RheinCargo from Germany operates ten TRAXX AC3 locomotives since last year. Seven of these silver machine have a grey colored Flex Panel with RheinCargo logos. Three however still look different. Up until now, RheinCargo 187 071 and 073 have no Flex Panel, no logos. RheinCargo 187 072 has no Flex Panel either, but RheinCargo logos were applied on both sides.

A little variation must be. Until now we saw the new Rheincargo 187s being delivered without Flex Panel - with and without logo on their sides -, but no. 078 does have one. A silver one, with RheinCargo logo. Photo: Christian Klotz/Martin Voigt

As seen this morning by Christian Klotz.

Our first image of a RheinCargo 187 in revenue earning service. Hopefully we can show you some more during the next days. Thank you Christian Klotz.

Only two days ago, Bombardier 'gave' RheinCargo its first three TRAXX AC3s. This is our first image of such a locomotive after delivery: 187 071 as seen by Stefan Rother today at Neuss. RheinCargo will get 10 units, the designated 187 070-079.

Today, RheinCargo published an official statement about its newest locomotives:

RheinCargo, Germany's largest private railfreight operator, strengthens its locomotive fleet with the acquisition of ten new locomotives. With these Bombardier TRAXX AC3 type electrics, the company modernizes its fleet and creates the basis for more environmentally friendly railtransport.

"RheinCargo stands for reliable, efficient and sustainable logistic solutions. We are delighted that we will be able to further improve our offer to our customers. With the new locomotives, we are investing in our production quality and strengthening our nationwide presence" says Daniel Jacobs, Head of Vehicle Management at RheinCargo.

On 25.11.2016, the first three of a total of ten electric locomotives (series 187) were handed over offcially to RheinCargo at Bombardier's assembly factory in Kassel. The remaining seven machines will be put into service before the end of this year. RheinCargo will use the 140 kph fast locomotives for long-distance services in Germany, thereby transporting, among other things, mineral oil, building material and container trains.

For RheinCargo, founded in 2012, the acquisition is the most significant investment in its fleet up until now. At the end of 2013 the company invested in the modernization of its diesel locomotive fleet (Railcolor: RheinCargo bought five TRAXX DE locomotives) and it is now taking the next step.

"RheinCargo operates one of the most modern fleets in railfreight traffic in Germany. The new locomotives are a very good addition to our existing pool. We are thus reducing the average age of our locomotives to around eight years. In this way, we can offer environmentally-friendly and reliable transport to our customers," explains Daniel Jacobs.

With 187 074 another new TRAXX AC3 locomotive has complete its maiden run. We have seen the no's 187 070, 071, 072 and 074 so far. Insiders say there are ten locomotives on order. They have a maximum speed of 140 kph and they are not equipped with a Last Mile diesel/shunting module. Picture: Marcus Alf

The second TRAXX AC3 locomotive for RheinCargo was out and about today. We are currently researching whether or not these locomotives have the Last Mile diesel module. They do not have the little white warning lights behind the cab doors, so radio controlled shunting seems not possible. Update: also there is no fuel tank inlet, suggesting the machines have no diesel engine on board.

An order that has been under the radar until now: German railfreight operator Rheincargo will soon receive its first TRAXX AC3 locomotives. Yesterday, unit 187 071-6 had its maiden run. It is a machine configured for services in Germany only, with Last Mile diesel-shunting module and a top speed of 140 kph. Its livery is similar to the TRAXX DE's and 145s that Rheincargo recently added to its fleet: silver.

Locomotive 187 072 is the next to be completed by Bombardier and to make a testrun. - CK