photo: Markolf Gudjons

Next to 186 428, also 186 293 comes to Belgium. The machine arrived at Antwerp on 10.12.2016 and will be available to B Logistics.

Yep, Railpool is filling the gaps. Currently 186 29x locomotives are under delivery (DE/AT/BE/NL package), and soon a second batch will enter service, numbered in the 186 25x range. Today the 186 252 was seen by Martin Voigt at Fulda during a maiden run. The machine has the DE/BE/FR package, which is new to Railpool. Up til now only Alpha Trains, DB Cargo/ECR and Akiem own TRAXX MS locomotives that are homologated for France.

On 08.09.2016, the Swiss 'Bundesamt für Verkehr' (BAV) announced that it would no longer allow Bombardier TRAXX locomotives with ETCS Level 2 to run on the Gotthard-route, including the Gotthard base tunnel. This would mean that TRAXX locomotives of the type 486 (BLS Cargo), BR 186 (Railpool), Re 487 (SRT) and BR 187 (Railpool) would be banned from one of the most important transalp freight routes in Switzerland as of this December, as BAV only granted operation with ETCS level 2 for these types under a limited-term operating license valid until November 2016.

BAV made its decision based on a 'accumulation of disturbances' causing forced braking by locomotives resulting in operational interruptions and delays. BAV offered its help to Bombardier to solve the issues so railfreight operation with these machines could continue in December, which was gladly accepted. Today Bombardier officially announced that a solution has been found. This must be a great relief to all companies and operators involved:

Bombardier announced today that its TRAXX locomotives, upgraded with the latest automatic train protection software (Railcolor: the latest version of EBI Cab 2000), have been approved for operation on Switzerland's Gotthard Base Tunnel. This authorization milestone was achieved in close cooperation between the Swiss Federal Office of Transport (FOT), SBB Infra, BLS Cargo and Bombardier.

"We thank the FOT, SBB Infra and BLS Cargo for the constructive teamwork that will enable our TRAXX locomotives to operate reliably and efficiently in the Gotthard Base Tunnel", said Albert Bastius, Head of Product Line Locomotives, Bombardier Transportation, "We are now continuing to see that the implementation of our latest software progresses well on the many locomotives in operation, so that our customers benefit from this updated version."

(..) The new software version will enable the TRAXX MS and AC locomotives (Re 486, BR 186, Re 487, BR 187) to run on all sections of the Gotthard Tunnel's track, including those using the advanced European Train Control System (ETCS) in Level 2 operation.

Locomotives that are not yet retrofitted can still run on all other lines in Switzerland, including those equipped with ETCS. In double traction operation as the non-leading locomotive, the locomotives can be operational even on the Gotthard Axis.

Update: A BLS Cargo freight train under ETCS level 2 on the Gotthard line on 01.12.2016:

As seen today at Kassel by Christian Klotz.

Yesterday we had DB Regio 147 003 (again) on test run, followed by Railpool 187 309. Today the new Railpool 186 294 had its turn. The DE/AT/BE/NL configurated locomotive was seen in Kassel and Fulda. MA/TZ

Railfreight operator RTB Cargo GmbH - the new name of the company as of 09.2016, replacing the old 'Rurtalbahn Cargo GmbH'- is the first operator of the new Railpool 186 292 and 293. But, the machines can only be used in the Netherlands and Belgium (which means they run in the Netherlands at this moment). The D and A in their UIC grids are crossed out. The software / signalling systems installed on the machines is / are not yet approved for revenue service in Germany and Austria. - HZ/WS/AS/TO

Maiden runs of today: DB Regio 147 014 and Railpool 186 293. - CK/MA

Now in service of RTB Cargo, the all new Railpool 186 292. Steven Oskam could track the machine down today at Zwijndrecht station.

Below you see a picture of the all new Railpool 186 292-9, the first locomotive of a new batch, during its maiden run. Its country specific package: DE/AT/BE/NL.

You see that Railpool starts to fill in the gaps in the current 186 number series, in stead of starting new ones. The fans of numbers and statistics say thank you ;)

Locomotive 186 425 now has the new RTB Cargo logos. Thanks to Jeroen Franssen we have this picture to show you.

New software has been installed on Railpool 186 425, so it can be used to perform trials for the Belgium division of RTB Cargo Benelux. In the next few days the 186 425 will haul various trains between the Belgian harbors and Montzen. Thanks Jeroen de Vries.

As of February, Metrans Rail is hiring 186 437-0. Now the machine, like the 185 638 mentioned last week, has the full Metrans livery, including the fine blue line. Thanks Andreas Heiser for the quick shot!

New logos for Railpool 186 455. The machine now has big Metrans logos. (Patrik Meyer-Rienitz)

Since May 2014, Oaktree Capital was the 100% owner of Railpool. It acquired the lease company from its founders: KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH and HSH Nordbank AG.

Now it announces that Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC has taken a 49% stake in Railpool. This deal provides more financial security for the ongoing fleet expansion of Railpool.

This crispy sunny image of the brand new 186 459 exactly fits the season we are in. The locomotive for Railpool sports revision date 15.01.2016. (Kai-Florian Köhn)

IDS Cargo from the Czech Republic hires Railpool 186 435 since December 2015. Now the locomotive has corresponding stickers. Vincent Schlüter was able to catch the locomotive and its new look:

Today, Captrain picked up to new lease locomotives in Kassel. From now on, the German freight operator will use the brand new Railpool 186 457 and 458.

The R1 revision on Railpool 186 181 has been completed. On 09.12.2015 it had its first test run after the overhaul in Aachen. New is that it will run for HSL Logistik from now on. Its sides are decorated now with large HSL logos on white and orange vinyls. (Morten Sauer)

Today Bombardier delivered 186 455 und 456 to Railpool today. Both locomotives will soon run for KombiRail Europe. (Christian Klotz)

Railpool 186 423, in service of RTC Cargo, was involved in a train collision on 16.11.2015, at Wustermark Rangierbahnhof. The locomotive collided with an ODEG KISS trainset. No casualties were reported, but one person died during the evacuation of the ODEG passenger train. The cause of the accident is being investigated. This morning, the locomotive was taken in at Kassel for repair. (Christian Klotz)

For the future, B Logistics will be relying on the full service packages of lease company Railpool. The companies have signed a long term agreement in October 2015. Over a ten year period, B Logistics will gradually hire 36 multi system locomotives for various international freight corridors, Europe wide. There are options for more vehicles. (Rail Business)

At this moment, B Logistics is operating a fleet of 47 Traxx MS locomotives from Alpha Trains. Big difference is that Alpha Trains does not offer a full service package (spare parts, replacement locomotives, maintenance and overhaul etc). B logistics has Alpha Trains 186 196-235 (2804-2843) for services in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Units 186 346-350 (2901-2905) are used for service in Belgium and France. Under a separate contract there are also 186 124/125 (2802-2803).

BTW, ten machines are currently being used to haul passenger services from Brussels to Amsterdam vv. One is out of service because of considerable damage (unit 186 221). The total series is currently also getting a R1 overhaul, being executed in Salzinnes in Belgium.

Siemens and Bombardier meanwhile have expanded their country specific packages of their multi systems locomotives considerably. With the new contract B Logistics has the possibility to hire locomotives with increased interoperability. When you take a look at the B Logistics 'Green Express' network you see the operator wants to connect Belgium with, amongst others, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. These are perfect non-stop destinations for multi system electrics. Railpool has already new Traxx MS machines on order for DE/AT/BE/NL(CZ/SK) and DE/AT/BE/NL/CH/IT, of which the first units have completed their maiden run already.

The ink of the press publication is still wet, but the first new Traxx MS locomotive of a new batch for lease company Railpool, is out and about. This morning, 186 455-2 is completing its maiden run. Its package: DE+AT+NL+BE. (Christian Klotz)

- Call of a frame contract from 2014 (35+30 optional)
- Order value 75 million euro ($82 million US)
- 5x Traxx AC3 Last Mile SE/NO, delivery start third quarter 2016
- 8x Traxx MS DE/AT/CH/IT/BE/NL (new package type)
- 5x Traxx MS DE/AT/BE/NL

(http://www.marketwired.com)

Of the base contract of 2014, 17 of 35 locomotive have been delivered so far (186 421-437). 186 438 is test locomotive for a new package (DE/AT/PL/NL/CZ/SK/HU). The remaining 17 units are planned as Traxx AC3 locomotive. The first one ready, being 187 300 DE/AT/HU/RO with Last Mile module.

- MRCE ES 64 U2-096 is in Linz for an overhaul and is repainted in black.

- GySEV 1116 061 had an overhaul, lost its GySEV logos and got a repaint in red. It is the first time ever this machine sports OBB word logos (!).

- SNCB is hiring 186 424-8 from Railpool as direct replacement for 186 181 (SNCB 2862) that was sent to Aachen for an overhaul. 186 424 lost its RTB Cargo / PCC stickers.

Always a good idea, putting logos on the locomotive you operate. Three Railpool locomotives got logos during the past weeks. Left image: Railpool>RTB Cargo 186 423 now has RTB /PCC logos. (Sven Kühnel)

Right image: LTE is hiring Railpool 186 426 and 427. Both now have blue LTE logos. (Marcel van der Plas)

In August, Railpool 186 110 was transferred from RTB Cargo to BLS Cargo. This meant the end of the special 'Rail Magazine / RTB Cargo' livery of the locomotive. Now it is silver again, with small BLS Cargo logos, analogue to the livery of 186 107, another recent addition to the fleet of BLS Cargo. Nice detail: the 110 still has big red front numbers, a left-over from its time with Lokomotion. (Yves Gillander).

Bombardier has built 18 new 186s for Railpool during the past months. An overview:

Railpool Traxx F140 MS2e DE/AT/BE/NL

Railpool Traxx F140 MS2e DE/AT/PL/NL/CZ/SK/HU (type KG4)
These locomotives are not approved for all the countries mentioned yet, hence the strike trough abbreviations. Especially the homologation for the Netherlands is a long term project. What we know now, 186 438 will function as test bed locomotive for the NL package. It is for now the only one actually carrying the Dutch ATB system on board. (Railvolution)

Railpool received three new Traxx MS's, and Lokomotion is reportedly the new lessee of 186 435, 436 and 437. The image shows the three machines going from Kassel to Munich together.

ECR E186 312 + ECR E186 325 + Bombardier 187 001 + Railpool 186 427. (Christian Klotz)

Currently, Bombardier's 187 010(II) (our first images!) is performing test runs with Railpool 186 433. They were seen yesterday pendling between Wiener Neustadt Hbf and Bahnhof Ternitz. On 31.07.2015 the 433 was transferred to Hennigsdorf (not directly to Austria), accompanied by DB's future 146 561. From Hennigsdorf the 433 went to Austria. (Herbert Pschill / Matthias Nowack / Christian Klotz)

Maiden run today for Railpool's newest: 186 436. REV is 03.08.2015, with an impressive country specific package: DE/AT/PL/NL/CZ/SK/HU. However, except for DE and CZ, all abbreviations are covered by black crosses. (Christian Klotz).

And that is no.3 (we see): Next to Railpool 186 147 and 185 671, now also 186 271 has the orange HSL stripes. (Heiko Kaste)

With this locomotive, a batch of eight locomotives with DE/AT/BE/NL(/CZ/SK) package for Railpool is completed: 186 421-428. (Christian Klotz)

Railpool 186 431, running for VTG Logistics, got new logos. The image shows the machine with Retrack and Novelis logos, pulling freight train DGS 95014 from Nievenheim to Göttingen. The loco now also has a name: Nayla. (Niklas Eimers)

RTB Cargo is main customer of the new Railpool Traxx MS locomotives with DE/AT/BE/NL package. After 186 421-424, now also 425 and 426 are in the fleet of the German freight operator. Two images showing the new machines together pulling freight trains. (Wolfgang Mauser / Henk Zwoferink)

Time flies. While Bombardier is still outshops identical machines for Railpool, older locomotives in the fleet of the lease company are facing the R1 overhaul round already. The image shows Railpool 186 182, in service since 2009, after R1 revision (REV 26.06.2015) at the former Talbot factory in Aachen. Fit for at least another six year. (Wolfgang Scheer / Achim Scheil)

Various news today about Railpool's newest Traxx MS locomotives, all with DE/AT/PL/NL/CZ/SK/HU package (still theory, for many countries the final approval has not been granted yet). Transchem from Poland keeps operating the 186 429 and 430 for now. The freight company returned 186 143 and 275 to Railpool.

Railpool 186 432 was seen in Decin on 06.07.2015. Possibly Unipetrol Doprava is its new lessor. (K-report)

The images in this post show 186 434 today during its maiden run. 186 433 had this run on 01.07.2015. (Dieter Romhild / Christian Klotz)

(Hans Isernhagen)

The new Bombardier 35183 / Railpool 186 430-5 is now working for Transchem from Poland. New software is being tested. According to its UIC raster, the machine is only approved for Germany and the Czech Republic for now. The machine has a temporary permit for Poland until 30.06.2015 though.

The title image shows brand new Railpool 186 431-3 pulling the 'Nievenheimer' freight train from Göttingen to Dormagen-Nievenheim. Behind the 431 is Railpool 185 697 with Novelis logos.

Today, the new Railpool 186 426 had its maiden run. (Christian Klotz)

Just an image by Janosch Richter. Update: Both 186 429 and 430 have been released from work and run in the Leipzig area for tests.

Maiden run on 02.06.2015: Railpool 186 431 with DE/AT/PL/NL/CZ/SK/HU package.

As of 29.05.2015, Railpool 186 424-8 is available for revenue service. The brand new lease locomotive was handed over to freight operator RTB Cargo that day.

New in the fleet of the Belgian railways (NMBS/SNCB) is Railpool's 186 181. It has a Belgian service number now: 2862. The silver machine is the second machine (next to 186 183 / 2861) of its type used by NMBS/SNCB for Benelux passenger services Amsterdam - Brussels vv.

Today, a new Traxx MS locomotive had its maiden run: the future Railpool 186 430-5. It is equipped for services in seven (!) different countries: Germany, Austria, Poland, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.

For the first time a Traxx MS locomotive can be used for non-stop services from the Netherlands to Poland v.v. When in Poland, the machine can cover all of its southern neighboring countries too. Railpool 186 430 is the second machine to appear with this package. Earlier we have seen Railpool 186 429-7 being equipped identically. No pictures of this machine though.

Meanwhile, Railpool 186 181 has arrived in Belgium. Soon the Belgian railways (NMBS/SNCB) will take over the machine for pulling their Benelux passenger services Brussels - Amsterdam. It is the second Railpool Traxx MS locomotive in the fleet of NMBS/SNCB:

The brand new Bombardier 35181 / Railpool 186 423-0 (rev 24.04.2015) is now in service of Metrans. Let's see when the machine pops up in the Metrans Lokfinder (it already has, but under the number 186 275).

Today, the very first two electrics of the latest Railpool order (35 ordered in June 2014, option for 30) were released from work: 186 421 and 422.

RTB Cargo is their new operator. Today both machines were seen on the back of a RTB Cargo freight train, westbound. 186 421 has European Gateway Services vinyls (similar to MRCE ES 64 F4-209 and -285), 422 the normal RTB Cargo logos. (Hendrik Mergard)

Yes, it is that time of the year again. Flower bulbs color explosion in the Netherlands! Perfect decor for Railpool>NMBS 186 183>2861 and maybe its very first Benelux service.

Next new Traxx MS locomotives for Railpool: 186 423 with the DE/AT/BE/NL package, just like 186 421. We missed no.422 up til now but it will most likely have the same package. - CK

Maiden run of Railpool E 186 421-4 today. This is the first machine that is part of the latest order placed by Railpool. The lease company will get new Traxx MS and AC3 locomotives.

The 421 is configured for services in Germany, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands. - CK

On 28.02.2015, Railpool E 186 183-0 arrived in Antwerp, Belgium. Metrans recently returned the locomotive to Railpool, its Metrans stickers are gone. - RM

The Belgian railways (NMBS/SNCB) are now hiring the machine for testing software. A Belgian fleet number will be assigned to the machine. no. 2861. Test runs are expected on high speed lines in Belgium (Line 4) and the HSL-Zuid in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Update 2: Picture on fb of yesterday's test run with the 183 from Antwerp to Roosendaal evaluating the newly installed version 7A software. Railpool TRAXX MS2e

Meanwhile, the Metrans 386s are approved for services in Germany and Austria. For the Czech Republic the process is ongoing. At least 386 001-003 are appoved for this country too. This means the new machines will soon enter service. This already has consequences for the fleet of lease locomotives. Metrans returned 186 181 to Railpool. The machine is now hired to Rurtalbahn Cargo. - MG/PK/TO Metrans TRAXX MS2e Railpool TRAXX MS2e

Now, with Metrans 186 187 testruns are being held, to replace the current restricted appoval of Traxx MS in Slovakia by a full approval. The image shows the locomotive near Chotín during electromagnetic compatibility measurements. This image shows the 186 187 now running between Čadca and Skalité (one-track route, 3 kV DC).

Update: new images of tests with Railpool > Metrans locomotive 186 187.

Traxx MS locomotives that have a restricted approval for SK at this moment are 186 133, 181, 182, 183, 187, 237, 238, 240, 289 and 291. Predominantly, locomotives in service of Metrans.

And this links to background of all these tests. It is rumored that freight operator Metrans will receive new Traxx MS locomotives, approved for DE-AT-PL-CZ-SK-HU.

JP/MG/zelpage/urzd.sk/spz.logout.cz/PS/TO Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e Metrans TRAXX MS2e Railpool TRAXX MS2e

Read the complete press statement here.

Rail technology leader Bombardier Transportation and the leasing company Railpool have signed a framework agreement for the delivery of 65 BOMBARDIER TRAXX locomotives, with a first call-off of 35 locomotives and an option of up to 30 additional locomotives. The total potential contract value is up to 250 million euro (340 million US). The value of the call-off based on the list price is approximately 135 million euro (184 million US).

This contract extends the operating range of the TRAXX locomotives: The MS locomotive will operate on the new East-West corridor linking Poland with the Netherlands. The AC locomotive will operate not only in Germany, Switzerland and Austria but also in Hungary and Romania and will be newly equipped with ETCS (European Train Control System) and Last Mile functionality. The last mile feature, an additional diesel-electric engine plus battery, enables AC locomotives to operate even in non-electrified areas such as terminals, stations or ports – changing locomotives for the non-electrified last mile is now a thing of the past.

“With this contract we continue our successful partnership with Bombardier and are able to offer our customers the proven TRAXX locomotives concept. Furthermore, we are developing with Bombardier new corridors and are upgrading our existing fleet with new safety systems, to follow our customers’ demands as a reliable partner for the future”, said Torsten Lehnert, CEO at Railpool.

“These innovative locomotives will facilitate rail operation on new, international corridors. They also allow for a much longer range and for more flexibility in operation than ever before,” added Ulrich Jochem, President Locomotives, Bombardier Transportation.

The locomotives are designed for speeds of up to 160 km/h. Bombardier will assemble the locomotives in Kassel, Germany, carbodies at its Wroclaw site in Poland and bogies in Siegen, Germany. Propulsion and controls as well as ATP (Automatic Train Protection) equipment will be manufactured at Bombardier's sites in Mannheim and Hennigsdorf, Germany, and Västeras, Sweden.

Railcolor: Exact number per version are not mentioned, and sure can change before/during delivery depending on market developments. With this order Railpool increases the number of Traxx locomotives with Last Mile feature in its fleet. At this moment already 8 are built and soon will be handed over (no.187 001-008). New is that locomotives with Last Mile feature will also be available Hungary and Romania.
A Traxx MS both homologated for the Netherlands and Poland is new to Bombardier. Only the Siemens ES 64 F4 was available with this combination until now.

More information about these trains:

Railpool Traxx AC3 LM Railpool TRAXX MS2e

Read the complete press statement here.

On 09.05.2014, funds managed by Oaktree, a leader among global investment managers specializing in alternative investments, acquired all shares of Railpool. The previous shareholders are the two banks KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH and HSH Nordbank AG, each with 50 percent. Both banks will continue to be lenders to Railpool and support the future growth of the company. The purchase price was not disclosed.

"We plan significant investments in new, innovative vehicles, the expansion of our excellent team as well as the internationalization of our business. As we continue to offer our customers modern, interoperable locomotives with an attractive full-service package, we are very pleased to welcome Oaktree as an excellent partner, who will support us strategically and financially in our plans going forward," said Torsten Lehnert.

In parallel to the acquisition of Railpool, an order for five Vectron locomotives has been placed with Siemens for delivery in the coming months. In addition, negotiations are being held with several manufacturers for the order of at least 50 additional locomotives. Paribus (Northrail) Vectron Railpool 5170 Railpool 185.2 Railpool Traxx AC3 LM Railpool TRAXX MS2e Railpool Vectron

In return, BLS Cargo now operates 186 106 and 251 (both DE/AT/CH/IT/NL) that were previously used by Lokomotion. Obviously, BLS Cargo wanted more Traxx MS machines with approval for the Netherlands. - KAR/LP/MR BLS Cargo TRAXX MS2e Railpool TRAXX MS2e

For this contract, BLS Cargo hires the Railpool Traxx MS locomotives that were previously hired to Swiss operator railCare. In return, BLS is hiring Re465/Re425 locomotives to railCare.

[update] In the mean time, Railpool 186 101, 105 and 109 have been seen with new stickers for the ERSR/BLS service, promoting the fact that one locomotive is use in four different countries.

Railpool TRAXX MS2e

hired from Alpha Trains > 185 510 and 511
Railpool locomotives: 186 141, 181, 182, 183, 187, 275, 289, and 291
MRCE > ES 64 F4-157 and -159

e.g.the Metrans sticker on ES 64 F4-157 is new. And don't forget the seven EuroRunners. Alpha Trains Traxx AC1 MRCE ES64F4 Railpool TRAXX MS2e

For international services in Germany and Austria, Floyd is currently hiring Railpool Traxx locomotives 185 673 and E 186 143-4. Both now sport the new red and blue logos.

Floyd also operates former class 56 (0659 series) and 86 (0450 series) locomotives from the UK. The livery of recently refurbished machines is also different. It changed from purple to black with red and blue striping.

186 136 > OHE Cargo (light grey, no specific logos)
186 137 > OHE Cargo (light grey, no specific logos)
186 139 > Lokomotion (light grey, no specific logos)
186 141 > Metrans (silver, no specific logos)
186 143 > Floyd from Hungary (silver, Floyd logos)
186 147 > RTB Cargo (silver, no specific logos)

< check the Trainspo.com gallery

This has consequences for the disposition of several modern locomotives. The number of locomotives available for Transalp services from the Netherlands to Italy is limited. BLS Cargo does not own such locomotives itself, and is not planning to retrofit any, so it had to look elsewhere.
Finally, BLS Cargo closed a deal with railCare, the rail operating subsidiary of Swiss retailer Coop. Since 2012, they hire Railpool 186 104, 105, 108 and 109 with Transalp-package (in 2013, Railpool additionally hired 186 101 to railCare). However, railCare only operates trains in Switzerland, so locomotives with such an extensive country specific package are not a neccesssity. Therefore BLS Cargo has offered railCare a batch of its [edit] 465 series locomotives instead: 465 015-018. The fifth locomotive will be a Re425 series engine. [/edit] They will replace the Railpool 186s, that will be hired to BLS Cargo for the ERSR deal. - PT/EvA

From October 2013 until the 2013/2014 time table change, the Railpool 186s will be exchanged. [edit] Most likely the 186s will loose their diamond/minirals/crystal-stickers [edit]

< check the Trainspo.com gallery

New interactive 3Ds added!

Macquarie Rail / Crossrail
ECR E186
BLS Cargo Re486
Alpha Trains E186 / Fyra
Railpool E186 / Metrans

Thanks to Giovanni Grasso and Nicola Mangialardo for making this possible. Railpool TRAXX MS2e

In the first week of May the machine was seen in Kolín (CZ) for the first time with new Metrans and HHLA logos. HHLA is the mother company of Metrans. The image shows the 291 in its new design passing through Oberhausen-Osterfeld (DE) today. - LK/PS Railpool TRAXX MS2e

Railpool TRAXX MS2e

After six months, Koleje Slaskie (KS / Silesian railways) will return the fifteen Traxx locomotives it is hiring from Railpool and Lotos Kolej for its passenger services. Since December 2012 KS is using these machines with hired PKP coach compositions on the Katowice - Gliwice branche.

KS has concluded using train sets is more cost effective, although there are concerns about the availability of sufficient rolling stock when the locomotive hauled trains will disappear, at the end of May 2013. Railpool 5170 Railpool TRAXX MS2e

Up until now, railCare has always hired locomotives from BLS or SBB Cargo for traction of its trains. But next december, the SBB locomotives will return to their owner. Therefore railCare will hire machines from Railpool, four in total. On 22.11.2012, the first machines was handed over to railCare in Spiez. 186 104 now has dark blue promotion stickers and the blue Railpool-pendent is replaced by a white one with railCare logos. Today, the machine was sent to Härkingen for staff training.

The Railpool locomotives will be used for all services of railCare, except the one to Felsberg. Starting on 09.12.2012, they will haul trains over the Gotthard, Lötschberg and from Daillens to Gwatt.

BTW the name on the stickers is the name of the locomotive. - EvA Railpool TRAXX MS2e

The hiring contract of each locomotive will be valid for twelve months. After four months, either party can terminate the contract. LOTOS states that in no way, this contract will influence the quality of their freight services. On the contrary, they will be able to extend their business model to passenger services.

Currently LOTOS Kolej operates 14 Railpool TRAXX MS locomotives and seven DC machines, also 21 units in total. One machine (5 170 014) is sub-hired to STK. An overview:

Railpool TRAXX MS: 186 141, 143, 145, 146, 147, 271-276
Railpool TRAXX MS subhired from CBRail: 186 136, 137 and 139
Railpool TRAXX DC: 5 170 012, 013, 015-019

sources: KAR / rynek-kolejowy.pl / MG Railpool 5170 Railpool TRAXX MS2e

correction: This is not correct, the 'second hand' 186 181 and 182 have the same package. So Railpool now owns four units for DE/AT/NL/BE. - MB

E 186 187 went to Rotterdam very early this morning, but we could catch the other one. This afternoon, E 186 183 + V 203 and 24 Uagps carriages arrived in Oss, a Rurtalbahn service. Some nice impressions thanks to Luc Peulen. Railpool TRAXX MS2e

R2X services are run for the Stuttgart Container Terminal and Neska Intermodal, three times a week. They connect Rotterdam-Maasvlakte with the harbor of Stuttgart. The R2X services were started in december 2010, when the Rurtalbahn took over the contract from SBB Cargo. - wiki Railpool TRAXX MS2e

Railpool 186 103, 181
SBB Cargo 474 002-005, 009, 012-018
SBB Cargo 482 000-019, 021-027
SBB Cargo 484 001-018 Railpool TRAXX MS2e SBB Cargo Re482.2 SBB Cargo Re 484 SBB Cargo Traxx AC1 SBB Cargo Re474

E 186 251 has the same country specific package as Railpool E 186 101-110; D/A/CH/I/NL. It is one of the many Traxx MS units that were sold by Bombardier to an alternative customer. Based in press statements, Angel Trains Cargo (now Alpha Trains) ordered 105 Traxx MS locomotives over the years. However, when we look at the current situation, AT/RBSAF only has 80 units available for rent: 186 111-135, 196-235, 241-250, and 346-350. Meaning: there are still 25 units missing. Based on their liveries, we can conclude that eleven units that were intentionally built for AT are now property of Railpool: 186 101-110 and 251. However this still leaves a gap of 14... Railpool TRAXX MS2e

Unit 186 251 completed its maiden run in December 2008 (!) in the livery of Angel Trains Cargo. It has only been used for trails and transports up till now, as far as we know. It was seen for the first time in the colours of Railpool in March 2011. Again a left-over locomotive finds a new home at Railpool. - KL/CK

Next to that Railpool will also get some new machines very soon. Unit 186 286 and 287 D/A/I are also ready for their first runs. Railpool TRAXX MS2e

Before that, there were ETCS trials in Austria too. The Hungarian session started on 09.10.2011. On this day H-MAVTR 480 002 went to Kufstein with 186 106. On the next day, 186 106 arrived back to Hegyeshalom, Hungary. The trial runs were between Budapest-Hegyeshalom and Budapest-Sopron from 11.10.2011 until 15.10.2011. On 16.10.2011 the 186 106 hauled a freight train together with 185 664 from Hegyeshalom to Salzburg. - KB Railpool TRAXX MS2e

Both Bombardier and Railpool do not say much about the specifications of the 36 new units. Only that delivery is scheduled for July 2011 to November 2013 and that these Traxx units will incorporate innovations of some kind. Volume of the order is approximately 120 million euro. - Railpool/Bombardier Railpool 185.2 Railpool Traxx AC3 LM Railpool TRAXX MS2e

The Railpool livery proves to be a flexible one. Standard is a silver base color white a clear blue bar on the side. For operator PCT however, it turned yellow, CargoLink units for Scandinavia get a red colored version. The units hired from CBRail have a light gray base color. The highlights of the past weeks:

PCT, the German operator of car transports, has returned 185 537 to TX Logistic, and got Railpool's 185 637 in stead. Its hired from CBRail and got a yellow band over its light gray livery. - After being used by the Rurtalbahn for a week or so, the brand new Railpool 185 685 has left Kassel for its voyage up north, to CargoLink, to be operated in Sweden en Norway from now on. The 685 has a red Railpool-band, and with a similar design feature, the 185 682 has been spotted around Kassel. TX Logistic operated Railpool's 185 696 and 697 in Germany up til now, but both units have been re-equipped in the past weeks and are also transported to Scandinavia.

And then there are the Traxx MS units, or Railpool's 186 series. Lotos Kolej has started to operate the freshly delivered 186 272 in Poland. By Lokomotion, the new (and genuine transalp-locomotives) 186 281-286 will slowly take over the services from the units of the 186 101-110 batch (they can also run in the Netherlands for example. Most likely, Lokomotion at least will keep on using the 186 102, 106 and 110, as they are decorated with big service numbers upfront recently. 186 103, 105 and 107 are now being associated with operators using them in the Netherlands. SBB Cargo operates the 103, replacing the 186 182 which is currently under evaluation in the Czech Republic. Rurtalbahn got the 105, but on short notice this one will be replaced by the 107. The 186 105 will be present at the Innotrans fair and is therefore decorated with big Railpool logos. Railpool 185.2 Railpool TRAXX MS2e

LOTOS also has ten Traxx DE diesels on order, so they are expanding rapidly. - LOTOS

update: many thanks to the people who contributed their LOTOS images. More are always welcome! Macquarie Rail (former CBRail) TRAXX MS2e Railpool TRAXX MS2e

The other three newcomers are 186 141, 143 and 145, in service of Przewozy Regionalne (PR) until this week. PR was more fond of the EuroSprinter, so the Traxx units had to go and ES 64 F4-451 to 456 were picked up.

So now we have seven Traxx units at Lotos, 6 newcomers and 186 147, already at Lotos since 2009. But that's not it; the rynek-kolejowy.pl article says there is more to come. Lotos plans to have 20-25 Traxx units in service in 2011. Railpool 186 146 has already been spotted with Lotos logos around Kassel, so there we have number eight...

We will keep you informed. Macquarie Rail (former CBRail) TRAXX MS2e Railpool TRAXX MS2e

Lotos already operates one Traxx MS locomotive; Since November 2009 Railpool E 186 147-5 (of which we don't have a picture yet > hint!) is running Poland. - rynek-kolejowy.pl Railpool TRAXX MS2e

Next Saturday, 28.11.2009, PKP Przewozy Regionalne will present its first Traxx unit: 186 143. The unit is hired from Railpool and will be used for InterRegio services. The 143 will get a new livery (well in fact only some logos are being put on) and it is expected that PKP PR will hire more Traxx units on the longer term.

The picture proves that tests have already started! Railpool TRAXX MS2e

But what has been spotted outside the factory gates so far and what is new? An overview:

E 186 101-110; Since 2006 Bombardier was testing the Traxx MS platform in many European countries using the first batch of 186s built for leasing company Angel Trains Cargo (ATC). But until 2009 none of these ten units were actually delivered to ATC. During the summer 186 101-110 were repainted in Railpool colours. This covers the DE-AT-IT batch of ten for Railpool, although these machines were originally also equipped for running the Netherlands. It is unclear if this still is possible with 186 101-110.

Since the summer also a newly built Traxx MS is seen throughout Germany: 186 281. It has only been used for testing purposes so far and it seems to be configurated for DE-AT-IT traffic.

Since this week, also units that orginally have been built for leasing company CBRail are being adopted (and adapted) for Railpool. Yesterday 186 143 was spotted in Railpool colours. It country specific package is also changed from DE-AT-NL-BE to DE-AT-PL. Most likely, more CBRail machines are on the shortlist to become a Railpool-member: also 186 141, 145 and 147 have never been used by CBRail yet. These machines partially cover the DE-AT-PL order of Railpool.

Then the AC2 units, thirty machines on order, to be numbered as 185 671-700. Three newly built units have left the factory so far, 185 671, 679 and 680, all DE-AT-HU.
Two other units, 672 and 673 were originally completed as ATC 185 610 and 611, but renumbered and repainted so Railpool was able to quickly serve its customer EVB, which is now hiring both engines. In the mean time, Bombardier has built a new 185 610 and 611 for ATC to fill the gap.
Not all Traxx AC2s will get the DE-AT-HU package, as open access oprator Peterson Rail from Sweden has announced that it will hire 3-5 Railpool AC2 units in 2010. These machines obviously need a different package.

For sure this information is not complete yet, many more machines are still to come, but it provides a good intermediate overview. Railpool 185.2 Railpool TRAXX MS2e

E 186 103 is part of a batch of ten units (101-110) originally built for Angel Trains Cargo leasing, and fitted for services in NL/DE/AT/CH/IT. Although being built in 2006 and 2007, none of them has been rented out to a rail operator yet. Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e Railpool TRAXX MS2e