After initially being hired to different operators (MMV, LTE), the three DE/AT/HU/PL/CZ/SK/RO/NL configured Vectron locomotives for ELL were last seen together in Mönchengladbach.

This afternoon, a Westbahn KISS double decker EMU crashed onto a CargoServ freight train during a test run. Reportedly, five people are injured. Read more here.

Herbert Pschill took pictures of the four new white Vectron MS locomotives recently outshopped by Siemens, that have now arrived at Hegyeshalom [HU]. First rumors tell us that ELL 193 289-293 are the first units soon to be used for pulling the EC Prague - Berlin - hamburg EC trains.

It was about time: a post about the Vectron locomotives pulling passenger trains in Sweden for Snälltåget. This Transdev company is operating three units hired from ELL: the designated 193 253, 254 and 255. An image collection of the past months. Photos: Alexandre Zanello / Martin Zwick / Peter Wegner / René Klink

Today a white Vectron locomotive left Munich, and was taken to Passau. The image shows stock locomotive 22250, that has recently received its final designation: 91 80 6193 289-6. The multi system electric for central Europe will be delivered to lease company ELL.

ELL locomotive 193 215, currently operated by LTE, has been seen in Romania. As far as we know, it is the first time a Vectron locomotive is used in this country to pull a revenue earning freight train, since Siemens locomotive 193 822 was in the country for tests (Early 2015).

Anyway, 193 215 did not enter the country unnoticed, since many of you contacted us and made pictures and videos. A selection:

Video / Photo: Alexandru Popa / Tofan George

Pictures are coming in of ELL Vectron locomotive 193 270 pulling passenger trains of České dráhy in the Czech Republic. First sources state that training of ČD train drivers has started. The operator will start international EC services on Prague - Berlin - Hamburg. This year, ČD will hire eight Vectron MS locomotives from ELL, two more will come later.

European Locomotive Leasing (ELL), a provider of full-service leasing of electric locomotives, has ordered an additional eight Vectron locomotives from Siemens. ELL is currently the biggest Vectron customer. The multisystem locomotives have a maximum output of 6.4 MW and a top speed of 200 km/h. ELL will lease the locomotives to the Czech railway České Dráhy for passenger service on the Prague-Berlin route. With this order, Siemens has passed the mark of 500 sold electric locomotives – and the counter now stands at 507 in total.

“This milestone highlights the success story and reliable service of our Vectron locomotives throughout Europe. We’ve already convinced 31 customers in 14 countries with our flexible platform and customer-tailored equipment packages,” said Jochen Eickholt, CEO of Siemens Mobility Division.

The locomotives are currently certified for operation in Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.

This is the third order Siemens has received from ELL. In total the lease company now has 108 units on order (50+50+8). We have registered 78 until now (201-230, 233-277, 279, 831, 832) that have been delivered. ELL has some more locomotives on hire from Siemens. This morning we already posted about České Dráhy performing the first driver training tests with ELL locomotive 193 270.

New in the yellow livery of RegioJet: ELL 193 227. Additionally, the locomotive sports stickers promoting the travel booking website of mother company Student Agency. Photo: Nino Belovic

zpravy.e15.cz reports: The quest of the Czech railways (ČD) for multi system electric locomotives to pull its Prague - Berlin - Hamburg EuroCity trains has come to a conclusion. In November, lease company ELL will hand over eight Vectron locomotives to ČD for its international trains. Two more will come later. ČD will rent the 200 km/h fast locomotives for a period of ten years. Photo: Rik Hartl

Manuel Stritzinger caught ELL locomotive 193 267 on 24.04.2017. New is that the locomotive now sports the logos (and yellow color) if its operator: CargoServ.

Meanwhile, all three ELL electrics with DE/AT/HU/PL/CZ/SK/RO/NL package have been seen by our visitors. The designated 193 261, 262, 263 have the standard ELL livery. The data:

Photos: Norbert Tilai, Thomas W. Finger, Kai-Florian Köhn ELL Vectron

The picture above shows ELL>Lokotrain 193 222 pulling IC 523 of the Slovakian railways (ZSSK). The state company is testing Vectron locomotives in its revenue earning intercity services. ZSSK issued a tender last year for new electric locomotives last year. We think the Vectron is sure one of the candidates for a possible order. Photo: Filip Chalupki

Yes, some of you may have noticed there is still a gap in ELL's list of Vectron locomotives; There is no 193 261, 262 nor a 263. One of them now has made its first appearance in Hegyeshalom in Hungary. The pictures show ELL 193 262 with country specific package: DE/AT/HU/PL/CZ/SK/RO/NL. So, this is a multi-system locomotive with the Central European package we have seen before, but with one country added: the Netherlands. It is the first time we see a Vectron locomotive in this configuration. Photos: Miklós Berényi

In September 2016, ELL 193 271 was damaged as it derailed in Hungary. One month later it was sent to Munich for repair. Since 08.01.2017, the DE/AT/HU/CZ/SK/PL/RO/HR/SI (!) machine is back in service. The Salzburger Lokalbahn (SLB) is now operating the machine, as SLB's own 1216 940 / 91 was sent to Linz for maintenance and preparation for ETCS installation.

New for ELL and TX Logistik: 193 277. Seen by Timo Albert on 15.12.2016 in Wanne-Eickel.

Tobias Schmidt caught this colorful duo on 27.11.2016 in Basel Bad (CH). The colorful MRCE X4E-640 is now on its way to Italy together with ELL > SBB Cargo International 193 257.

Sebastian Carugati and Maurizio Lisdero were able to catch the new 193 259 of ELL with the logos of SBB Cargo International on 11.11.2016. The machine was seen in Balerna and Lugano.

This is the all new 193 259 for ELL, a multi system locomotive with a country specific package for DE/AT/CH/IT/NL, just like ELL 193 256. The approval for Italy and the Netherlands is still pending.

New is that the 259 sports the logos of SBB Cargo International. The livery on these machines is slightly different from the ELL standard. The sides are painted in dark blue, in stead of white. And up front the machine, of course, has the two red stripes to comply with Italian safety regulations.

(SBB Cargo International)

Check this beautiful video of the EMC test runs with ELL Vectron 193 252 and Hector Rail TRAXX locomotives, as performed last September. Thank you Peter Frost.

Today we received new images of both ELL Vectron locomotives that are operated by PPD Transport from Croatia. All images were taken in Zagreb by Martin Šarman and Mario Beljo. It gives us the opportunity to compare the slightly different stickers on the locomotives. The 268 has a white 'leaf' around 'Enno', where the one on the 273 is bright green. In general, the stickers on the 273 seem to be a little brighter.

Yesterday, a 'Lokzug' (a train with only locomotives) was seen around Munich, with several interesting new locomotives, that have not been delivered to a customer yet: Alpha Trains 186 202 + future ELL 193 256 + future Railpool 187 316 + Alpha Trains 186 242 + future DB Cargo 187 103 with Bombardier flex panels. Thanks to Michael Raucheisen.

ELL 193 271 is on its way back to Munich. It arrived in Passau (DE) today. The machine was in Budapest where mud and stones had to be removed from under its frame. The machine was damaged when it derailed in Budapest-Soroksár on 17.09.2016. During the past week it was made 'ready to roll', so it could be transported back to the Siemens factory in Munich, where it will be repaired.

Christian Blumenstein made a picture of 193 271 today, behind ELL 193 270, in a LTE freight train (no 41156). Also 193 272 was taken along, resulting in an image with three ELL Vectrons leading this freight train.

Picture by Jürgen Steinhoff taken on 13.10.2016 in Uelzen.

Yesterday the new ELL 193 256 DE/AT/CH/IT/NL made some test runs for current measurements between Spittal an der Drau and Mallnitz with 8 RCA Talns cars and OBB 1116 162. ELL 193 256 is the first DE/AT/CH/IT/NL configurated locomotive for this leasing company. (CDB)

The first images are being published of ELL 193 256 in Austria. The Vectron multi system locomotive, which livery is not yet fully completed, has the country specific packages for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and the Netherlands. At this moment it is only approved for Austria, according to its UIC grid.

An (image) report of the accident can be found here.

Brand new ELL Vectron no. 193 271 has derailed in Budapest-Soroksár. According to the report the locomotive was in Ferencvaros and ran away unmanned. The braking systems could not stop the locomotive and prevent a derailment.

The test runs with ELL vectron 193 252 in Denmark have ended. Tomorrow the 252 will go back to Germany with a normal TX Logistik train. The upper image shows Hector Rail train HG 67262 pulled by 241 002 and the 252 in second position at Marslev. The image below shows that the 252 also was in Sweden for a moment, as it was taken in Malmö. (PF/SH)

This week, train fans in Denmark can go watch a Vectron locomotive at work in their country. ELL 193 252 is used for Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) trials between Tinglev and Vojens. Hector Rail 241 006 is support locomotive. (SH / Peter Frost)

ELL > SETG 193 218 has a remarkable new livery. Striking is the gold metallic foil. The theme of the livery is 'Europe' featuring Ludwig van Beethoven, who wrote the European hymne 'Ode an die Freude'. With this livery SETG also celebrates its 15th anniversary.

On 05.09.2016, three red Vectron locomotive left the Siemens factory perimeters in Munich: 193 253, 254 and 255. All three are property of lease company ELL, but adjusted for services in Sweden and Norway, a country specific package that is new to ELL. They will be hired to Transdev Sverige AB for the use on its Snälltåget services.

The machines have a red livery with on one side 3x Loket (=locomotive) and 3x Snälltåget on the other. Before the three were sent of to Rostock harbor (northern Germany) for shipping, they first had to touch Austrian soil. So RailAdventure took them too Salzburg. A picture of this transport below:

Passenger train operator Snälltåget from Sweden will soon receive three ELL locomotives: 193 253, 254 and 255. These machines are red and carry the text 'Loket Loket Loket' (Loket = locomotive). Snälltåget has ten new drivers and wants to start first services with the Vectrons in October. At this moment Hector Rail is providing Snälltåget with tractive power and loco drivers. Snälltåget is known for its (night) trains connecting Malmö with Stockholm and Berlin.

This is ELL 193 271. It is the second locomotive in the fleet of the lease company that has the country specific packages for DE/AT/HU/CZ/SK/PL/RO/HR/SI. First one is the 193 268. Thank you Michael.

193 266 AC D/A/HU/CZ/SK/RO
193 267 AC D/A/HU/RO
193 270 MS D/A/H/PL/CZ/SK/RO
193 272 MS D/A/H/PL/CZ/SK/RO

On 12.07.2016, ELL 193 267 had its maiden run. This locomotive is a AC version, to be homologated for Germany, Austria, Hungary and Romania. A locomotive with the same country specific package is Railpool 193 824, that made its first run on 13.07.2016. For the recored: there are the 214th and 215th Vectron locomotive that have been produced since 2010. - TR

PPD’s new modern electric, ELL 193 268, arrived at Zagreb on 08.07.2016. As PPD rented several tracks from HZ Infra at Zagreb-Borongaj freight yard, which has been out of use for years, the loco was parked there… It is remarkable to see such modern locomotive on Borongaj station in the the bush. (Bigger pictures here)

193 268 is now used for hauling direct freight trains from Slovenia to Hungary. In the meanwhile, PPD bought two class 2044 diesel locomotives from the Croatian railways (HZ PP). Both are being refreshed by TZV Gredelj. A PPD livery has already been applied. Toma Bacic.

Brand new 193 268 is a special one. The multi system locomotive has a impressive country specific package. Take a seat: DE/AT/HU/CZ/SK/PL/RO + RS/HR/BG/TR. Where the locomotive will be used in practice, we will have to await. Fact is that the machine carries vinyls of PPD Transport from Zagreb, Croatia. This sounds new, but is actually very familiar. Is the current name of Adria Transport, that joined the PPD Group in 2015.

So, a new locomotive, in a new configuration, for a new customer to lease company ELL. Countries in the south-east of Europe, such as Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Greece, are currently in the focus of many European freight operators. The markets were liberalized, are opening up, new operators being founded. This is being translated into operators and lease companies preparing their rolling stock for services in these regions. We have seen Vectrons, Trans Montanas and ES64U4 locomotives being homologated in Croatia for example. Just today we got the news that Kombinovani Prevoz is the first independent railway operator to launch freight services since the Serbian railway market. Interesting!

Thank you Ludwig GS for the picture.

A third ELL locomotive, sporting the logos of TX Logistik, has been put into service lately. The image shows the brand new 193 266 which now has the same livery as 193 252 and 265. By the way, 193 266 is pulling a Velaro high speed train for the Turkish railways TCDD, which are being produced by Siemens in Krefeld in Germany. Our thanks goes out to Oliver Scholz for the picture.

ELL locomotive 193 206 is on its way back to the Czech Republic and Slovakia, after having received a service by Siemens in Munich. However, a piece of the yellow RegioJet foil is missing, showing again the locomotive's true identiy ;) - Thanks Christian Tscharre.

Published today: Siemens and Leasing company ELL from Austria have closed a 2nd deal for another 50 Vectron locomotives (In 2013 Siemens and ELL already closed a first deal for 50 units). Delivery of new machines is therefore continued. Over 50 units are already in service at this moment, with more being ready to go (193 264-267 for example).

Under the new contract, ELL will supplement its portfolio with new configurations, for example:

All units with have a duration power of 6.4 WM and a top speed of 200 kph. This makes them usable for both passenger and freight traffic. ETCS is standard. - Siemens

We all know about the big train crash in Bad Aibling last February. Very sad. Lives were lost, many speculations about the possible cause, a lot of discussions about railway safety.

Several trains were destroyed, resulting in a shortage of rolling stock for rail operator Meridian. Since this week, a rake of National Express colored coaches is used as 'replacement train'. The train is hauled by locomotives hired to Lokomotion, resulting in exotic train combinations in southern Germany. We have seen 185 661 in Lokomotion livery and 193 208 in ELL livery for example. Thank you Michael Raucheisen.

Meridian Ersatzverkehr #zug #train #züge #eisenbahn #eisenbahnbilder #eisenbahnfotografie #bahnbilder #bahnpics #bahnfotografie #railways #railways_de #railways_worldwide #railways_of_our_world #railways_of_europe #railways_of_germany #railways_de #king_transports #trainphotographics #trainphotography #travel #bahnbilder #bahnfotos #germany #deutschland #german_trainlovers #183 #vectron

A video posted by My Daily Commute (@fensteraufkultur) on May 11, 2016 at 9:43am PDT

TX Logistik just got its second ELL Vectron locomotive. Next to 193 252, now also 193 265 is running for this German freight operator. Like the 252, tha machine got the 'We love to connect' stickers. - Martin Voigt / Tim Roux

We must be honest, we also were a little surprised when we saw the designation of this locomotive: ELL 193 264. That is quite a numbering jump, as we only knew ELL electics with numbers up to 193 252. Officially, ELL has a frame contract for 'only' fifty electrics for its fleet, but all already knew there was more to come. With the 264 we know it will be quite some more. (Timothée Roux / Michael Raucheisen)

ELL 193 251 today in Austria, now having simple blue WLC stickers on both sides. It is another machine from ELL looking like this. Previously 193 224 and 237 (unconfirmed) got these stickers too. (Andreas Kepp)

Compare this livery to the creme/blue livery that WLB/WLC once had..

A special guest at the SLB at this moment. ELL 193 226, that recently got the RegioJet livery, is now used to pull SLB freight trains. This because SLB's 1216 940 is currently in Linz for maintenance. (Henk Zwoferink / Lorand Jacky)

Picture by Sven Bärwinkel

Austrian rail operator SETG is fanatically applying its green and white stickers on Vectron locomotives. Now we know why the recently delivered ELL 193 240 was plain white.

Green/white SETG livery: ELL 193 240, Railpool 193 814, Siemens>ELL 193 821. ELL 193 204 is the Christian Doppler-locomotive and ELL 193 831 commemorates Mozart. A nice video from Martin Radner:

TX Logistic normally brands its locomotive only with its logos. Sometimes an additional slogan is added. But this is the new 193 252, hired from ELL. This machine has some more operator specific decoration. On 03.03.2016 the machine was send on its way to Linz in Austria. (Michael Raucheisen).

REV 11.02.2016, that is the date on the brand new ELL 193 247. It was still white during its maiden run. it has the DE/AT/HU package. (Michael Raucheisen)

Two impressions of ELL>GySEV locomotive no. 193 235 pulling a GySEV passenger train (IC 934 / IC 937). An unusal sight as the Vectrons are hired predominantly to haul freight trains. (András Báti / Norbert Pócza)

Two new Vectron locomotives for ELL. Interesting now we know that some locomotives are painted, while others get stickers. The DE/AT/HU configured 193 246 is an ELL locomotive with paint. 193 250 DE/AT has a higher number, but was delivered sooner, and is stickered. One can see two delivery schedules, one long and one short term. (Michael Raucheisen / Martin Voigt)

Lately we are involved in a discussion about the dark blue of the ELL livery, applied on Vectron locomotives. Some machines seem to have a very dark, anthracite colored base color, were others appear to be more blueish. At first we thought, it has to do with the weather, the light, the sun, the camera, etc etc... but no. The image above shows that the locomotive on the left, the 224, is more greyish than the 202 on the right, which is newer (despite its lower number).

[Update] With the help of our fans we have found a possible explanation for the fact that ELL Vectron locomotives are being delivered in different colors: paint vs. stickers. The locomotives with a more blueish color have a painted ELL livery, were the machines with a anthracite base color have stickers over a white paint coat.

When you look very closely, one can still see some white paint around the screws and thin white lines around the air intakes up front. If a locomotive is stickered or painted sure has something to do with Siemens' off-the-shelf production method (building all machines in a basic configuration including a white base paint) in combination with how fast ELL wants to have its locomotives for a certain contract/customer.

An overview of the ELL locomotives known so far:
blue (painted): 193 201-203, 205-207, 215-216, 220-222, 225-230, 233-234, 243, 246
anthracite (stickered): 193 208-214, 217-219, 223-224, 235-239, 242, 245 and 832
delivered in white: 193 204, 240, 831
unknown: 193 241, 250, 251

An interesting image in this discussion is also this one of ELL>SBB Cargo 193 201. ELL Locomotives that are long term hired to SBB Cargo get large dark stickers over the white part of the ELL livery. With 201 something went wrong. The sticker has the anthracite color, but the locomotive is more blue. Clearly to see on this image:

So it is announced by Siemens from Austria. Lease company ELL from Austria has already 43 Vectron locomotives in service. For an overview, check the ELL page.

New in the fleet of GySEV Cargo: ELL 193 245. After ELL 193 235 the second locomotive of this type for GySEV, and the first with GySEV Cargo logos. (Norbert Pócza / Norbert Tilai)

The newest Vectron locomotives, that are to be delivered soon, or have been delivered recently:

Two things are remarkable, unlike X4 E 607-611 for MRCE, the newest machines are again black in stead of white (of 612 we are not sure yet). And X4 E-615 [edit: 614 DE/AT only] has additional approval for Hungary, whereas the 607-611 are DE/AT only locomotives. (Michael Raucheisen / Niklas Eimers / Norbert Galle)

RegioJet is going to withdraw its Košice - Bratislava passenger services. It plans to do this during the first quarter of 2016. The night service will stop per 13.12.2015 already, the three day services will continue until after Christmas.

RegioJet set up its Slovakian services with ELL Vectron locomotives only one year ago. It states it has to withdraw already because it can not compete with ZSSK any longer. RegioJet is accusing the Slovakian state railways of applying ticket prices that can not cover the costs.

RegioJet, ZSSK and the Slovakian government are in constant dispute.

ELL 193 234 changed its appearance. The white side surface is gone and dark blue. Additionally SBB Cargo International logos were put on, including markings that the operator is looking for new loco drivers. (Niklas Eimers)

Yep, it is time for another new Vectron for ELL, no. 242. It had its maiden run today and was portrayed by Helmuth von Lier in Augsburg.

Since 16.10.2015, Westbahn from Austria is running additional trains services from Vienna to Linz vv. These 'Formul 5' trains run on Friday - Sunday. Westbahn uses coaches hired from Bahntouristik Express (4x Bvcmz / 2 in blue/red and 2 in red/light gray (ex DB Autozug)).

[Edit] The trains are hauled by a locomotive of WLC. During the past weeks this has been Siemens > ELL 193 822. WLC used the locomotive during the other weekdays for its freight trains. However, on 31.10.2015, ELL > WLC 193 238 replaced the 822, see image below.

For now, the Formul 5-trains will run until 20.12.2015. Their name refers to the ticket prices for the three parts of the route. (Vienna - St. Pölten = 5 euro, Vienna - Amstetten = 10 euro, Vienna - Linz = 15 euro. (Wetsbahn / Andreas Kepplinger / Martin Oswald)

REV 21.08.2015: the new ELL 193 236 on its way from Munich to Linz. (Michael Umgeher / Andreas Kepp / Tim Hall)

For the fans of SETG: ELL 193 204 now has a special livery too (similar to 193 831 'Christian Doppler'). 193 204 now promotes 'Mozart's Geburtshaus'. (Roland Schramm / Helmut van Lier / Michael Raucheisen)

The first Vectron in service of Austria-Hungarian operator GySEV is ELL 193 235. It replaces an OBB 1116 series locomotive.

Until 31.08.2015, ELL 193 233 was also with GySEV at its Sopron depot. This machine was used for driver training. (KAR / Márk Fekete / Christian Blumenstein /Csaba Bereczki)

Last weekend, the new ELL 193 235 was transported from Munich to Linz. In opposite direction, the damaged CargoServ 1193 890 (accident in Vienna on 15.07.2015) went to Munich. It will need some repair.

Austria-Hungarian rail operator GySEV is searching for new locomotives for quite a while now. In 2014 it issued a tender for nine new electrics, but this never resulted in an order. A new tender is expected.

Next to its own 470 series locomotives, GySEV is currently using hired ÖBB 1116s and MRCE ES64U2 for its services. As of 01.09.2015, ELL Vectron locomotives will be added to the GySEV fleet. In Autumn a second ELL machine will follow. They should replace the ÖBB electrics. (Rail Business)

Update: ÖBB 1116 061 just lost its GySEV logos, see picture. This locomotive sported them for more than ten years. (Andreas Kepp / Karl Kepplinger)

ELL Vectron ÖBB 1016/1116

ELL>SETG 193 831 in its new -Christian Doppler- design, today in Munich. (Michael Raucheisen)

We made a mistake: This image shows two new Vectron locomotives for ELL: 193 233 and 234 (not 232/233). Both will be hired to WLC soon.

On 23.07.2015, SRT 487 001 took ELL 193 209 from Arth-Goldau to Lausanne. At that moment, Siemens had completed test runs with the 209 on the Südostbahn, with its 50 promille gradients. This week tests were done around Lausanne during the night.

ELL>LokoTrain 193 220 and 221 have visited Hungary lately for the required brake and run tests to get approved for commercial service in this country. (Norbert Tilai)

Thanks to Ákos Károly we have a first shot of ELL > MMV 193 228 in revenue service. Picture made in Pilis.

Yesterday, Siemens released the new ELL locomotives 193 201 and 230. Both got a restyle before they were sent of to Linz (Austria) for final customer specific adjustments. 193 201 got its big white ELL surface removed and got SB Cargo International logos. 193 230 got the logos of RTB Cargo.

Also seen in Munich, Siemens 21975 - ELL 193 202, awaiting its maiden run. With this machine, the number series 193 201-230 is complete.

Yesterday, two new Vectron locomotives for ELL completed their maiden run. Both machines are Vectron AC machines with the DE/AT/HU package:

Siemens 21974 - ELL 193 201
Siemens 21965 - ELL 193 230

In the current issue of Eisenbahn Kurier, an article is published about the Vectron locomotive. It says that ELL has 34 locomotives on order, from a framework agreement of 50. 11 of them to be multi system machines, 23 are to be AC locomotives. Of we take a look at our ELL list we count 32 locomotives in the fleet of ELL (including 193 820). So the delivery of the fixed order is almost through:

- 20 new Vectron AC locomotives:
193 201, 203, 204, 208-213, 217-219, 223-225, 228-230, 831 and 832
- 11 new Vectron MS locomotives:
193 205-207, 214-216, 220-222, 226-227

Curious: ELL acquired 193 820 from Siemens after testing period, but it is not clear if this machine is part of the framework agreement though. According to Siemens 183 821 is not sold to ELL. But it does have an ELL Übergabebuch.

Siemens has been performing trials with ELL 193 209 to Schwarzenburg [CH]. Particular about this route is the steep 35 °/oo gradient and small curves with only 250 meter radii. Siemens is evaluating the forces between wheels and tracks. Two Golden Pass coaches were taken along to have sufficient braking power, as the locomotive misses pneumatic brakes on two wheels, which are special 'Messradsätze'.

(Theo Stolz / Michael Krahenbuhl)

On 13.06.2015, Siemens 193 901 left Munich together with ELL 193 209. Together they ran to Basel, Switzerland. The 193 209, with SBB Cargo International logos, has measuring equipment on one of its axles, including a 'Messradsatz'.

Update: We have added an image of 193 209 in Basel.

(Michael Raucheisen / Tobias Schmidt)

On 13.06.2015, ELL Vectron locomotives 193 226, 227 and 229 left Munich. They ran to Linz in Austria. New is that 193 229 now sports the logos of RTB Cargo.

Next! Siemens has completed the maiden runs of another three ELL locomotives: 193 226, 227 (both multi system) and 229 (AC locomotive).

(Michael Raucheisen)

ELL's newest locomotive that has been released by Siemens is 193 228. The Vectron AC locomotives sports the logos of Magyar Magánvasút (MMV), a freight operator from Hungary. You may know this company for its colorful orange Softronic machines.

[update] On 09.06.2015, ELL handed over the first of three Vectrons to be leased to MMV in Linz (AT). So after 228 two more will come. This leasing contract was signed during the Transport Logistic fair in Munich last May. MMV plans a international expansion of its activities on the short term. Part of this strategy is getting a operation certificate for Slovakia and Austria. For this latter country, the new Vectron locomotive can be used, as 228 is equipped for Germany, Austria and Hungary.

(Herbert Pschill / MMV Magyar Magánvasút Zrt)

RegioJet wants to grow. It wants it ridership increased by 30% during the next years. It will expand both domestic and international services and introduce new night trains (Prague - Ostrava - Košice, as well as Košice - Bratislava).

The locomotive fleet will be doubled. Next December two more Vectron locomotives will arrive. It is not clear yet if these machines are leased or purchased. They will be operated on CZ-SK cross border trains: Prague – Ostrava – Zilina and Prague – Vsetin – Zilina. RegioJet wants to take the lead in international traffic between the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

As of December 2016, RegioJet will have another eight Vectrons for service expansion the Czech Republic. Also the fleet of passenger coaches will increase soon to approximately 200. RegioJet has just signed a deal with which it acquired seventy second hand coaches from an undisclosed operator, to be completely overhauled.

Meanwhile, RegioJet is awaiting the formal approval of its new Astra Vagone coaches (10 units, designation: Bpmz 20-90). Nice detail is the touch screen multimedia system integrated into the back of the head rest of every seat. The official delivery is planned for July.

The image beneath shows the new ELL 193 228, an AC locomotive ready for a test run. More new machines have been seen this morning: 193 222, a multi system Vectron for ELL. MRCE X4 E-602, -605 and -866 are also around.

(Michael Raucheisen)

Slovakia's approval body has granted permanent authorization for the Vectron multi-system and AC versions to operate in the country, thus permitting the Vectron to travel on the Slovakian rail network's routes without restriction.

First time we see this locomotive: ELL 193 225 with ecco-rail logos:

LokoTrain form the Czech Republic has started using the new ELL locomotive no.193 221 for its freight services. The other LokoTrain Vectron locomotive, ELL 193 220, was seen in Germany yesterday. It ran from Passau back to Munich.

On 16.04.2015, the new ELL 193 221 left the Siemens factory in Munich (REV 10.04.2015) heading south to Linz in Austria. The DE/AT/HU/PL/CZ/SK/RO configurated multi system engine will be the second unit to be hired to LokoTrain for the Czech Republic.

Now running for WLC. This weekend the machine ran to Emmerich. (LW/KS)

This is the new 193 220, the first ELL locomotive to be leased to LokoTrain from the Czech Republic. The multi system locomotives replaces MRCE ES 64 F4-841 that was returned to the lessor per 28.02.2015.

Today, the locomotive will be officially presented. LokoTrain will get three Vectron locomotives in total to be delivered this spring. The 220 is a MS version of the Vectron, homologated for Germany, Poland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. The machines also feature ETCS.

This morning, the new ELL 193 216 was seen in Munich. It is a multisystem locomotive, to be leased to LTE. This operator already operates ELL 193 203, 207 and 215, of which the first two have the same LTE stickers as the new 216. - MR

Also interesting, the 216 is approved for service in DE, AT, HU, PL, CZ and SK. ELL Vectron

Earlier this week we had footage from Munich featuring the new ELL Vectron MS locomotives no. 193 216 and 193 824. Also Railtrains.sk (link is no longer available) gave us an inside view into the Munich plant of Siemens. Visible were the new ELL locos 193 216, 220, 221 and 222. Czech railway operator LokoTrain will get three ELL Vectrons, the item tells us, of which the first one will be handed over on 06.03.2015. ELL Vectron

update: the 193 217 behind 185 571 on its way in Austria. ELL Vectron

Remarkable is that 193 207 can be used in D/A/PL/CZ/SK/H, but that only D/A are approved at this moment. - AK ELL Vectron

Siemens 21916 - ELL 193 217
Siemens 21917 - ELL 193 218
Siemens 21907 - ELL 193 219

All three have the ELL livery as shown in the title picture. It is not fully clear if these machines are Vectron AC or MS machines and for which countries they are / will be homologated. We'll ask and let you know. - MR ELL Vectron

Siemens 21921 - RegioJet 193 205
Siemens 21931 - RegioJet 193 206
Siemens 21918 - RegioJet 193 214

The title image shows 193 205 with IC 403 at Bratislava-Vinohrady on 14.12.2014. - NB ELL Vectron

The title picture shows both locomotives, in ELL livery but without ELL logos, in Veseli nad Luznici on 06.12.2014. - DV ELL Vectron

First run from Kosice to Zilina in Krpelany.

Second run, Zilina to Koscie in Ruzomberok. - LG ELL Vectron

RegioJet is hiring the Vectrons for its services in Slovakia: two are needed for the for daily service, the third one is the spare locomotive. Later on it can cover peak hour trains. RegioJet class 162 locomotives will haul all international services and the ones on CZ. The Vectron will come to Prague occasionally for service, if not done in Bratislava, Slovakia.
For now, ELL 193 214 lost its approval for DE/AT/HU temporary because of modifications for CZ and SK. Siemens stated that this is temporary and they'll do the paperwork to certify the complete package DE/AT/HU/CZ/SK again.

193 214 left Praha on 21.11.2014 piloting 162 116 hauling train IC 1011 Praha -Žilina. It came off the train at Hranice na Moravě and ran light engine southwards to Bratislava. Here it was used for staff training over the weekend of 22/23 November. Afterwards it was to be used on RegioJet’s trains IC 1003/1010 between Žilina and Košice until the end of the 2014 timetable in mid-December.

Extra: an image of ELL > RegioJet 193 214 in Leopoldov, Slovakia. It ran from Bratislava to Trenčianska Teplá for driver training. - TK/JP/railvolution.net

ELL Vectron

RegioJet expects three new Vectron locomotives to arrive in the next week. They will have this yellow RegioJet livery. Later on, more units will be added to the fleet according to RegioJet. The machines will be leased for a period of five years. - PL/SP

ELL Vectron

Various media now report on a approval for test operation for Vectron MS locomotives in the Czech Republic.

It concerns six MS machines for ELL, service numbers mentioned: 193 205-207 and 214-216. Five of these still have to be delivered (214 is in the title photo). There is now a 15-day period for appeals. ELL Vectron

ELL Vectron

By us, this raised the question, what if Lokomotion had its own Vectrons, what would it look like?

This image is made by crearail.com/railcolor, it is our own initiative. It is not related to Lokomotion nor Siemens. ELL Vectron Railpool Vectron Siemens Vectron locos used for test and promotion

Meanwhile, freight had to be moved throughout Europe. The world does not pause for some fancy exhibition. Some remarkable facts from last week:

Siemens 193 901 is being used by Lokomotion. Nice images ahead. - KAR

Lokomotion is now also hiring brand new ELL locomotive 193 212. It has the normal ELL livery without any supplementary logo (yet). - KAR/KL

MRCE ES 64 F4-841 is now hired to Czech company LokoTrain s.r.o. - PS

Former DB Schenker locomotive 5 170 020 is back in action. We however do not know yet who is operating this machine at this moment (in Poland). - GK

The new Akiem E 186 264 has arrived at Plock in Poland on 25.09.2014. Orlen Koltrans will operate it, like 186 261-263. - PS

DB Schenker's 189 055 is the second locomotive we have seen (after 189 001) being retrofitted with the VM-50Hz package for services in Poland and the Czech Republic. It also has LED front lights now. - MK

DB Regio 146 117 is seen with additional green plugs up front. These make it possible to record security videos of the train in the locomotive. DB Schenker 189 DB Regio Traxx AC1 ELL Vectron MRCE ES64F4 Siemens Vectron locos used for test and promotion

More information about these trains:

ELL Vectron

More information about these trains:

ELL Vectron

Per 01.07.2014, SETG is hiring ELL locomotive no. 193 831 (white) and RTB Cargo is using 193 832 (ELL livery with RTB Cargo logos).

At least three more machines will enter service within weeks. 193 209 and 210 are being prepared for SBB Cargo International. The operator wants to start revenue service with the locomotives on 01.09.2014 on various Hamburg/Bremerhaven – Nürnberg/München/Regensburg relations. Another machine is being prepared for Ecco Rail. This company will get three locos this year.

As ELL has up to 50 locomotives on order, many more contracts are expected to be signed. The title picture shows 193 208, most likely now running for LTE. ELL confirms that LTE will be its next customer. - AK/SBB Cargo/AM

More information about these trains:

ELL Vectron

Until now, five ELL locomotive have been released from work, in four different liveries:

193 208 > full ELL livery
193 209 and 210 > full ELL livery with SBB Cargo International logos
193 831 > white and small SETG and ELL logos
193 832 > full ELL livery with RTB Cargo logos on white

More information about these trains:

ELL Vectron

More information about these trains:

ELL Vectron

BTW: ELL states that it also will have Vectron DC locomotives in its portfolio. Until now, only Vectron AC and MS versions were mentioned. - MB ELL Vectron

Since 13.09.2013, Vectron MS locomotive no.193 820 is already in Poland for tests and homologation.

More information about these trains:

ELL Vectron

ELL 193 209 in the green/blue/white ELL livery
ELL 193 210 in white

For the first time, Vectron locomotives are not numbered in the 8xx/9xx number range. The ELL livery of 193 209 is different compared to the looks of 193 832. No RTB Cargo logo and the big white surface created for this logo is now black. - MR

BTW: 193 811 was the third Vectron that had a test run today in Munich. This one is for Railpool.

ELL Vectron

More information about these trains:

ELL Vectron

More information about these trains:

ELL Vectron

The authorization process also included the approval of additional functions such as an electric brake effort of up to 240 kN, multiple unit operation via ZMS multitraction control and ZDS double traction control, and double-heading with other Vectrons as well as with classes 120, 152, 182 (ES64U2) and 189 (ES64F4).

For an AC or multi-system locomotive, other customer-specific versions can be certified through a delta review based on the first prototype that has now been granted authorization. The transfer of Vectron MS authorization to neighboring countries like Austria is in full sway.

The first Vectron MS locomotives were ordered by the European Locomotive Leasing GmbH (ELL), which concluded a master agreement with Siemens in March 2014 for as many as 50 Vectron locomotives. - Siemens

More information about these trains:

ELL Vectron Siemens Vectron locos used for test and promotion

ELL Vectron

We just could not resist.... A real Vectron locomotive in the livery of European Locomotive Leasing. At least in the livery as published yesterday, that proves to be a quick sketch. We had to finetune it a bit, as the ELL proposal is a bit buggy, especially around the headlights.

The big question is, will a real locomotive ever get this paint scheme? We know more examples of preliminary design proposal of leasing companies, just for promotion. The end result was always, uhm more 'practical'. Railpool once started with a dynamic swooshy visual in grey and blue: Silver. CBRail went from blue and gray to orange, ending up with plain light grey painted locomotives. Dull and get dirty easily.

Of course, the final color schemes are more practical, and give plenty of space to the various lessor to pimp their locomotive. But this rarely happens. Will ELL take this opportunity to come with something different?

ELL Vectron

Read the press statement here

Want to know more about ELL, the new leasing company? This is their website.

European Locomotive Leasing (ELL), a provider of full‐service locomotive leasing solutions to freight and passenger operators throughout continental Europe, and Siemens announced signing a framework contract for the order of as many as 50 state‐of‐the‐art Siemens Vectron locomotives. The first locomotives are bindingly ordered and will be delivered immediately. The additional locomotives will be delivered from 2014 through 2016 and allow ELL to satisfy the demand from its expanding customer base.

Katzensteiner, CEO of ELL, said: “The modern and versatile Vectron locomotives are particularly well suited to the European market and are proving to be very popular with our lessees. In particular, we are pleased about their built‐in European Train Control System (ETCS), which allows seamless domestic and cross‐border traffic. This order exemplifies ELL’s mission of providing customers with a full‐service package of best‐in‐class technical performance and operational support.”

Michael Reichle, CEO of the Siemens Locomotives and Components Business Unit, said: “This order demonstrates in an impressive manner the flexibility of the Vectron platform concept. It enables us to offer the right modular-designed locomotive with border-crossing capability for every traction task and area of application.”

The order is for AC locomotives and for multi-system locomotives. The AC units are intended for border-crossing traffic in Austria, Germany and Hungary. The multi-system units can be deployed in border-crossing traffic not only in Austria, Germany and Hungary, but also in Poland, the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic. In addition to the national train control systems, each locomotive is equipped with ETCS. The locomotive comes with a maximum output rating of 6400 kW and is built for a top speed of 160 km/h. It is already wired to accommodate other train control systems.

The locomotive leasing sector in Europe benefits from highly attractive market dynamics that ELL is well placed to capitalize on. These include rail traffic liberalization and promotion across the continent, the growing prominence of private rail operators more likely to favor leasing rather than owning locomotives, and an improving macroeconomic outlook.

ELL is led by a team of highly experienced rail professionals based in Austria and Germany. The company is supported by KKR, a leading global investment firm that provides long-term capital from its global infrastructure fund. ELL Vectron