DB 245 026-0 outside Bombardier's Kassel plant on 10 February 2017. Picture by Christian Klotz.

Between September 2015 and June 2016, Bombardier delivered seven Class 245 TRAXX Multi Engine locomotives to DB Fernverkehr for use on its Sylt Shuttle services to and from Westerland (Sylt). All seven locos were equipped with a standard 2,720 liter fuel tank, similar to other locos of the class as delivered to DB Regio. Meanwhile, it has been decided to upgrade the seven locos with larger tanks, increasing the fuel capacity to 4,230 liter. One by one, the locos are being modified by Bombardier in Kassel.

Bombardier is currently building a new batch of Multi Engine diesel locomotives for Deutsche Bahn. On 30.03.2017 the designated 245 035 made a first test run, on 20.04.2017 the 245 036 had its turn. Both locomotives will be dispatched to Ulm, as they carry the allocation markings "DB ZugBus Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH (RAB) Werk Ulm". We expect Ulm will get three new machines.

Currently, Deutsche Bahn has nine TRAXX DE ME locomotives on order, which will raise the fleet to 36:

On 15.03.2017, 245 002 from DB Regio Kempten was on a test run pulling IC 2012 / 2013 from Immenstadt to Stuttgart. The video shows the 2013 service near Bad Grönenbach. Video: Månuel Såttlerssøn

DB Regio currently has three new TRAXX DE Multi-Engine locomotives on order for operation in the south of Germany.

A close-up of DB Regio 245 013, that carries a small sticker on its cab. The heart shaped vinyl says in southern dialect: -I mog die SOB-. DB Regio now has twenty TRAXX DE ME locomotives on its fleet (245 001-020) used fro various services in southern Germany. Three more are on order. Photo: Ernst Lauer

Railjournal reports: Deutsche Bahn confirms calling of eight more TRAXX DE Multi Engine diesel locomotives from its 200 locomotive frame contract with Bombardier. Five will be used by DB Fernverkehr as ICE rescue locomotives throughout Germany, replacing older Class 218 locomotives. The other three will be delivered to DB Regio to further expand its fleet in South Germany.

In 2011, DB placed a framework order for up to 200 TRAXX Multi Engine diesel locomotives. The first 20 locomotives ordered under this agreement entered service for DB Regio in South Germany (stationed at Bw Mühldorf and Bw Kempten) and in the Frankfurt am Main area. Another seven were ordered for use on DB Fernverkehr's Sylt Shuttle between Niebüll and Westerland (Sylt).

Nahne Johannsen just sent us the first image of DB Fernverkehr's 245 027 (REV FKR X 29.06.16) in use by its new owner. With 245 021-027 now all being delivered, the batch of 7 is complete. Remarkable: Unit 245 026 is the only of its series with a check digit on its fronts.

Bombardier has finished repairs on the damaged DB Regio 245 008 and released it from its Kassel works on July 4th. Subsequently, the loco headed back to the DB depot in Mühldorf.

This week, the newest TRAXX locomotive for DB Fernverkehr completed its maiden run. On 28.06.2016 the machine completed its first round. - Christian Klotz

This morning: Maiden run of the new 245 026 for Sylt shuttles. One more to go to complete the batch of 7 (245 021-027) for DB Fernverkehr. - Christian Klotz

On May 4, DB Fernverkehr 245 025 made its delivery run from Kassel to Niebüll. Jens Vollertsen and Henk Zwoferink were able to capture the locomotive on camera in Niebüll on May 5.

This picture (link) shows DB Fernverkehr 245 025 heading towards Hannover near Salzderheiden on May 3. Most likely, the loco was on delivery run, but we're still looking for confirmation on this.

(Marvin Fries / Martin Priebs)

New in the fleet of DB Fernverkehr: 245 024 with REV 22.03.2016. On 01.04.2016 the machine left the Bombardier factory in Kassel and started its northbound voyage, to Sylt. Christian Klotz.

This picture by Nahne Johannsen shows that DB Fernverkehr 245 023 has performed its first duties in revenue service between Niebüll and Westerland (Sylt).

On March 1, DB Fernverkehr 245 023 made its delivery run towards Niebüll. (Kai-Florian Köhn)

With the arrival of the repaired 245 204, Paribus > NAH.sh now has all fifteen TRAXX DE Multi Engine locomotive available for its Sylt services, performed by operator NOB (the designated 245 201-215).

Also new: DB Fernverkehr still awaits the delivery of five more TRAXX DE Multi Engine locomotives for its car shuttles to Sylt. Starting in March, Bombardier will deliver one machine per month, so the series of seven will be complete in July. BTW, we have already seen 245 023 around Kassel.

On 23.02.2016, DB Fernverkehr's future Sylt locomotive 245 023 had its maiden run. Note the absence of the 'Zugzielanzeiger' and the LED headlights. (Christian Klotz)

The German railways have published their experience with the seven new 245 series locomotives (Bombardier Traxx DE Multi Engine), now being in revenue service for one year. NOx emission -50%, 9% of fuel savings compared to the old 218 series locos. As the 245s have diesel soot particle filters installed, the emission of particles has dropped with 90%. (Deutsche Bahn)

A second Multi Engine TRAXX for DB Fernverkehr has recently been outshopped by Bombardier in Kassel: 245 022. And today, the brand new locomotive showed itself outside the gates.

Unlike the 20 Multi Engine locos for DB Regio, the DB Fernverkehr locomotives have LED front lights and a higher power rating. 245 021-027 are equipped with four 600kW diesel engines each, delivering 2400kW in total. With 2252kW, the DB Regio locomotives are nearly 150kW less powerful.

On 15.10.2015, DB Regio 245 008 has returned to Kassel, damaged. The locomotive crashed into a car on 03.10.2015 in Thalham (line München – Simbach). (Christian Klotz)

On October 12, the brand new 245 021 of DB Fernverkehr had its first outings on car shuttles to and from Sylt. The locomotive was used to power two shuttle pairs to and from the island that day. (Andreas Melchert)

DB Traxx DE Multi Engine

Our first image of DB Fernverkehr 245 021 at the Sylt. Currently the locomotive is used for driver instruction. (Martin Priebs)

In Kassel two locomotives are seen that are the first ones of a new batch:

Railpool Traxx AC3 no. 187 300: first of a series of AC3's to be used in Germany, Austria, Hungary and Romania. 17 units are planned.

DB 245 021, first of a batch of seven machines ordered by the German railways for pulling DB (Autozug) Sylt shuttle services.

On March 5, NAH.SH 245 201-9 and DB Regio 245 001 could be seen heading for Bremervörde, while sandwiching a Metronom driving trailer. Similar to the combination of 245 201 and 146 553 last week, this composition will be used for testing the new "Zugwendesteuerung" (push-pull control system). - PMR

For the first time we have received an image of a DB Regio 245 series locomotive sporting the -Südostbayernbahn- name on its side. Locomotives 245 008-015 run for the Südostbayernbahn, a subsidiary of DB Regio. They are allocated to Mühldorf depot. - DrGB

DB has performed a one-time only test with a 245 series locomotives in freight services. Interesting images can be found here of DB Regio 245 014 with a tank car train (and a spare locomotive in the back).

Newbie 245 015 arrived at Mühldorf on 25 November.

Last weekend, DB Regio 245 010 was photographed in Landshut with a special train (DPE 5199). Behind the red machine was Lokomotion 185 663. - KAR/GR) DB Traxx DE Multi Engine

DB Traxx DE Multi Engine

Railcolor: More information about these trains:

DB Traxx DE Multi Engine

Railadventure's 139 558 brought a Innotrans transfer-train to Bad Schandau-Ost. After leaving the Skoda RegioPanther there the journey continued back to Dresden. Behind the 139 there was also the Bombardier 245 014, 187 009 and the CD Railjet coaches. The picture shows the train ready for departure from Dresden heading westwards, probably going to Leipzig. - BW DB Cargo Traxx AC3 DB Traxx DE Multi Engine Siemens Vectron locos used for test and promotion

Railcolor: More information about these trains:

DB Cargo Traxx AC3 DB Traxx DE Multi Engine

More information about these trains:

DB Traxx DE Multi Engine

Locomotive 245 010 made a trip today, coming from the Kassel factory. This is the third unit to be delivered to the Südostbayernbahn and will be allocated in Mühldorf. - CK

More information about these trains:

DB Traxx DE Multi Engine

Deutsche Bahn AG and Bombardier Transportation have signed a contract for the supply of seven TRAXX diesel multi-engine locomotives. The total contract value based on the list price is approximately 27 million euro ($37 million US). It is a call-off under a framework agreement with DB AG from 2011 for up to 200 TRAXX diesel multi-engine locomotives.

The locomotives will be used for a 40 km long shuttle route to pull car shuttle trains between the island of Sylt and the German mainland. Their innovative engine concept individually controls the output of each of the four engines working in parallel, thus minimizing energy consumption. This is particularly important during the frequent shunting manoeuvres - the whole manoeuvre will be powered by one small engine while the other three remain switched off.

The TRAXX diesel multi-engine locomotive is more eco-friendly and quieter than comparable diesel locomotives with a similar performance. Its total engine capacity of nearly 2,400 kW ensures outstanding performance and traction; while the shuttle previously required two locomotives, one locomotive will be enough for this service from now on. The first two TRAXX locomotives will be deployed at the end of 2015. From mid-2016 the new locomotives will replace the old class 218 locomotives completely.

"Our investment in new diesel locomotives demonstrates that we are strengthening our company for future transportation demands," said Alfred Onken, head of Sylt shuttle. "The engines comply with the Stage IIIB emission standards and thus contribute to the strategy DB 2020."

"The TRAXX diesel multi-engine locomotive is particularly beneficial to the operator - both economically and ecologically - on short shuttle routes like this," added Ulrich Jochem, President Locomotives, Bombardier Transportation. "It will contribute to relieving the stress on the island's delicate ecosystem while residents will enjoy the reduced noise level of the new locomotives."

More information about these trains:

DB Traxx DE Multi Engine

At this moment, three of seven machines have arrived in Kempten, the home base of this regio. They have already covered 7.000 km in test service. The remaining locomotives are expcted to arrive in the second half of 2014. They will than be used on the relations Memmingen - München, Kempten - München and Füssen - München/Augsburg.

The German railways also provide the time table of the first locomotive in service:

RE 57433 von Kempten nach München, Kempten ab 4:28 Uhr
RE 57436 von München nach Marktoberdorf, München ab 6:20 Uhr
RE 57339 von Marktoberdorf nach Augsburg, Marktoberdorf ab 8:25 Uhr
RE 57564 von Augsburg nach Buchloe, Augsburg ab 10:15 Uhr

Read the press statement of the DB here.

More information about these trains:

DB Traxx DE Multi Engine

More information about these trains:

DB Traxx DE Multi Engine

Currently, 008 is being used for tests. On Monday the locomotive pulled a test train to Augsburg with a top speed of 160 kph. - CK/pnp.de DB Traxx DE Multi Engine

DB Traxx DE Multi Engine

On 18.02.2014, 245 007 hauled DB car shuttle trains to the island of Sylt, over the Hindenburgdamm causeway. Apparently, the German railways (DB) want to know its performances on this very specific route. Over the years the DB already tested many mainline diesel locomotive types on this line, but still no decision has been made what type will/could replace the good old V160s here. Currently, these V160 machines haul the car shuttle trains in pairs.

News item that relates to this issue: DB tenders for 7-11 heavy haul diesel locmotives

DB Traxx DE Multi Engine

The Federal Railway Authority of Germany (Railcolor: EBA) has authorised the Bombardier Traxx P160 Diesel Multi-Engine locomotive in a record time of just 11 weeks. It is the first new vehicle to have passed the new authorisation process for rail technology in Germany.

Karl Runge, Vice President Group Authorisation Management, Bombardier Transportation, said: "This success is an important milestone in the development of the authorisation process in Germany and the TRAXX locomotive platform. I thank all those involved at EBA and our partners for their excellent cooperation. With this approval, we have taken an important step towards a more reliable authorisation process in Germany."

The new process is part of the Memorandum of Understanding on the reform of authorisation procedures for rail vehicles, which was signed by the Federal Ministry of Transport, the Federal Railway Authority and leading representatives of the German railway sector in June. The reform of the procedures permits operational testing of railway technology by private organizations to some extent. EBA is the body that legally ratifies all authorisation of rail technology in Germany. DB Traxx DE Multi Engine

Sudostbayernbahn has purchased eight Multi Engine locomotives for operation on the main line between Simbach and Munich, starting in mid-2014. The new powerful locomotives, which can run at a top speed of 160 kilometers per hour, comply with the EU’s 2012 exhaust emission standards Stage IIIB. Moreover, they operate with lower noise emissions than the previous diesel locomotives – this is, particularly for densely populated areas like Munich, an important feature. - Bombardier DB Traxx DE Multi Engine

DB Traxx DE Multi Engine MRCE 185.2

On 26-27.03.2013 two Traxx DE ME locomotives were in operation in double traction on their way between Kassel and Hannover respectively Kassel and Kreiensen. In these test runs the distribution of tractive effort between the locomotives was checked as well as the control of the diesel engines on both locomotives. Also, the share of brake forces of each locomotive was checked at different braking conditions. During these test runs the data communication between the locomotives was monitored. - Bombardier

Railcolor: On 19.02.2013, 245 001 and 002 were also seen at the Kassel locomotive site. DB Traxx DE Multi Engine

We are especially curious for the results are in practice, results regarding efficiency, eco-friendlyness (as far as you can call a diesel combustion engine eco-friendly anyway) and the advantages of the redundancy of the concept.

For all information about the new TRAXX DE Multi Engine, check the section. DB Traxx DE Multi Engine

First there was the light grey 146 552-5, one of the first units to be completed for DB Transport, to be used with new 'Intercity'-double deck trains. Next was 'Last Mile' 187 001, getting ready for the Innotrans as it has now special flexpanels for this fair. Also around was 245 003-9 for DB Regio, making its first test rounds. 187 001-003 - test bed locomotives DB Fernverkehr Traxx AC2 DB Traxx DE Multi Engine

245 001-007 > Kempten
245 008-015 > Mühldorf
245 016-020 > Frankfurt-Griesheim - EK DB Traxx DE Multi Engine

The complete press statement includes a new rendering of the multi engine Traxx. In 2012 Bombardier will start first trials with this new multi-engine concept. Delivery of the first unit is expected for 2013. DB Traxx DE Multi Engine

In 2014, the Südostbayernbahn (SOB) will get eight 4-engine Traxx DE locomotives for passenger services. Edit: It is not clear if this is the second order for this type of locomotive, or a selection from the twenty units ordered by DB Regio on 18.04.2011.

At the Transport&Logistics fair, Bombardier spread leaflets with the main technical parameters of the future 4-engine locomotives. It will get four Caterpillar C18 engines with a 2256 kW in total. On the question, if the new units will get the new front-design as presented with the AC3-version, Bombardier answered that the DB favors the current Traxx design, which is more similar to what they already have (Bauheihe 186). DB Traxx DE Multi Engine

A framework order for up to 200 4-engine Traxx DE locomotives with the Deutsche Bahn

Bombardier Transportation is taking the Traxx DE to a next level. With the German railways (Deutsche Bahn) a nine-year framework agreement is closed for the delivery of up to 200 locomotives.

Big news is the propulsion-concept of the new generation of diesel locomotives for the DB: it's four smaller 'rugged, heavy-duty industrial diesel engines' with 540 kW each. They offer a more efficient, fuel-saving, environmental friendly alternative to the singe-engine solution. The sub-contractor for the engines is not mentioned, but think of an engine-type that is also used for freight trucks. They are mass-produced...

The picture included in the press-statement shows us a familiar looking locomotive, as the body design is still identical to that of the current Traxx DE products. But looking at the roof construction and the under-frame installations, it is different. The two separate hatches on its side are the best clue for its inside innovations.

For sure, this design can and mos likely will change for future orders. It's a framework agreement for nine (!) years, so there is still a lot possible, passenger service, freight service, and a lot will change in the near future, who knows what kind of locomotive is needed in 2020?

Bombardier now can work towards the first fixed order; 20 units with a top speed of 160 kph for the passenger services of DB Regio. An order worth €62m euro, and delivery will start mid-2013. As always, assembly will take place in Kassel, the bodies come from Wroclaw in Poland and the bogies are to be built in Siegen, Germany.

The DB choosing Bombardier for this order is not illogical, they already have an extensive fleet of Traxx locomotives: 145 series (80), 185.1/2 series (399), 186 series (65), 146.0/1/2 (110 in total), and the 27 recently ordered Traxx ACs for DB's InterCity services. DB Traxx DE Multi Engine

Back to the facts:
emission: Stage IIIB, for sub series Stage IIIA is discussable
speed: 140 kph minimum, 160 kph optional
tractive effort: 236 kN minimum, 270 kN should be possible however
energy system: 300 kVA minimum

These new units should be able to haul a 6-car double stock rake with 140 kph, still having an tractive effort surplus of 30 kN. These specifications leave much room for creative solutions from all over the world (think USA/Canada, China, Russia, Germany, France) so it's not very useful to speculate about possible candidates for this order. For sure it will a prestigious matter. We just have to wait and see. DB Traxx DE Multi Engine