Lease company Alpha Trains (Locomotives, previously known as Angel Trains Cargo) has a fleet of 80 TRAXX MS2e electric locomotives in various configurations.
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e: news
2017
2017-09-20
[DE] Ins and outs in Kassel
update 2017|09|20
[DE] Ins and outs in Kassel
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
[NL] Alpha Trains: DE/AT/PL electrics now welcome at Venlo border station
update 2017|09|06
[NL] Alpha Trains: DE/AT/PL electrics now welcome at Venlo border station
Alpha Trains: “We are happy to announce that our TRAXX MS locomotives with DE/AT/PL homologation received permission to access Venlo border station in the Netherlands. This means more flexibility for our customers by accessing the Venlo train station to load cargo.”
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
[BE] A new name in railfreight: B Logistics is now Lineas
update 2017|04|28
[BE] A new name in railfreight: B Logistics is now Lineas
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.
[NL] Back in normal service: Alpha Trains > NS 186 122 (without logos)
update 2017|03|03
[NL] Back in normal service: Alpha Trains > NS 186 122 (without logos)
Steven Oskam portrayed Alpha Trains > NS 186 122 yesterday. After being Bombardier test locomotive, the machine is now back with the Dutch Railways. The NS logos ae still missing. These were removed after the locomotive was hired to railfreight operator RTB Cargo for some days. 02.03.2017, Rotterdam, Centraal.
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2017-02-22
[NL] Dutch railways want more DABNL multisystem locomotives
update 2017|02|22
[NL] Dutch railways want more DABNL multisystem locomotives
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.
[DE] You would think it's the same image... AT 186 349
update 2017|02|22
[DE] You would think it's the same image... AT 186 349
Same locomotive. Same place. Same livery. What is different? The date: 2009 versus 2017... This week Bombardier completed the R1 overhaul on Alpha Trains 186 349 (REV 21.02.2017). Photos: Christian Klotz
After its career at B Logistics, a new employer has been found for Alpha Trains 186 346: Railtraxx from Belgium. Torsten Giesen was able to picture the locomotive and its freight train on 11.02.2017 at Aachen-Steppenberg on its way to the "Gemmenicher Tunnel" on the Montzen-route.
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2016
2016-11-16
[AT] Alpha Trains > NS E 186 120 in Austria
update 2016|11|16
[AT] Alpha Trains > NS E 186 120 in Austria
Yellow and blue, an exotic colour scheme in Austria. Alpha Trains > NS E 186 120, normally pulling passenger trains in the Netherlands (and Belgium) is currently being tested in Austria. New software requires tests in all countries in the package of this DE/AT/BE/NL machine. Photo: Herbert Pschill
Back on track: Alpha Trains > ITL 186 245. In May 2016 this machine derailed after running into a landslide in Schmilka. Like before the accident, the machine is in service of ITL. Photo: Patrick Holzbach
[DE] 'Lokzug de luxe' with Vectron, TRAXX AC3 and TRAXX MS
update 2016|10|27
[DE] 'Lokzug de luxe' with Vectron, TRAXX AC3 and TRAXX MS
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.
Remarkable: Freight operator is now using a TRAXX locomotive that should belong to the fleet of Dutch state operator NS: Alpha Trains 186 122. Earlier the locomotive was hired to the Belgian railways for passenger trains Amsterdam - Brussels, but now it is pulling open access trains for real! Even weirder: someone decided to cover the NS logos on the 122, according to various by people, with black paint.
Both Jeroen de Vries and Steven Oskam portrayed the anonymized locomotive today, in Rotterdam and Zwijndrecht respectively.
[DE] Crash: Freight train with 186 245 runs into landslide
update 2016|05|24
[DE] Crash: Freight train with 186 245 runs into landslide
Yesterday evening, a freight train ran into a landslide near Schmilka (DE) on the connection Dresden - Prague. Leading locomotive 186 245 hit the dirt covering the tracks and derailed. Images of the train and its recovery here. Thanks KAR.
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2016-05-22
[PL] Train crashes on truck [updated]
update 2016|05|22
[PL] Train crashes on truck [updated]
[PL] Alpha Trains186 132 just hit a truck and derailed. Heavy damage in Poland with two people injured, according to the first reports. A video has been added of the recovery work:
[NL/DE] Alpha Trains > NS E 186 111/112 return from Dessau
update 2016|04|11
[NL/DE] Alpha Trains > NS E 186 111/112 return from Dessau
Tonight, Alpha Trains > NS 186 111 and 112 arrive in the Netherlands, in blue and yellow. They have had their R1 overhaul in Dessau, Germany during the past weeks. This means all twelve Alpha Trains locos that the Dutch railways are hiring (186 111-122) have been overhauled and repainted, no more red and white.
Next month, the delivery will start of a new batch of TRAXX MS locos for the NS, commencing with unit no. 186 020. NS has still 18 units on order.
Thanks to Ron Snieder en René Klink for the images.
[DE/PL] Back after the accident: Alpha Trains 186 130
update 2016|02|22
[DE/PL] Back after the accident: Alpha Trains 186 130
On 24.04.2014, Alpha Trains locomotive 186 130-1 got damaged by fire after hitting a car on a level crossing near Wojnowice in Poland. The locomotive was in service of DB Fernverkehr at that moment.
After its accident, the machine was sent to the DB Dessau workshops for recovery. During 2015 the machine was repaired and since 07.01.2016 the machine is again officially approved for revenue service. At this moment the locomotive is in service of railfreight operator ITL from Dresden. (Daniel Berg / Michael Teichmann)
[NL] The red Alpha Trains 186 111 and 112 leave the Netherlands
update 2016|02|10
[NL] The red Alpha Trains 186 111 and 112 leave the Netherlands
This morning, Alpha Trains 186 111 and 112 were sent on their way to Dessau. There they will get a R1 overhaul including a repaint in yellow and blue. Now all red liveried Traxx-locomotives in the Netherlands are gone.
[DE/NL] Alpha Trains > NS E 186 116 and 120; back from Dessau
update 2016|01|31
[DE/NL] Alpha Trains > NS E 186 116 and 120; back from Dessau
On 28.01.2016, Alpha Train E 186 116 and 120 arrived in the Netherlands, after being overhauled in Dessau, Germany. Both are now yellow and blue, the NS standard livery. Alpha Trains E 186 111 and 112 are the last two machines hired to the NS that still have the red (Fyra) livery. (Railmagazine.nl)
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2015
2015-12-01
[BE] -30%! B Logistics drivers succesfully take initiave for energy reduction
update 2015|12|01
[BE] -30%! B Logistics drivers succesfully take initiave for energy reduction
In January 2015, a team of nine loco drivers of B Logistics, based in Monceau, took the initiative to reduce the energy consumpton of 'their' 28 series locomotives (TRAXX MS). Using the existing 2014 energy meters in the locomotives, applying simple formulas, and without technological assistance, the team managed to reduce the energy consumption of the TRAXXs by 20% after two months. The pilot project "E-drivers in 2015" was held exclusively on the route Gomezée "The Petons" (BE) - Aachen West (DE).
Currently, driving techniques are being improved even more, resulting in a reduction of 30%. Aware of the ecological and economic potential, the direction of B Logistics has decided to actively support the project and to encourage the
implementation on the whole route from Antwerp (BE) to Aachen (DE).
To give the project some visibility, B Logistics locomotives 2841 and 2843 got special stickers yesterday in Antwerp.
[BE] B Logistics and Railpool close deal over new multi system locomotives
update 2015|11|28
[BE] B Logistics and Railpool close deal over new multi system locomotives
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.
PKP Cargo has announced it is taking over all rail transport services for PKN ORLEN / Euronaft Trzebinia. These companies sell their in house transport activities and refocus on their core business, oil and chemicals. For our website, this means ORLEN Koltrans is taken over by PKP Cargo, that is actively increasing its market share in the European railfreight market. (pkpcargo.com)
[NL/DE] Alpha Trains > NS 186 116 and 120 to Dessau
update 2015|11|10
[NL/DE] Alpha Trains > NS 186 116 and 120 to Dessau
Last night, the red liveries 186 116 and 120 left the Netherlands for their R1 overhaul in Dessau. They will return in yellow and blue. Only two 'reds' are left now in the Netherlands: 186 111 and 112.
[NL] The Dutch railways and Traxx locomotives, update
update 2015|09|29
[NL] The Dutch railways and Traxx locomotives, update
There is still going on a lot in the Netherlands, regarding Traxx MS locomotives in service of the Dutch railways (NS). The size of the locomotive fleet is constantly growing and locomotives are being re-equipped continuously. An overview:
All locomotives on hire from Alpha Trains, all in use for IC Direct Amsterdam - Breda vv:
- in red: 186 111, 112, 116 and 120
- in Dessau in revision: 186 115 and 121
- revision completed, in yellow and blue: 186 113, 114, 117-119, 122
All locomotives on hire from Macquarie Rail:
- 186 142: Benelux service Amsterdam - Brussels
- 186 148+149: being modified for hauling IC Direct trains
- 186 144+236: used for IC Direct trains Amsterdam - Breda
- 186 237+238: new, for passenger trains to Germany
- 186 239: used for IC Direct trains Amsterdam - Breda
Property of NS:
- 186 001, 003-006, test locomotives for sandwich service IC Direct
- 186 002, 007, 009-019: used for IC Direct trains Amsterdam - Breda
- 186 008: in Kassel for repair
- 186 020-037 (numbers not confirmed): on order
[DE/NL] Alpha Trains > NS E 186 113 and 118: R1 revision completed
update 2015|06|11
[DE/NL] Alpha Trains > NS E 186 113 and 118: R1 revision completed
Today, the two Alpha Trains locomotives left the Dessau workshops, bound for the Netherlands, after the R1 revision (including repaint) on the locomotives has been completed.
Coming back from Dessau, bound for the Netherlands.
On 01.06.2014, Alpha Trains > NS E 186 117 and 122 were sent from Amsterdam (NL) to Bad Bentheim (DE). Locon pulled both locomotives to the German station, were RailAdventure took over with their 103 series locomotive. They will go to Dessau for their R1 overhaul (no.5 and 6 of the serie of 12)
Meanwhile, E 186 113 and 118 are still in Dessau, both now sporting the NS blue and yellow livery. They are expected back in the Netherlands soon. E 186 114 and 119 were the first two to get an overhaul.
[NL] AT E 186 113 and 118 go to Dessau for overhaul
update 2015|03|31
[NL] AT E 186 113 and 118 go to Dessau for overhaul
They go in pairs now. On 29.03.2015, the Dutch railways sent away E 186 113 and 118 to Dessau, Germany, for their R1 overhaul. We will see them back within a few months in yellow and blue.
The image shows 186 113 in 2008, together with an NS oldie. - AK
A second of its batch, E 186 119 has returned from the Dessau DB workshops, in a yellow and blue livery. On 07.03.2015 it arrived in a unit cargo freight train behind DB Schenker 189 088 and 026. - FdL
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2015-01-14
[NL/BE] New: NMBS/SNCB locomotive no. 2844
update 2015|01|14
[NL/BE] New: NMBS/SNCB locomotive no. 2844
This is Macquarie Rail no. E 186 240, from now on also known as the 2844 of the Belgian railways (NMBS/SNCB). Next to thirteen green-silver Alpha Trains locomotives (eleven available now as 2821 had a crash and 2830 is out for maintenance) the light grey locomotive will be used for the Benelux services Amsterdam - Brussels vv. Currenty, also E 186 142, hired to the NS, is helping out.
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2eMacquarie Rail (former CBRail) TRAXX MS2e
2015-01-06
[NL] Overhaul of Alpha Trains E 186 111-122
update 2015|01|06
[NL] Overhaul of Alpha Trains E 186 111-122
One by one, the Alpha Trains E 186 111-122 will go to Dessau for their R1 revision. We expect them all to come back in a new yellow and blue NS livery. The first one, E 186 114 is now back from its overhaul, back in the Netherlands:
[DE] Alpha Trains E 186 114 arrived in the Netherlands
update 2014|12|30
[DE] Alpha Trains E 186 114 arrived in the Netherlands
A first image of the Alpha Trains 186 114, recently overhauled in Dessau. It now has the same livery as the recently acquied Traxx MS locomotives of the Dutch railways (E 186 001-019). [update] In the night of 29.12.2014 the machine arrived at Kijfhoek shuntyard in the Netherlands. It came to the Netherlands in a unit cargo freight train of DB Schenker.
[DE/NL] R1 revision of Alpha Trains E 186 114 completed
update 2014|12|26
[DE/NL] R1 revision of Alpha Trains E 186 114 completed
Last week, the R1 overhaul of E 186 114 has been completed in Dessau (DE). The revision is remarkable as the Alpha Trains locomotive is repainted. Previously, the green-silver locomotive had a complete red sticker-livery, now it is yellow and blue, identical to the new NS E 186 001-019 locomotives.
Now the locomotive should go back to the Dutch railways (NS), the lessee of the locomotive. Yesterday, the machine has been seen in Hagen-Vorhalle.
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2014-12-15
[DE/PL] DB Fernverkehr has three new Traxx MS locomotives
update 2014|12|15
[DE/PL] DB Fernverkehr has three new Traxx MS locomotives
186 130 (damaged), 186 135 and 186 241 are back to lease company Alpha Trains. DB Fernverkehr has replaced the three machines by Macquarie Rail 186 136, 137 and 139. They will now be used for passenger services into Poland. - ES
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2eMacquarie Rail (former CBRail) TRAXX MS2e
2014-12-14
[NL/BE] Direct Brussels - Amsterdam Benelux services reinstated
update 2014|12|14
[NL/BE] Direct Brussels - Amsterdam Benelux services reinstated
This images shows SNCB no. 2809 / E 186 201 waiting for its first duty as Benelux service from Amsterdam to Brussels. After a two year break, this 'classic' international trains is back on its original route. And now 16 times a day, instead of 12.
In the past years the service only connected Brussels with The Hague HS after. Originally it was cancelled completely in favour of the new high speed services with AnsaldoBreda's Fyra V250 trains, but after these trains were taken out of service, the Benelux trains were reinstated quickly. But as train paths to Amsterdam were then already taken by other trains, the Benelux had to be shortened.
As from today, it run on its original route again, so it is not using the high speed lines between Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Antwerp. These faster trains will be introduced in the next years.
For the current services, Dutch ICRm coaches are being used, like before. Many of these still wear the Fyra livery. These stickers will gradually disappear. In the past months, NS has been retrofitting more ICRm coaches, coming from domestic services, for the Benelux services. They are now forming fixed rakes of coaches in the normal NS blue and yellow livery. They got a different door closing system using spanjolets, a demand of the Belgian railways, that approved these additional coaches only last week. The newly formed rakes also have a driving trailer, but this is not used as such. This coach is taken along as it has features a toilet for people with physical disabilities and extra space for service personnel. Locomotives are always pulling the trains.
NMBS/SNCB, the Belgian railways currently have ten Traxx MS locomotives from its freight pool available for the Benelux services: 2802, 2803, 2806, 2809, 2812, 2813, 2815, 2821, 2832 and 2833. But more are needed (especially now the 2821 crashed onto a car last night).
The software of NS lease locomotive 186 142 has already been downgraded so it can assist on the Benelux service. The machine was already seen in Brussels yesterday. NS plans on having the newly delivered 186 001-019 being homologated for Belgium too as back-up.
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2eMacquarie Rail (former CBRail) TRAXX MS2eNS TRAXX MS2e
2014-11-20
[BE] Recap: ETCS trial runs with NS 186 007 and NMBS 2830 in Belgium
update 2014|11|20
[BE] Recap: ETCS trial runs with NS 186 007 and NMBS 2830 in Belgium
On 30.10.2014, ETCS trial runs were held with NS E 186 007 and NMBS 2830 by Bombardier. From Leuven, the train ran to Libramont via Namen, Dinant and Bertrix. This image shows both locomotives sandwiching three I6 coaches in the Maasdal, just before entering the station of Dinant. - AV
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2eNS TRAXX MS2e
2014-11-18
[HU] Alpha Trains > ITL 186 133 in Hungary
update 2014|11|18
[HU] Alpha Trains > ITL 186 133 in Hungary
Lately, Alpha Trains E 186 133 (with ITL stickers) was seen in Hungary. The image show the locomotive, officially with DE/AT/PL configuration during a test run on 06.11.2014 and in Budapest one week later. - NT/MA
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2014-10-24
[NL/DE] Alpha Trains E 186 114: to Dessau and new livery
update 2014|10|24
[NL/DE] Alpha Trains E 186 114: to Dessau and new livery
On 13.10.2014, Alpha Trains locomotive E 186 114 was sent of to Dessau in Germany. There it will get a revision. It is the first machine, currently rented to the Dutch railways, that has made this trip. NS currently operates Alpha Trains E 186 111-122 (and several additional light grey Macquarie Rail 186s) for their Amsterdam - Breda shuttle services. These machines are all red with white fronts, as they once had to comply with the Fyra corporate identity. This identity has been dropped in favour of the Intercity Direct product name, including the normal yellow and blue NS livery.
Delivery of the first locomotives of the new NS E 186 001-019 batch now make it possible that the hired machines can get their mandatory maintenance in Dessau. We have seen E 186 001, 002 and 003 so far mixing in on the Amsterdam - Breda shuttles in regular service.
When the E 186 114 comes back from Dessau, it will have the same blue and yellow livery as the new E 186 001-019.
Various news from Kassel today. The nineth Traxx MS locomotive for the Dutch railways had its maiden run this morning. Next to that, the future DB Schenker 187 101 was seen out side the factory of Bombardier again. Alpha Trains 186 349 and 350 arrived in Kassel to pay the workshops a visit. - CK
Yesterday, Metronom locomotive 246 005 was seen in Ramelsloh. It came Kassel after a R1 revision. - PB
[NL] Traxx MS locomotives halting in new station of Breda
update 2014|10|06
[NL] Traxx MS locomotives halting in new station of Breda
Three Traxx MS locomotives in service of the Dutch railways: 186 115, 118 and 144. They pull the Amsterdam - Schiphol - Rotterdam - Breda vv shuttle connecting these places using the high speed line. These images are all taken at Breda, at night, in the new station that has just been opened. In fact, it is a semi-station now, only the northern-part is finished and open for public now. On our Flickr account you will find a complete set showcasing the new station building. - HZ
The train ran from Amsterdam to Brussels. The driving trailer was not used as such.
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2014-07-09
[CZ] New configuration for Traxx MS: DE-AT-PL-CZ-SK-HU
update 2014|07|09
[CZ] New configuration for Traxx MS: DE-AT-PL-CZ-SK-HU
Interesting news comes from Slovakia and the Czech Republic these days. Various test runs have been reported with Traxx MS locomotives in a new configuration. First there was the Alpha Trains 186 133, now equipped with Mirel MESA 23 (originally this was a DE/AT/PL locomotive). From 19. to 26.06.2014, various test runs were carried out with this locomotive in Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Austria. Especially border crossings (DE/CZ, CZ/AT, AT/SK, and CZ/PL) were a main topic during these test runs.
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).
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.
Transchem is a company from Poland. It now hires Alpha Trains locomotive 186 129. However, the machine does not sport this number at this moment, only the full length Polish NVR number 91 51 5270 008-3 PL-TM. So, the locomotive is immatriculated in Poland now, a first for this particular machine.
BTW, also 186 126 is now in service of Transchem. - FG/SK
[PL] AT > DB Fernverkehr 186 130 crashed onto a car
update 2014|04|25
[PL] AT > DB Fernverkehr 186 130 crashed onto a car
Yesterday, Alpha Trains locomotive no. 186 130, hired to DB Fernverkehr for services to Poland, was damaged by fire if the locomotive crashed onto a car. A report and images of the accident can be found here. - MP
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2014-04-21
[DE] New in the fleet of Locon: 186 249
update 2014|04|21
[DE] New in the fleet of Locon: 186 249
Alpha Trains 186 249 is new in the fleet of Locon. This morning the locomotive picked up five tank wagons in Bad Bentheim, with destination Frankfurt a/d Oder. 186 249 now also has Locon logos. - CO
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2014-04-12
[BE/FR/DE] SNCF Traxx double
update 2014|04|12
[BE/FR/DE] SNCF Traxx double
SNCF uses its four Traxx MS locomotives mostly in double traction. This image shows newbe 186 347 together with Akiem 186 184 and a freight train Kinkempois (BE) - Dunkerque (FR). - NB
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2014-04-09
[NL] Intercity Direct: All Traxx locomotives out of service [updatedx2]
update 2014|04|09
[NL] Intercity Direct: All Traxx locomotives out of service [updatedx2]
All Traxx MS locomotives, used for the Intercity Direct services (Amsterdam - Schiphol - Rotterdam - Breda vv) were taken out of service on 08.04.2014. Passengers had to use normal intercity trains running over the conventional network instead.
Bombardier requested the Dutch railways (NS), operator of the Intercity Direct, to put all locomotives aside as the manufacturer wanted to check the pantographs of all locomotives. Appearantly, there was a problem with the pantographs big enough to justify this drastic measure.
Update 08.04.2014 9.00 pm: The first locomotives have been inspected by Bombardier and are approved for commercial service again. Tomorrow NS will start with an hourly Intercity Direct service again. Depending on how long it will take to inspect all remaining locomotives, the frequency of the services will be increased as soon as possible. - nu.nl / telegraaf.nl
Alpha Trains 186 347 > SNCB 2902 has gone on long term hire to SNCF Fret. The French operator was in need of a fourth Traxx locomotive or its services to Belgium. It already uses the three Akiem Traxx MS locomotives: 186 184-186.
The picture shows the 2902 with a freight train Dunkerque (France) - Kinkempois (Belgique). The four locomotives are often used in pairs. - NB/ID/wallorail
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2014-01-18
[PL/CZ] ITL operates Traxx MS locomotives in Czech Republic
update 2014|01|18
[PL/CZ] ITL operates Traxx MS locomotives in Czech Republic
ITL has launched international freight services to the Czech Republic, using Alpha Trains Traxx MS locomotives. They now have 186 127, 128, 138, 242, 244, 245 and 246 available for border crossing services to Děčín [CZ]. The locomotives are used for Porsche-trains and coal trains coming from Leipzig [DE].
[EU] Alpha Trains announces acquisition of rolling stock assets
update 2014|01|11
[EU] Alpha Trains announces acquisition of rolling stock assets
Alpha Trains announces that Alpha Trains Luxembourg No.2 S.à r.l. acquired 202 rolling stock assets in a mixed asset and shares transaction from The Royal Bank of Scotland PLC (RBS) at the end of 2013.
Alpha Trains has managed the assets on behalf of RBS since a consortium of investors acquired Alpha Trains from RBS in August 2008. The passenger trains and locomotives are employed in services across Continental Europe under leasing contracts with several European train operators.
Commenting on the acquisition, Shaun M. Mills CEO said: “This is a key transaction for Alpha Trains and an important step in our strategy of growing the business. We know the assets well having managed their delivery and operation since 2008 and are looking forward to fully integrating them in our business for the benefit of our customers. This acquisition further cements Alpha Trains’ position as the leading private rolling stock lessor in Continental Europe.”
About Alpha Trains: Alpha Trains has been an investor, owner and manager of rolling stock for more than ten years, during which time we have established an enviable record as a consistent, professional and innovative investor and manager of passenger trains and freight locomotives. The current portfolio comprises around 370 locomotives and 300 passenger trains which are managed by an international staff of 70 people in our offices in Luxembourg, Antwerp, Cologne and Madrid. Our shareholders are: Arcus Infrastructure, PSP (Public Sector Pension Investment Board) and AMP Capital Investors. - Alpha trains
Alpha Trains / RBSAF 185.2Alpha Trains Traxx AC1Alpha Trains TRAXX DCAlpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2013
2013-11-13
[NL/BE] The end of Fyra
update 2013|11|13
[NL/BE] The end of Fyra
The brand name 'Fyra' will disappear per 15.12.2013. In Belgium and the Netherlands, name has become too much a synonym for the problematic V250 trainsets built by AnsaldoBreda. The 'conventional' Fyra-service Amsterdam - Schiphol - Rotterdam - Breda vv is a success but will be rebranded too.
NS Hispeed (a name that will disappear too as this company will be re-integrated into the Dutch Railways again) will introduce the new name 'Intercity Direct' for the Amsterdam - Breda shuttle.
Starting today, The Dutch railways (NS) offer additional rush hour diagrams for the Fyra services Amsterdam - Rotterdam. The loco-hauled Fyra trains connect Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam and Breda. NS uses its own Intercity coaches, Alpha Trains locomotives 186 111-122 and Macquarie Rail 186 144, 149, 236 and 239 for these services. The title image shows locomotive 186 118 with a set of coaches in Fyra (Prio) design close to Rotterdam on the high speed line.
One of the 'Hispeed' Traxx locomotives, normally used by the Dutch railways for the Amsterdam-Breda shuttle, is currently in Belgium. Locomotive 186 111 has been seen during several test runs during the night. If these runs runs include high speed lines is unknown. - RM
The Dutch railways is slowly but steadily expanding its fleet with extra Traxx MS locomotives. There are the red 186 111-122 leased from Alpha Trains. 186 144 and 236 had a small break but joined the fleet again early this year. The real newbies are Macquarie Rail 186 149 and 239. Both were previously hired to Continental Rail Services, that had to file for bankruptcy in June.
On short term, the Dutch railways (NS) want to order new Traxx locomotives. These will have to replace the AnsaldoBreda trainsets, taken out of service last January, in the Fyra services. The NS states that these machines can be built very quickly. The NS qualifies this order as 'urgent' and 'necessary', so a tender process is not required.
The exact number of locomotives to be ordered, depends on the new timetable that is under development. NS will have to present it before 01.10.2013 to State secretary Mrs. Mansveld.
Railcolor: Of course this raises new questions. Only a top speed of 160 kph is mentioned in the article. With Traxx locomotives with this top speed, the NS and Bombardier now offer reliable services between Amsterdam and Breda. So ordering machines in exactly the same configuration would be a relatively safe bet. However, Bombardier theoretically can deliver Traxx machines with a top speed of 200 kph, but this would require additional test runs (and time).
Next to that, locomotives can not replace the trainsets, coaches will have to do that. Question is which type of coaches will be used.
It is presumable, that under great political pressure, the Belgian railways will be forced to approve the Traxx-hauled trains on their network and there part of the HSL-Zuid. The current NS Traxx locomotives only run in the Netherlands (Amterdam-Breda vv).
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2013-04-08
[PL] 186 244, 245 and 249 in a Freightliner Poland train
update 2013|04|08
[PL] 186 244, 245 and 249 in a Freightliner Poland train
186 244 was recently seen in Kassel, but now it's back in Poland. The images show the machine together with 186 245 and 249. To make things more clear, these units also carry a Polish service number: 5 270 004, 005 and 006 respectively. - TS
A picture taken some minutes ago. The 13.55 train to Brussels-Midi at Rotterdam centraal. The 'Benelux 2.0' that replaces the unfortunate V250 Fyra trains is hauled again by Traxx locomotives. 8 units are assigned to these passenger services: NMBS 2801, 2802, 2803, 2835, 2836, 2838, 2839 and 2840. - SW/ID
In the last week, the frequency of the 'Benelux 2.0', running from The Hague-Hollands Spoor (NL) to Brussels-Midi (BE) was increased. There are 8 daily services now.
The image shows unit 186 244 parked at Kassel Rangierbahnhof together with diesel locomotive 212 242. The new 245 002 and 187 003 were seen around the Bombardier factory. - CK
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2013-02-27
[BE] NMBS/SNCB 2901 in service
update 2013|02|27
[BE] NMBS/SNCB 2901 in service
Since 25.02.2013, SNCB/NMBS has a locomotive with no. 2901 in its fleet again. For the third time. Alpha Trains 186 346 made its first commercial run from Muizen to Calais. The other four locomotives (designated 2902-2905) are still being prepared for their return on the Belgian network.
Like before, the 2901 has simple numbers. The font however is slightly different, making the numbers a bit wider. - MC
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2013-02-21
[BE] 186 346-350 back in Belgium
update 2013|02|21
[BE] 186 346-350 back in Belgium
Two pictures of last week, showing Alpha Trains 186 346-350. Unlike our previous messages, these machines arrived from Aachen (DE) in Belgium on 15.02.2013. - WH
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2013-02-18
[NL/BE] Direct InterCity service The Hague - Brussels re-instated
update 2013|02|18
[NL/BE] Direct InterCity service The Hague - Brussels re-instated
As from today, there is direct train service connecting The Hague, Hollands Spoor (NL) and Brussels, Zuid/Midi (BE) again. It is re-instated after massive political pressure from both the Belgium and Dutch parliaments. Also the city council of the Hague was already searching for other operators than NS to re-introduce a direct connection between their city and Brussels, both of big importance for people working for the European Union and other international institutions.
The Dutch and Belgian railways decided to terminate the Amsterdam-Brussels service (Benelux-trein) last December, in favour of the new, faster Fyra services with V250 train sets of AnsaldoBreda. However, these were taken out of service early January due to many technical faults and even losing pieces along the way.
The frequency of the new service will be increased early March, from the current two trips a day up to eight daily connections. For how long this new/old/temporary InterCity service will keep running is unknown. The city of The Hague will do anything to keep it alive, even when the AnsaldoTrains would return (if ever). These V250 train sets make use of the High speed line between Amsterdam and Belgium and do not call at The Hague...
Locomotive SNCB 2801 (186 123) had the honor to haul the first train this morning. Check the movie for a short news item in Dutch:
Last week, we already reported on Alpha Trains 186 346-350, called back to Belgium for yet another episode at NMBS Logistics. The Belgian railways also took 186 123-125 (no. 2801-2803) out of service in december 2012, when the original Benelux services were stopped. Since then they were parked at Antwerpen [BE] Yard Fan N. In the past weeks, 2802 was subjected to little repairs, and all expected the machines to return to the lessor.
But the Fyra debacle also adds another Belgian chapter to the life cycle of these locomotives now. Locomotive 2801 was seen today (sorry yesterday now) at Den Haag-Binckhorst [NL] shunting yard, is use for staff training. - ID/LP
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2013-02-01
[BE/NL] Fyra emergency plan [updated x2]
update 2013|02|01
[BE/NL] Fyra emergency plan [updated x2]
Currently, the Belgian and Dutch railways are eagerly working on a replacement plan for the much troubled Fyra V250 train sets, that are taken out of service since 18.01.2013.
The Dutch secretary for transport has announced what the temporary solution will be; Starting on 28.02.2012, two daily services will connect The Hague with Brussels, calling at Rotterdam, Dordrecht, Roosendaal, Antwerpen, Mechelen and Bruxelles. It will run on classic lines again, not on the high speed line. For a connection with Amsterdam, travelers can change trains in Rotterdam and use the direct Fyra service to Amsterdam(-Schiphol).
Per 11.03.2013, six more daily services will be added to the schedule, bringing the total to eight. I will take 2h47min to travel from Amsterdam to Bruxelles, with one changement, and 47 min longer than the direct service with the Fyra V250 trains.
Railcolor about rolling stock: First fact is that 186 346-350 (the former T29 series) are yet again in Belgium. They were given back to Alpha Trains last year. Our guess: adding these machines to the fleet of NMBS Logistics, several T28 series locomotives (that can run to the Netherlands) will be available for Fyra replacement trains. Thes T28s will haul ICRm coaches.Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2012
2012-12-15
[BE] Reeks 29 is no more (for the second time)
update 2012|12|15
[BE] Reeks 29 is no more (for the second time)
Last sunday, was the final day of duty for 2901 and 2902 for SNCB Logistics. Now all five locomotives, Alpha Trains 186 346-350, are available for rent again. - ID
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
[PL] RBSAF Traxx locomotives arrive at Silesian Railways depot [updated]
update 2012|12|05
[PL] RBSAF Traxx locomotives arrive at Silesian Railways depot [updated]
On 03.12.2012, RBSAF 186 246, 247, 131, 126 and 132 arrived at the depot of Koleje Śląskie (KS / Silesian Railways) in Łazy. They will be used by KS for passenger services and are part of the deal with LOTOS/Railpool.
For just now, KS will receive 15 electrics; 5x ET22 hired from PKP Cargo, 5x Traxx from LOTOS and the machines shown in the title picture.
It will result in colorful combinations. 50 passenger coaches have been hired from ČD and 17 coaches come from Heros Rail Rent GmbH. Heros Rail Aimz/Bim coaches that still have the Dutch paint scheme, as they were used for intercity services in the Netherlands in 2007-2011. - GK
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2012-12-03
[BE] NMBS/SNCB returns electrics to Alpha Trains
update 2012|12|03
[BE] NMBS/SNCB returns electrics to Alpha Trains
The Belgian railways is terminating contracts of several locomotives leased from Alpha Trains. In November 2012, three of five Traxx MS locomotives, used for services to France, were returned to the lease company:
The image show unit no.2905 during one of very last Belgium duties.
Also 2801-2803 (ATC 186 123-125) will be given back in March 2013. These three machines are in Belgium since 2007 and have been used for many different services (except the one they were hired for; hauling the HSL-shuttle Antwerpen-Noorderkempen). They have been used for freight services and finally ended up in the international passenger services between Amsterdam and Bruxelles. However, this service (we mean the one using the classic route via The Hague, Rotterdam, Roosendaal and Antwerp) will cease to exist after next weekend.
Lately, visitors of the site have noticed a SNCB/NMBS Traxx locomotive alongside the Rhein. It is Alpha Trains E 186 225 / SNCB/NMBS 2833, subhired to Railtraxx. This is a new operator from Belgium, running a train from Genk (BE) to Curtici (RO), together with the Rurtalbahn and LTE. Railtraxx operates the train from Genk to Frankfurt (am Main)-Höchst. - ERI/WS/BS
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2012-04-20
[NL/BE] NS Hipeed and the Olympics
update 2012|04|20
[NL/BE] NS Hipeed and the Olympics
The image shows NMBS/SNCB 2836 with the special Fyra Olympic train. The set of Prio-coaches was put into service with this special livery on 03.03.2012. Together the coaches tell us which cities one passes on the way from Amsterdam to London, where the next Olympic games will be held this summer. Most likely, NS Hispeed will use this train to bring home the Dutch Olympic athletes after the event. NS Hispeed has reserved extra seats in the Eurostar this summer for all Dutch travellers that want to visit London. - AK
[BE] Where new multi-systems come, others have to go...
update 2012|02|22
[BE] Where new multi-systems come, others have to go...
Mattias Catry sends us this image SNCB/NMBS 2901, pulling train E29970 from Oostende to Kortrijk. Its conposition: ex-NMBS/SNCB 1605, 1604, 1603, 1606 and 1601, ready for demolition at Casier Deerlijk.
I still remember these locomotives from my younger years. In the late nineties I saw them arriving with international trains from Belgium in Cologne main station. Two locomotives are being preserved: unit 1608 by Toerisme en SpoorPatrimonium and unit 1602 by the SNCB Holding. Locomotive number eight from this batch, unit 1607, was scrapped in 1994 after an accident. - MC/Wallorail
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2012-01-26
[PL] PKP EU43 series loses its EC2012 livery.. after only some months
update 2012|01|26
[PL] PKP EU43 series loses its EC2012 livery.. after only some months
Sad news for the Polish/German fans of locomotives with striking, special liveries; PKP Cargo Logistics replaces its EU43 series locomotives, that just got a new livery celebrating the upcoming EC football, with EU45 series units (ES64F4s from MRCE). Paint it black.
The main picture show ex-EU43 001 and 004 after having their vinyls removed. - MM
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2012-01-10
[PL] E 186 248 in ORLEN KolTrans design [updated]
update 2012|01|10
[PL] E 186 248 in ORLEN KolTrans design [updated]
Since 06.12.2011, Polish rail operator Orlen KolTrans is hiring Alpha Trains locomotives E 186 243, E 186 248, and E 186 250. The 248 now has a nice partial livery supporting is new lessor. It combines quite nicely with the Alpha base livery. The 243 and 250 will get this livery in the next weeks.
With these locomotives, ORLEN KolTrans is going to haul freight trains on the routes Plock Trzepowo - Swinoujscie, Wloclawek - Frankfurt Oderbruecke (DE), Plock Trzepowo - Emilianów, Plock Trzepowo - Warsaw Okecie. - orlenkoltrans.plAlpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2011
2011-10-24
[DE/PL] livery overview PKP Cargo Logistics EU43
update 2011|10|24
[DE/PL] livery overview PKP Cargo Logistics EU43
Now all six Traxx MS units hired to PKP Cargo Logistics (yes a new company name) have a EC 2012 livery. They are all different. An overview:
EU43-001: traditional hats / EU43-002: flower crowns / EU43-003: painted faces
EU43-004: sashes / EU43-005: earrings and necklace / EU43-006: ball on your head
- FG/SL/BT
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2011-10-13
[DE/PL] new stickers for PKP Cargo Logistics EU43 series
update 2011|10|13
[DE/PL] new stickers for PKP Cargo Logistics EU43 series
Currently, the six Alpha Trains electrics hired to PKP Cargo Logistics, get a refreshment of their sticker livery. There are different versions of the EC2012 livery now, as you see on the pictures. - SL
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2011-06-13
[DE/PL] PKP EU43-003 "train to 2012"
update 2011|06|13
[DE/PL] PKP EU43-003 "train to 2012"
The livery of Alpha Trains 186 128 / PKP Cargo Eu43-003 has changed. The new version must promote the UEFA 2012 football championships, to be held in Poland and the Ukraine, right? - FG
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2011-05-16
[EU] Railcolor Short
update 2011|05|16
[EU] Railcolor Short
After a long stay Kassel, Railpool 185 671 is now modified for running in Scandinavia, being hired to TX Logistik. - The delivery of the ALP-46A series has been completed. All 36 units from the two latest batches in are in service. - Nice shot of LTE 2016 909 with historic unit 830 004-8. - Although being for sale, the 481 001 and 002 still run for AWT - Freightliner PL now hires Traxx locomotives, for example E186 244.
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2eEurocom 481LTE 2016Railpool 185.2
2011-04-19
[NL] Traxx and NS Hispeed
update 2011|04|19
[NL] Traxx and NS Hispeed
On Sunday 03.04.2011, NS Hispeed started its Fyra-services from Rotterdam to Breda vv. Driver training with E 186 240 was completed an on 08.04.2011 this engine was returned to CBRail. However, to be able to run all Fyra services between Breda, Rotterdam and Amsterdam, Hispeed needed extra locomotives, so on 14.04.2011, CBRail E 186 144 and 236 arrived in the Netherlands. The fourth image shows unit 236 with a Fyra-train in the HSL-south between Breda and Rotterdam. The other pictures are made around the station of Breda. - LP/DdP
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2eMacquarie Rail (former CBRail) TRAXX MS2e
2011-02-07
[NL] Fyra experiences the power of Traxx
update 2011|02|07
[NL] Fyra experiences the power of Traxx
The Fyra-light trains (Traxx F160MS and Dutch ICRm-coaches) now frequently run on the northern part of the Hogesnelheidslijn or High Speed Line (HSL) in the Netherlands, between Rotterdam Centraal and Amsterdam Centraal. But these services will, some day, be extended towards Breda in the south. When this will happen is still unknown edit: Services are planned to start in April 2011, so NS Hispeed, the operator of Fyra-services, has hired the 186 240 since last week to train drivers on the southern part of the HSL. - SB/RB/WvH
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2010
2010-10-02
[DE/AT/HU] about the Traxx-s from Neuoffingen
update 2010|10|02
[DE/AT/HU] about the Traxx-s from Neuoffingen
Last week we informed you about the Traxx locomotives parked in Neuoffingen (185 608-619, 633, 634 and 186 242-250). Appearantly they were on the move again. There some more information in the mean time. We can expect most of the units back in service by the end of the year, as the demand for lease locomotives is growing. 185 608 is the first one that has found its first employer, LTE from Austria. Remarkable is that the 'halter' of the 608 is Royal Back of Scotland Asset Finance (D-RBSAF) and not Alpha Trains (D-ATLD) as expected. Something has changed here. We will get back on this.
Alpha Trains / RBSAF 185.2Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2010-06-03
[NL/BE] Traxx 186 119 - 175 jaar spoorwegen in België
update 2010|06|03
[NL/BE] Traxx 186 119 - 175 jaar spoorwegen in België
NS Hispeed has decorated its Traxx unit 186 119 with special stickers that congratulate the Belgian railways with their 175th anniversary. Thanks everyone for the pictures, unfortunately I can not show them all!
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
The posting also gives some nice impressions of ECR Traxx units in renenue service in France.
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2010-01-27
[DE] More Alpha units stabled at Neuoffingen
update 2010|01|27
[DE] More Alpha units stabled at Neuoffingen
The station of Neuoffingen is becoming a stabling place for unwanted Alpha Trains locomotives. 185 607-619, 632-634 are already there. Today E186 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 249 and 250 joined their AC sisters. - DSO/GR
Alpha Trains / RBSAF 185.2Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
ATC 186 346-350, recently transported to Belgium, are now being prepared for revenue service by their new lessor, B Cargo. From now on they will be referred to as B Cargo 2901-2905.
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2009-11-20
[DE/BE] Traxx varia
update 2009|11|20
[DE/BE] Traxx varia
186 346 is the fifth and last unit to be leased to B Cargo, for freight services in France and Belgium. Today it left Kassel. - Now Railpool also takes a pity for units originally built for Veolia Cargo, like 186 181. - CK
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2eRailpool TRAXX MS2eVeolia Cargo TRAXX MS2e
2009-11-17
[BE/FR] new Traxx engines for B Cargo / ECR
update 2009|11|17
[BE/FR] new Traxx engines for B Cargo / ECR
Today three new Traxx Ms engines left the factories in Kassel, heading for Belgium; 186 347, 348 and 350. Another unit form the same batch, 186 349, already arrived in Belgium last week. 186 346 will come later appearantly.
B Cargo will hire these five Traxx MS for services between France and Belgium, to be exploited in cooperation with Euro Cargo Rail. It's still a discussion what the Belgian designation will be of the new entries; 2871-2875 or 2901-2905 are two options. - CA/LJ/CK
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2009-10-28
[EU] new ATC locomotives
update 2009|10|28
[EU] new ATC locomotives
Bombardier is still outshopping Traxx MS locomotives for Angel Trains leasing. The images show units that left Kassel yesterday and today. In total, ATC has ordered 105 units up till now. 10 units built however have not been delivered to ATC, they went to Railpool. It is unclear if they will be replaced. An up to date ATC overview:
186 101-110, DE-AT-CH-BE-NL-IT, delivered to Railpool this year
186 111-125, DE-AT-NL-BE (+ BR/HSL), in service of NS Hispeed and NMBS/SNCB
186 126-135, DE-AT-PL, in service of PKP Cargo, DB and OHE
186 196-235, DE-AT-NL-BE, in service of B Cargo
186 241-250, DE-AT-PL, only 241 in service of DB, the rest is stored or used for test runs
186 251, DE-AT-CH-NL-BE, stored or used for test runs
186 346-350, DE-BE-FR, stored or used for test runs
This makes 91 in total, of which 10 were never delivered to ATC. Still some units to go...
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2009-10-24
[EU] Railcolor short
update 2009|10|24
[EU] Railcolor short
ATC 185 510 is now decorated with HLG logos (DSO) - Veolia 185 517 in Rail4Chem livery is spotted in Kassel, without logos, let's see how this unit will return from its overhaul. Maybe a new SNCF livery is applied? (DSO) - ATC will recieve another batch of five Traxx MS electrics configured for running in DE-BE-FR; designation is 186 346-350
Alpha Trains Traxx AC1Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2009-09-29
[DE] 186 349 and 350...
update 2009|09|29
[DE] 186 349 and 350...
Both Siemens and Bombardier outshop units that raise questions. Yesterday, two Traxx locomotives with remarkable service numbers left the Kassel for a test run; 186 349 and 350. Both are painted in the normal ATC color scheme, and they are equipped for services in Germany, France, and Belgium. We have no clue yet what new sub serie they will represent and why those strange numbers. - CK
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2009-09-12
[NL/BE] SNCB Traxx engines help out with Benelux services
update 2009|09|12
[NL/BE] SNCB Traxx engines help out with Benelux services
On 07.09.2009, NS Hispeed started revenue services between Amsterdam and Rotterdam, using the HSL-Zuid high speed infrastructure. The trains are composed of refurbished Dutch ICRm coaches in a striking white/pink/red livery, hauled by specially adjusted Traxx electrics, running with a top speed of only 160 kph (!) These trains are called Fyra, the brand name which will finally be used for the AnsaldoBreda train sets which have to take over these services in the near future (and speed things up to 250 kph).
Before 07.09.2009, the temporary Fyra stock was used for the classic Benelux service (Antwerp-Rotterdam-Amsterdam), which since then suffers from shortage. This has led to the introduction of new locomotives and coaches. A rake of Belgian I6 and I10 coaches is now being used, and both Cobrarail (E 186 196-235 / 2804-2843) and SNCB Traxx engines (E 186 123-125 / 2801-2803) help out. - HGBTF/OVL
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
The batch of 40 Traxx MS units for Belgium/German cooperation CobraRail is almost complete. The nice images how you E 186 233 during its first test run. It will become CobraRail 2841 soon. Only two more to go! - CK
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2009-05-01
[DE/IT] E 186 103 Railpool?
update 2009|05|01
[DE/IT] E 186 103 Railpool?
On 30.04.2009, this image appeared, ATC E 186 103 in a new colour scheme, possibly the one of Railpool! The machine was on its way to Munich. Next week, the 2009 edition of the Munich Transport Logistic Fair will be held there. Hopefully it will bring us more information about this engine.
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 MS2eRailpool TRAXX MS2e
2009-02-14
[DE] new Traxx locomotives
update 2009|02|14
[DE] new Traxx locomotives
With a great thanks to our loyal contributors from the Kassel area, almost no new Traxx machine can escape from factory without being portretted on our website. Last week many shiny new units have made their first run to Fulda (DE) and back. Some examples:
Last week, Hispeed E 186 111, 112, 117 and 119 were subjected to a duration test, to see how these machines are performing when in service intensively. Therefore the machines travelled together to many different outposts in the Netherlands. The Benelux-service from Antwerp to Amsterdam vv is still not going very well, even now the Traxx help out.
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2009-01-17
[EU] Bombardier Short
update 2009|01|17
[EU] Bombardier Short
First a correction: 185 577 is not hired to LTE, but, together with 185 576, put aside in Freiburg Gbf. - ML
ATC E 186 101-110 are all gathered at Bellinzona San Paolo railyard (10.01.2009), of many of these machines we have lost track during the past years. Every now and then some of them appear during a test run, but none of them has been in commercial service yet, as far as we know. These ten machine were all built in 2006 and 2007 for leasing company Angel Trains and have been pre-configured for cross borders services from Italy over the Alps to Germany and the Netherlands. - MS
An image of ITL E 186 149 in France. The trains in hauled by E 186 161 and the freshly delivered E 186 163. More ECR machines are in production. As anyone knows the purposes of the E 186 149 visiting France, we would really like to know!
Next to EU43-001 and EU43-005 now also EU43-002 and 006 got the PKP Cargo livery. - Elektrolok.de
The livery of the EU43-001 is changed. The white up front is replaced by blue, so that all restyled locomotives now look the same. - SB
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-12-16
[DE/PL] DB has started using its 186s...
update 2008|12|16
[DE/PL] DB has started using its 186s...
for regular services hauling the Berlin-Warschau-Express . Images from of all three engines. - SB
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-12-12
[DE] new Traxx locomotives
update 2008|12|12
[DE] new Traxx locomotives
During the past days, again several new Traxx locomotives made their first test run from Kassel to Fulda and back. One of them is the first machine of another new batch of electrics for Angel Trains Cargo; the designated E 186 251. The inscriptions on this machine tell us that us that it will be homologated for the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy.
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-12-08
[NL] CobraRail Traxx in the Netherlands [correction]
update 2008|12|08
[NL] CobraRail Traxx in the Netherlands [correction]
From 04.12.2008: Today, for the first time, a CobraRail Traxx unit was used for a regular freight service in the Netherlands. Engine number 2826 (E 186 218) hauled a train from Kijfhoek (NL) to Antwerp Berendrecht (BE). - RM
This has proven to be incorrect. Already on 29. and 30.11.2008 (in Gilze-Rijen) CobraRail Reaxx units have been spotted on Dutch territory. - LP/MvdS
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-11-30
[PL] EU43-005 in PKP Cargo outfit
update 2008|11|30
[PL] EU43-005 in PKP Cargo outfit
PKP Cargo EU43-005 (E 186 132 leased from Angel Trains Cargo) has a total new livery now. It's similir to colour scheme in blue and yellow, as used for EU43-001, but with all blue fronts. - SSR
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-11-27
[BE] commercial services with CobraRail Traxx units
update 2008|11|27
[BE] commercial services with CobraRail Traxx units
In the mean time, ATC has accepted E 186 196-207, 209 and 210, and handed them over to the SNCB. First commercial services with the 2804-2815, 2817 and 2818 have started. They can also been seen on the Montzen route to the German border, of which electrification recently has been completed. Commercial electric service on this line will start in Dezember. - C/Wallorail
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-11-27
[DE/PL] DB 186 series Traxx units
update 2008|11|27
[DE/PL] DB 186 series Traxx units
Starting in Dezember, DB Fernverkehr will use three Traxx locomotives for the Berlin-Warschau-Express at least from Berlin (DE) to Rzepin (PL). Since 14.10.2008, the DB has therefore two units on hire (186 130, 135) from Angel Trains Cargo for staff training. Today 186 135 could be spotted during such a training run. Most likely, DB will also rent 186 241 as third unit for these services.
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-11-22
[BE] CobraRail Traxx units [update]
update 2008|11|22
[BE] CobraRail Traxx units [update]
on transport from kassel:
19.11.2008: E 186 215, 216, 217, 218
22.11.2208: E 186 211, 213, 219, 220
That means that E 186 196-220 (SNCB 2804-2828) are now in Belgium or on their way. 15 more to come (E 186 221-235).
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-11-19
[AT] E 186 in Austria
update 2008|11|19
[AT] E 186 in Austria
Some snapshots of E 186 102 and 108 on their way to Italy. None of the Transalp-configurated E 186s (101-110), property of ATC, have been spotted in regular service up till now.
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-11-18
[BE] more CobraRail Traxx units
update 2008|11|18
[BE] more CobraRail Traxx units
ATC / CobraRail E 186 218, 217, 215 und 216 arrived in Belgium today. Some pictures of the transport
here.
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-11-08
[BE] CobraRail Traxx units [update]
update 2008|11|08
[BE] CobraRail Traxx units [update]
- Last week, the first eight Cobrarail Traxx locomotives got their new Blegium service numbers. E 186 196-203 are now SNCB 2804-2811. The ATC livery remained, the machines only got lagre black numbers on both fronts and sides. - railpassie.org
- 04.11.2008: E 186 204-206 arrived in Antwerp.
- 07.11.2008: E 186 207, 209 arrived in Antwerp
- 08.11.2008: E 186 208, 210, 212, 214 on transport
- The machines most likely will also get new (Belgian) NVR numbers: 91 88 7 186 xxx-x B-xxx
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-10-31
[EU] Bombardier Short
update 2008|10|31
[EU] Bombardier Short
25.10.2008: ATC E 186 204, 205 and 206 transported to Gremberg, heading for Belgium - DSO
29.10.2008: ATC E 186 241 had its maiden run. Its fit for services in Poland. - AH
30.10.2008: CBRail E 186 146 arrived in the Netherlands, parked in Arnheim. Its a machine for Crossrail Benelux. - div
31.10.2008: ATC/CargoNet 185 620 is renumbered 119.001 - MO
31.10.2008: BLS Cargo E 486 501 is on its way to Basel, Switzerland - DSO Alpha Trains / RBSAF 185.2Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2eBLS Cargo TRAXX MS2eMacquarie Rail (former CBRail) TRAXX MS2e
2008-10-19
[NL] NS Hispeed E186 122 is red
update 2008|10|19
[NL] NS Hispeed E186 122 is red
E186 122 is the fifth E186, hired to NS Hispeed, that got the red Hispeed livery. It has also, as first one of its serie, a complete NVR service number: 91 84 1186 122-5 NL-HSA. - J
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
Next Wednesday (17.09.2008), 186 111, 117 and 122 will arrive at Amsterdam. Then the NS Hispeed fleet of twelve (111-122) will be complete. - JVK
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-09-08
[NL] trials on the HSL-Zuid Amsterdam-Rotterdam
update 2008|09|08
[NL] trials on the HSL-Zuid Amsterdam-Rotterdam
Today NS Hispeed and Prorail have started trials on the new the high speed line between Amsterdam and Rotterdam, that will continue until 24.10.2008. Its the next phase of the so called 'Intergraal Proef Bedrijf' during which a regular one-hour service will simulated, according to the time table that one would like to introduce in December 2008. Two locomotives type E 186 with ETCS level 1 and two rakes of NS Hispeed Prio-coahes will be available for these tests. - NS
It was even on national tv... for those who can understand Dutch; A short item of todays late night news about this happening: Click!Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-09-08
[NL/BE] 186 and the Benelux, update
update 2008|09|08
[NL/BE] 186 and the Benelux, update
As from today, Traxx locomotives are being used for six additional services between Amsterdam and Brussels vv. Next to train krupp_2884_022 and krupp_2884_023 now also 9201, 9264, 9220, 9221, 9252 and 9253 are hauled by traxx machines. E 186 119-121 are available for these services, per 15.09.2008 also E 186 118 will be used by NS Hispeed on these relations. - H
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-08-31
[NL] Hispeed how it shoud be..
update 2008|08|31
[NL] Hispeed how it shoud be..
This is how a Hispeed-train should look like, a red E186 series locomotive with a set of couches in the exact right order! Unfortunately this is not a commercial service, but a 186 not approved for crossing the border towards Belgium hauling a rake that have been subjected to some minor alterations in the workshops of Maastricht.
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
[BE] 6 new Traxx locomotives delivered to Cobra Rail
update 2008|08|20
[BE] 6 new Traxx locomotives delivered to Cobra Rail
On 15.08.2008, six new E186 Traxx locomotives were transported to Belgium; E 186 197, 199, 200, 201, 202 and 203. They will join E186 196 and 198 in Antwerp. As far as we know, these machines have not been used for commercial services yet.
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-08-11
[NL/BE] 186 hauls the Benelux!
update 2008|08|11
[NL/BE] 186 hauls the Benelux!
Today it really happened! All administrative and technical difficulties are finally solved and E186 119 had the honor to be the first Traxx locomotive actually hauling a commercial Benelux train from Amsterdam to Brussels. On the pictures you see the locomotive with a rake of Benelux Prio-coaches ready for service at Amsterdam Watergraafsmeer depot and, some time later, calling at Amsterdam Central Station.
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-07-31
[NL/BE] Benelux starts
update 2008|07|31
[NL/BE] Benelux starts
Tommorrow, for the first time Traxx electrics will used for hauling the Benelux services between Amsterdam and Brussels. They will haul the krupp_2884_022 and krupp_2884_023 services. E 186 119, 120 and 121 are available for the Benelux from tomorrow on, of which one will haul the train, one will be stationed in Amsterdam and one in Brussels. - NSR
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-07-20
[NL/BE] a new deadline for NS Hispeed and its Traxx locomotives...
update 2008|07|20
[NL/BE] a new deadline for NS Hispeed and its Traxx locomotives...
True, its risky, but we decided to give it another try... a new date is mentioned on which NS Hispeed will start commercial services with its Traxx locomotives between Amsterdam and Brussels over the classic route (via The Hague, Rotterdam, Dordrcht, Roosendaal and Antwerp). On 29. and 30.07.2008 trials will be held, and if everything works out fine, than on 01.08.2008 the first regular Benelux trains will be on their way with a Hispeed E186. The first picture shows Hispeed 186 120 with the defect SNCB 1192, the machine representing the type that the Traxx machines will have to replace in August. The Traxx machine transported the Belgian 'old-timer' from Amsterdam to Essen in Belgium. The second image shows all four Traxx machines that have the red Hispeed livery at this moment. The rakes used for the Benelux service have all been restyled now, matching the new Hispeed corporate identy. - HGBTF
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-07-19
[DE] delivery of Cobra 186s
update 2008|07|19
[DE] delivery of Cobra 186s
Bombardier is building new 186 series locomotives on a very high pace. Yesterday already 186 201 (the future SNCB/CobralRail 2809) could be spotted during its trials run from Kassel to Fulda and back. The picture shows 186 200 on 15.07.2008 on the same route.- DSO
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-06-30
[EU] Angel Trains Cargo sold
update 2008|06|30
[EU] Angel Trains Cargo sold
The news is already two weeks old, but still interesting. The Royal Bank of Scotland, urgently needing fresh capital, has sold Angel Trains Cargo, to a consortium of investors for £3.6 bn. This consortium includes the Babcock & Brown European Infrastructure Fund, Australian investment manager AMP Capital Investors, Deutsche Bank and pension funds advised by Access Capital Advisers. Note that Babcock & Brown is already active on the European leasing market for railway vehicles, as it also owns CB Rail. This company is a joint venture of B&B and the English HBOS. It is expected that the Angel Trains transaction will be completed by the end of 2008. - Railwaygazette
Alpha Trains / RBSAF 185.2Alpha Trains 223Alpha Trains Traxx AC1Alpha Trains TRAXX DCAlpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-06-18
[CH] E 186 103-105 transported to Basel
update 2008|06|18
[CH] E 186 103-105 transported to Basel
On demand of BLS Cargo, E 186 103-105 have been transported to Basel, Switzerland. It looks like first commercial services with a transalp-configured E186 are about the start. - DSO/AH
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-06-18
[BE] E 186 196 in Belgium
update 2008|06|18
[BE] E 186 196 in Belgium
E 186 196 arrived in Belgium last friday. The machine is brand new and first of a new batch of Traxx locomotive in the green and silver colours of Angel Trains Cargo. It will some final trials before the first Traxx will be handed over to the Belgian railways for the new Cobra services. In Kassel, the E 186 197 has left the building! - Wallorial/DR
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-06-17
[NL] 186 118 powered by Prorail
update 2008|06|17
[NL] 186 118 powered by Prorail
ProRail has currently also two E186s on hire, 186 112 and 118, which are used to haul a test train for the Groenehart-tunnel in the Netherlands. The measure the influence of dust, cming from a fire-protection-coating inside the tunnel, on the equipment of rolling stock. ProRail E 186 118 therefore got special logos.
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-06-01
[BE] first Cobra Traxx locomotive to be delivered at 30.06.2008
update 2008|06|01
[BE] first Cobra Traxx locomotive to be delivered at 30.06.2008
According to Belgian railway magazine Spoorwegjournaal (issue 163), the Belgain railways will get their first of forty Traxx locomotives by the end of this month, on 30.06.2008 to be precize. An Exact scheme is published when every machine is expected. The Belgian designation for the 40 Traxx 2E F140 MS machines, leased from Angel Trains Cargo, will be 2804-2843. The first 26 locomotives will arrive in 2008, the remaining 14 in 2009. They will all be used by the new freight operator named Cobra, a joint-venture of DB Schenker and the Belgian railways.
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-05-18
[EU] Railcolor Shorts
update 2008|05|18
[EU] Railcolor Shorts
189 023 + 065 + 2 ICRm coaches and a Lloyds register measurement-car make test runs at the Dutch part of the HSL - Adria-Transport 1216 920 is seen outside the Linz workshops - E186 108 is again in Holland - E186 109 is Austria for ETCS testing - DLC/Crossrail plans services in/to the Netherlands with E186 144 and 145 - HectorRail 241.006 is the second locomotive in hire to TX Logistik for one year
Adria Transport 1216Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2eDB Schenker 189Macquarie Rail (former CBRail) TRAXX MS2e
Yesterday, PKP Cargo relaved its plans for the future concerning the new EU43 series locomotives. If the homologation proces is completed, the 6 new electrics, now used for passenger services, will start direct freight services from Seddin in Germany to Poland. EU43 001 (Angel Trains Cargo E186 126) got a brand new PKP Cargo livery for the event.
There are various websites informing us about these happenings but unfortunately I can not understand the Polish language. Information about this in English or German is therefore welcome, just like some nice images :).
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-04-08
[BE] SNCB/NMBS 2800 series reborn
update 2008|04|08
[BE] SNCB/NMBS 2800 series reborn
First of three Traxx locomotives which are currently being used for freight services by the Belgian railways SNCB/NMBS has been spotted with new Belgian service numbers. E186 123 is now SNCB/NMBS 2801. It is the second time this number serie is assigned to a batch of electrics in Belgium. - HJ
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-04-08
[NL] more E186s delivered to NS Hispeed
update 2008|04|08
[NL] more E186s delivered to NS Hispeed
Yesterday, Angel Trains Cargo E186 112, 118, 119 and 120 were transported to the Netherlands. In Holland they were hauled by the red E186 113. All four are now handed over to NS Hispeed, and soon will get the red and white Hispeed livery.
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-03-31
[DE] OHE 186 129 in red!
update 2008|03|31
[DE] OHE 186 129 in red!
On 26.03.2008 OHE 186 129 was presented in its new red and silver livery. The machine has blue Knauf and red OHE logos on its sides. - KAR
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-03-17
[BE] E186 125 hauling freight trains.
update 2008|03|17
[BE] E186 125 hauling freight trains.
Today some nice pics of E186 125 in Belgium, hauling freight trains on 11.03.2008. With thanks to the people of Wallorail.be. In the near future, this machine, together with E186 123 and 124, should be used for the HSL-shuttle Antwerpen-Noorderkempen in Belgium. These three machines are already in Belgium for homologation since October 2007. When commercial services will start, is still unknown.
brand new multi system electric E 186 129, property of Angel Trains Cargo, with DE/AT/PL configuration, is from now on hired to the Osthannoversche Eisenbahnen AG in Celle. - Lokdatenbank.de
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-02-17
[EU] E186 news
update 2008|02|17
[EU] E186 news
ON February 5th, CB Rail E186 150 was delivered to ITL in the Netherlands. In the second week the machine got ITL numbers and logos, including some bright green art work. AT first it was released from the Shunter work shop in Rotterdam with ITL-id 210, soon to be changed into 150. In Poland now 6 E186s are running for passenger services, remarkable as they are leased by PKP Cargo. E186 126, 127, 128, 131, 132 and 134 have lost all their original service numbers, and we now have to refer to them as EU43 001-006. PKP Cargo will lease all six for a period of 3 years. Drawings of all six machines can be found in their profiles on this website. - RIRF
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2eMacquarie Rail (former CBRail) TRAXX MS2e
2008-01-27
[PL] the new PKP EU43 series
update 2008|01|27
[PL] the new PKP EU43 series
In November 2007, PKP Cargo (the freight division of the Polish state railways) and Angel Trains Cargo leasing closed a deal on hiring 6 E 186 series locomotives for a three-year term. E 186 127 is one of these six machines and spotted with additional PKP designation EU43-002, a designation used for the second time... as there was already an EU43 series back in the 90s, a serie that finally was delivered to Italy, as the PKP did not have the financial resources to purchase them. Although the deal is closed with PKP Cargo, the first services that the E 186 will be used for are regional express passenger services between Poznan (PL) and Frankfurt a/O (D). - DSO
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
2008-01-18
[NL] update on Hispeed E186 series
update 2008|01|18
[NL] update on Hispeed E186 series
This week the second Hispeed E186 will get red coloured vynils; E186 115. Angel Trains and Bombardier have officially handed over E186 113 and 114 to NS Hispeed in December, and 115 and 116 will follow next week. Regular services with these machines however, still haven't started.... - H
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e
E 186 101 on trials in Switzerland with the godfather of Bombardier electrics: demonstrator 128 001.
E 186 101-110 were built for ATC in 2006-2007, configurated for Transalp-services; equipped with all necessary safety and signalling systems making it possible to make (theoretically) a non-stop trip from the harbour of Rotterdam, over the Dutch BetuweRoute, through Germany, across the Alps into Italy. This so called north-south corridor is one of the most important routes for freight transport by rail in Europe. The specific systems on board were ETCS (the new European train control standard and required for the BetuweRoute), ATB (Netherlands), Indusi (Germany and Austria), Integra (Switzerland), and SCMT (Italy).
E 186 101 and 102 were built in 2006 to start homologation trials with. The remaining eight machines had their maiden run at the end of 2007 and were then stored. In April and May 2008, E 186 108 visited the Netherlands twice, and made trial runs over the Hoekse Lijn. In May 2008 E 186 109 was used in Austria for ETCS trials. Around the same time E 186 101 was in Italy for completing trials with the new Italian signalling system SCMT. Finally, all 10 machines ended up in and around Bellinzona (CH) in 2009, none of them ever used for a single revenue service as far as we know...
Then, in May 2009, the history of this batch took a strange turn. Appearantly ATC, Bombardier and the new leasing Railpool company had closed a deal in the mean time. That month, E 186 103 got a full repaint in Railpool colours and was presented as such on the Transport&Logistik Messe in Munich. Railpool is since then the owner of this batch, of which all units were repainted and delivered during the summer of 2009.
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e: lonely 251
In December 2008, unit 186 251 was completed, configured for NL/D/A/CH/IT. It remained the only machine in this number series (25x). It was used for test and trial purposes for a long time. The machine visited Berlin-Hennigsdorf regularly. It was never delivered to AT. Instead, it was repainted in silver and sold to Railpool.
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e: 111-125
Both Hispeed and Transalp configuration are approved for running on the Dutch BetuweRoute freight corridor.
A very remarkable E 186 sub serie is a batch of 15 locomotives with Hispeed configuration, equipped to haul passenger trains up to speeds of 160 kph. Remarkable because the E 186 series is officially developed for long-haul freight services only, and therefore not very quickly associated with very high speeds… About the history of the E 186 Hispeed;
Freight locomotives for Hispeed services? How come?
From 2000 to 2007, a brand new high speed line has been built, connecting Amsterdam in the Netherlands and Antwerp, Belgium. Passenger trains are now able to connect both cities with top speeds up to 350 kph. The HSL-Zuid, the official name of the line, is part of the north-south route from Amsterdam to Paris.
For the 350 kph non-stop services, already existing Thalys-TGV train sets will be retrofitted. Next to these intercity services, 250 kph fast shuttle trains will run on the HSL-Zuid.
NS Hispeed, the operator that will exploit passenger services on the HSL-Zuid has therefore ordered new 19 train sets. The Italian manufacturer of rolling stock Ansaldo-Breda was awarded with the order in 2004. Starting delivery was scheduled for 2006, the complete HSL-Zuid should be ready by then and regular services than could start in April 2007. This never happened. Finally, first revenue service with the AnsaldoBreda trains commenced in December 2012, but where cancelled in only a few weeks. The NS/NMBS considered the train too unsafe.
Nevertheless, NS Hispeed and the Dutch/Belgian government have singed an exploitation contract, and the government made very clear that it would keep NS Hispeed to its promises, to start with shuttle services in April 2007. Also on very short notice, the operator had to find a acceptable alternative for the V250 train sets.
Finally Angel Trains was requested to provide locomotive power for these temporary shuttle trains, that then would be composed out of 160 kph fast multi-system electrics, with ERTMS and refurbished Dutch ICRm intercity-coaches. The lease company proudly accepted the award and adjusted its initial order for Traxx 2E F140 MS locomotives in January 2006, raising the number on order from 26 to 35. 15 machines of this batch then would be available for ‘high speed’ services on the HSL-Zuid by April 2007, until 2009. 12 of them would be leased to NS Hispeed, and three would be running the Belgian railways. For manufacturer Bombardier this order change resulted in a new challenge: explore the possibilities too use the MS locomotives up to speeds of 160 kph in commercial service. As they were originally designed for freight traffic, the machines have a propulsion system with nose suspended motors, only approved for Vmax = 140 kph.
This latter technical issue could be solved by Bombardier, as was proven in 2007. The Hispeed E186s got a full permission for 160 kph for services at the HSL-Zuid (and also in Germany additionally).
roll-out In September 2006 the very first E186 made its first public appearance, at the international rail way fair Innotrans in Berlin. It was the designated E 186 111, fully configured as Hispeed locomotive. After the event the machine returned to Kassel for the finishing touch, to enter its future service domain for the very first time on December 4th 2006, when it came to the Netherlands for its first trials. What followed was an endless period of trials. First with the three ‘prototype’ locomotives, E 186 111, 112 and 113, built in advance to secure homologation, later on also E 186 114-118 were spotted on Dutch and Belgian territory many times.
In March 2007 the refurbishment of the first ICRm coaches started, but it was already very clear that by April, no final approval of these temporary shuttle trains would be available. As already told, the infrastructure was not even finished by then. As the months went by all 15 machines, E 186 111-125, were completed, but none of them were used for any regular service.
In the Autumn of 2007, E 186 123-125 went to Antwerp as they would be rented by the Belgian railways to secure shuttle services from Brecht to Antwerp. In 2008 they got Blegian service numbers (2801-2803) and started their commercial career with hauling freight trains. Trials runs with Belgian passenger coaches started in June 2008.
At the end of 2007, finally, the very first two machines were officially delivered (113 and 114) to NS Hispeed. E 186 114 was the first to change its appearance and came back from a metamorphosis in a red Hispeed livery with white fronts. Logos were not applied. Between January and June 2008 also E 186 112, 115, 116 and 118-121 were handed over to NS Hispeed and are since then most of the time parked at their new home base, Amsterdam Watergraafsmeer. E 186 113, 115 and 116 got a red livery in February 2008 too. On 17.09.2008 finally the last three machines included in this contract (E186 111, 117, 122) were transported to Amsterdam.
E 186 114 was the first Angel Trains machine to change colour: here present in its future Hispeed basic livery.
alternative purposes
As the lease-contract for these Hispeed machines started in the summer of 2007, so they cost money. And as the HSL-Zuid is considered being not safe enough and the locomotives are still not approved for services in Belgium, NS Hispeed started a search for alternative purposes.
Since September 2007 therefore one speculated on using E 186 111-122 for the conventional Benelux-shuttles, that also run from Amsterdam to Antwerp, and originally would have been replaced by the new V250 trains. For these trains the Traxx machines would then replace the Belgian 11 series locomotives, that suffer from many malfunctions lately, and have become very unreliable.
This plan did not became reality until 11.08.2008. That day it really happened! All administrative and technical difficulties were finally solved and E186 119 had the honour to be the first Traxx locomotive actually hauling a commercial Benelux train from Amsterdam to Brussels. That day Hispeed started to use Traxx machines for two services in total, for which E 186 119-121 were available at that time. Two machines are being parked at both end statiions, while the third one is hauling the train. As per 08.09.2008, six additonal services were taken-over by Traxx machines. E 186 117 and 118 being the next ones to be equipped for these services.
And the HSL-Zuid? It was really quiet overthere until 08.09.2008. NS Hispeed and Prorail than started trials on the new the high speed line between Amsterdam and Rotterdam, continued until 24.10.2008. Its the next phase of the so called 'Intergraal Proef Bedrijf' during which a regular one-hour service will simulated, according to the time table that one would like to introduce in December 2008. Two locomotives type E 186 with ETCS level 1 and two rakes of NS Hispeed Prio-coahes were be available for these tests.
Finally, revenue servcies with the Traxx locomotives on the HSL-Zuid started in 2008. Since then they run with shuttle trains on the route Amsterdam Centraal - Schiphol - Rotterdam Centraal - Breda. The Belgian railways refused to homologate the Traxxs for Belgium.
After the debacle with the AnsaldoBreda trains in January 2013, the Traxxs will continue their services on the HSL-Zuid. 186 111 was sent to Belgium for approval. Political pressure forced the NMBS and NS to come with an alternative for the V250 trains. Traxxs will be a part of this for sure.
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e: interactive 3D (red Fyra livery)
360 degrees product view
Rendering and model: Giovanni Grasso and Nicola Mangialardo.
E 186 126 and 127, both used for homologation trials in Poland, Germany and Austria.
The third configuration included in the 1st order is a batch of 10 machines for the main corridors from Austria and Germany into Poland and vice versa. Rail freight transport is growing very fast Poland, but at the same time it is very difficult to enter the Polish market for foreign operators. Homologation vehicles that offer a possibility for foreign operators to enter Poland is therefore very difficult and time consuming. It was therefore remarkable that already in October 2007, only one year after the first East-West configured machine set foot on Polish ground; the official homologation of the E 186 series for Poland could be announced.
Maybe it makes more sense when you know that the first 6 machines were delivered to the PKP, the national operator from Poland, which announced its deal with Angel Trains Cargo officially in 2007. E186 126, 127, 128, 131 and 132 and 134 are now part of the PKP fleet for a period of 3 years, starting from December 2007. They got PKP designation EU43 001-006 and are used for border crossing services between Poland and Seddin in Germany. 186 126 even got a special PKP promotional livery. The remaining 4 machines are available to other operators. The German open access operator OHE was to first to lease two of them.
Since 14.12.2008 in Dezember, DB Fernverkehr hired three Traxx MS locomotives with East-West-package for the Berlin-Warschau-Express at least from Berlin (DE) to Rzepin (PL). Two units were selected from the first batch (186 130, 135), a third one had to be built extra. So in December 2008, a 186 241 numbered unit was delivered to ATC and hired to the DB.
Finally, the 241 became part of a batch of ten DE/AT/PL locomotives: 241-250.
Alpha Trains TRAXX MS2e: 196-235 DE/AT/BE/NL
Only 7 months after it made its plans made public, the German-Belgian joint venture 'Cobra Rail' received its first locomotives. As you can read in the introduction of this section, it is the third order for 35 Traxx MS locomotives that was inspired by the plans of Cobra Rail. Nevertheless they got the first ATC machines to be built after the first batch was completed.
The first machine for Cobra Rail, the designated E186 196, arrived in Belgium Mid June 2008 for some final trials. Per 30.06.2008 the first two locomotives shopuld have been handed over to Cobra Rail. By that time E186 196 and 198 were in Belgium, but commercial service with these machines has not started yet (September 2008).
In Kassel Bombardiers kept on building Cobra Rail locomotives with a very high pace. On August 15 2008 for example, another six machines (E 186 197 and 199-203) could be transported to Belgium. On 15.09.2008, E186 212 already made its maiden run Germany. Delivery of all 40 units was completed around the summer of 2009.
During the summer of 2009 there was some confusion when Traxx MS units that got the ATC standard livery, but also had service numbers from the Euro Cargo Rail batch (186 161-180). Bombardier did a switch here, in order to be able to have another five new units for Angel Trains Cargo ready before December 2009. The last five units for Euro Cargo Rail, 186 176-180, were completed as such from June 2009 on, but after completion repainted in ATC colours. They were renumbered as 186 346-350. Bombardier then built five new units for Euro Cargo Rail, again with the number 186 176-180 in October-December 2009.
The reason why Bombardier had to deliver five extra units to Angel Trains Cargo so fast is that B Cargo was planning on services from Belgium to France, starting in December 2009. By then the 186 346-350 were delivered and put into service as B Cargo 2901-2905.
Alstom
