Since 1999 Siemens has been building TAURUS locomotives for the Austrian Federal Railways, OBB. Originally 400 machines of the 1016/1116 series were planned, but the market for especially freight operation changed drastically during the first years of the new millennium. The 1016/1116 proved pretty soon that it had not the potential to become a product that could help the OBB to expand its working domain outside its own national borders. In the mean time, the industry had been able to implement several innovations into products for other operators, that with their new vehicles would become very serious opponents for the OBB on especially the north-south corridor from Germany to Italy and towards Eastern Europe.
The OBB therefore started a dialog with manufacturer Siemens so see if the order for 400 machines could be changed in favour of a new ‘all-European’ locomotive. These negotiations resulted finally resulted in the development of the ultimate EuroSprinter; the Siemens the ES64U4 platform, a.k.a. the OBB 1216 series or ‘Taurus 3’. 50 of such multi purpose, multi system electrics have been built (in stead of the final 68 1116 locomotives) which can be used for services to Germany, Italy, Slovenia and the Czech Republic. Four machines were preliminarily built for trials, homologation and … setting the world high speed record for electric locomotives on a dazzling 357 kph!
From the 2006 to mid 2008, serie-delivery took place, completing the Taurus family, now including 382 electrics in total!
Luckily, Siemens succeeded in selling to remaining 6 machines to other operators in 2006 and 2007.
50 locomotives
built and delivered in stead of 1116 283-350
delivery period 07.2006 - 05.2008
25 locomotives ES 64 U4-A configuration (1216.0)
> 1216 001, 002II, 003II, 004-025 delivered as such
[AT] Second 1216 series locomotive for Italy in RailJet design
update 2017|05|05
[AT] Second 1216 series locomotive for Italy in RailJet design
This is ÖBB 1216 017 that has just received the RailJet livery. It is the second locomotive of its type, with homologation for Italy, that is given this livery. 1216 018 was the first one back in 2015. In the future, ÖBB plans RailJet trains to Vienna, for which these locomotives will be used.
ÖBB has published a sexy image of RailJet-train in NightJet livery. However, it will operate the NightJet trains using conventional coaches. These are currently being refreshed, refurbished and repainted.
ÖBB 1216 148 has found a new home base in Croatia. Since the beginning of March the machine is regularly used by the Rail Cargo Group (part of the Austrian railways) to haul freight trains loaded with sugar from the port of Rijeka to a refinery/factory in Osijek. Tomislav Dornik sent us two pictures of the past weeks of the machine.
[AT/IT] 1216 018 is the first 'Italian' Railjet locomotive
update 2016|02|23
[AT/IT] 1216 018 is the first 'Italian' Railjet locomotive
Since last week, the Austrian railways have released to first 1216 series locomotive, repainted and re-equipped for Railjet services to Italy. The livery is similar to the 1216s that are being used for Railjets to the Czech Republic, only with an extra red stripe on both fronts. This red detail is also visible on the driving trailer of the new Railjet rake.
The images show the locomotive together with a new Railjet rake for Italy (rake no.52) and in normal service, pulling the EC30 from Vienna to Venezia vv.
(Ludwig GS / Lorenzo Tosatto / Renato Foltran / Christian Tscharre)
E190/1216 018 with complete RJ train. Red stripe for Italy even on driving coach ;)
On 30.01.2016, ÖBB locomotive 1216 019 was presented in Innsbruck, with a new livery for the 'Achensee', the biggest lake within Austria, and a popular touristic area.
The first service of the locomotive in its new livery was pulling EC 86 to Munich. (Ludwig GS / Michael Raucheisen)
ÖBB 1216
2015
2015-12-03
[SK] Rail Cargo Carrier - Slovakia runs first train under own license
update 2015|12|03
[SK] Rail Cargo Carrier - Slovakia runs first train under own license
On 25.11.2015, Rail Cargo Carrier - Slovakia (the Slovakian licensed operator of the Rail Cargo Group) ran its first train under its own license in Slovakia. RCH's 1116 049 pulled the train from Vienna to Kúty (SK>CZ border). From there OBB 1216 227 piloted the train to Břeclav (CZ>PL border) as the 1116s are not yet approved for services in the Czech Republic. It was an unique train, as the service normally runs through the Czech Republic. Keep you eyes open for any more trains with RCC 1116/1216s in Slovakia. (Peter Melicher / Petr Kaderavek)
The 'normal' ČD 371 series locomotive broke down, so ČD railjet livried 1216 250 took over the Eurocity service 'Johannes Brahms' from Dresden to Prague on 21.11.2015. (Mathias Schrödter).
[CZ/SK] Trials with CD Railjet in Slovakia [update]
update 2014|11|04
[CZ/SK] Trials with CD Railjet in Slovakia [update]
Quite unexpected. But the Czech railways want to know how the ČD Railjet performs in Slovakia. ÖBB 1216 234 and its train are now testing on the following routes:
Monday: Vrútky - Martin - Vrútky - Kraľovany - Vrútky - Košice - Žilina
Tuesday: Žilina - Skalité – Žilina (bogie counter compatibility), transfer to Ladce
Wednesday: Dubnica nad Váhom, transfer to Chotín (electromagnetic compatibility with 25 Hz security systems)
Peter Rafaj of the the Office for Protection of Competition (OPC) in Czech Republic, confirms that the Czech railways (ČD) has to pay 25 million crowns for the illegal purchase of its Railjet trains from Siemens without an open tender. ČD got another ticket for renting the 1216 series locomotives (from the Austrian railways) that pull the CD Railjet trains.
The order for the new trains was changed (from 16 > 15 trains with a different configuration , later only 7 were ordered) during the acquisition process. However the reconfiguration of the negotiated procedure was done without publication, which is obligatory, and therefore illegal. As the demands changed it could be well possible that other manufacturers could have done better bids than Siemens.
A second fine, 2 million crowns now, needs to be payed for renting ÖBB 1216 series locomotives in the period 2009-2013. Earlier this year, the court already decided that the ČD had to pay 1 million euros for the rental in 2013, and that the Railjet services with these locomotives had to be stopped directly.
We'll keep following these cases and see what the consequences are for the Railjet services. - Various sources.
ÖBB 1216
2014-08-01
[AT/IT] Official: ÖBB order further nine Railjet units (fit for Italy)
update 2014|08|01
[AT/IT] Official: ÖBB order further nine Railjet units (fit for Italy)
Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) is ordering a further nine Railjet trains from Siemens, with delivery of the seven-car units planned for December 2016. The order is worth around 145 million euros in total. ÖBB already operate 51 Railjets across Austria, Germany, Hungary and Switzerland. The new units will run on the Vienna-Salzburg western route and be equipped to operate in Italy, being deployed on the route to Venice, for example. Final assembly of the Railjets will be completed at Siemens' plant in Vienna, while the bogies will come from the company's plant in Graz.
ÖBB 1016/1116ÖBB 1216
2014-06-25
[AT/CZ] Kapsch Railjet
update 2014|06|25
[AT/CZ] Kapsch Railjet
On 24.04.2014, ÖBB 1216 210 in Kapsch livery pulled a CD Railjet train. One of the CD Railjet locomotives suffered a light accident on EC 73 to Vienna (broken front window). - DG/JP
[AT] ÖBB shows renewed interest in more Railjet trains
update 2014|06|19
[AT] ÖBB shows renewed interest in more Railjet trains
Things change over time. Sometimes really fast. For example the ÖBB that does or does not want extra Railjet trains. Now there is sufficient funding again, the Austrian railways is interested again in still existing option for nine extra trains. They think it will be a rather economic choice and a good short term solution. Ferrovie.info reports (switch on English subtitles.
An overview of all orders:
2006: First order for 23 sets for the ÖBB, put in service with 1116 201-223
2007: Second order for 44 sets for the ÖBB, but only 28 delivered, put in service with 1116 224-251
2011: The Czech railways (ČD) decides to purchase 7 sets of the 16 that were not build for ÖBB. Delivery ongoing, will be in service with 1216 233-237, 249-250. ÖBB additionally adjusts 1216 229-231 for Railjet services.
2014: ÖBB again interested in the 9 remaining sets that have not been built until now.
[CZ/AT] CD Railjet rolling stock now used in Austria
update 2014|06|16
[CZ/AT] CD Railjet rolling stock now used in Austria
Since yesterday, the ČD Railjet trains are being used in revenue service in Austria. Train no. 01 (with locomotive 1216 233) and no. 02 (1216 234) now come to Wiener Neustadt Hauptbahnhof with EC 73/72 and EC 75/74. They replace ČD 380 series locomotives with normal IC coaches. The 380s however continue to pull the EC 71/70, 79/78 and 75/77 services.
The new blue trains started revenue services in May but operation was limited to domestic services in the Czech Republic. Other ČD Railjet locomotives (1216 236, 237, 250), that are not combined yet with new ČD Railjet trains, which are still under delivery, are being used for EC 172/173 and EC 278/279 services, together with 1216 series locomotives in the OBB Railjet livery (1216 229, 230, 231). - GK/bahnbilder.warumdenn.net
[AT/CZ] Retrofitted, renumbered and repainted: OBB 1216 250
update 2014|05|30
[AT/CZ] Retrofitted, renumbered and repainted: OBB 1216 250
Once this machine was the red ÖBB 1216 150, now it retrofitted for services in the Czech republic and did it get the CD RailJet livery. Ready for duty. - CB
ÖBB 1216
2014-05-06
[AT/CZ] First two CD Railjet trains in service [updatex2]
update 2014|05|06
[AT/CZ] First two CD Railjet trains in service [updatex2]
On 24.04.2014, the first ČD Railjet rake had its 'Abnahmefahrt'. This was the basis for the official handing over of the first train, that is now in service with locomotive 1216 233. The title image of this article shows the second complete ČD Railjet train: unit 1216 234 with the second ČD Railjet rake, on 05.05.2014 in Wien-West. - MV
BTW: We know five ÖBB 1216 series locomotives that have the ČD Railjet livery at this moment: 1216 233, 234, 235, 236, and 237. The refitted 1216 249 and 250 will be the other two to receive this livery. 1216 250 in Linz (AT) for repainting.
Update: Pictures of the 1216 233 and its CD Railjet train, made today:
Update: Today the CD Railjet was presented in Prague:
Images from Vienna today. The two missing coaches were added to the first CD Railjet rake. Now tests can start with the first complete 7-car consist of this type. Locomotive 1116 043 was used for haulage today. The third image shows 1216 148 testing with an OBB Railjet composition. - MO
ÖBB 1016/1116ÖBB 1216
2014-02-08
[AT] CD Railjet: now testing with 1216 235
update 2014|02|08
[AT] CD Railjet: now testing with 1216 235
A coherent composition. For the first time we can present you CD Railjet coaches together with a CD Railjet locomotive: 1216 235
ÖBB locomotive no. 1216 020 has lost its special livery on 01.02.2014. The image shows the machine last month its 'steam locomotive theme' livery. The machine got this livery in July 2012, and it was changed in July 2013. - MP/AK
ÖBB 1216
2014-02-04
[CZ/AT] Trials with CD Railjet coaches have started
update 2014|02|04
[CZ/AT] Trials with CD Railjet coaches have started
A first image of several coaches for the future Railjet trains for the Czech Railways (ČD). In this image they are being pushed by ÖBB 2016 020.
The diesel locomotives was pushing the rake. And a close-up of the trailer van.
Again, the train on the Nordbahn, now pulled by 2016 020.. - DG
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1216 236 is the second locomotive of its series, that is now repainted in the Czechian version of the Railjet livery. In the next weeks, we expect the first complete CD Railjet train to commence the first trial runs.
One year and two weeks. At the end of 2014, the Railjet services to Prague should start. Both CD and ÖBB Railjet rakes will run on this line, each in their own livery, hauled by OBB 1216 locomotives. - DG
These images give a preview of how that will look. ÖBB 1216 230 and 235 in one image. The recently repainted 1116 235 in Prague main station.
BTW, next locomotive that will get repainted for this project is ÖBB 1216 236, that will get the CD Railjet livery.
1216 230 is the second locomotive of its series repainted in the Railjet-livery. The locomotive left the Linz workshops on 19.11.2013. - GR/DG
ÖBB 1216
2013-10-14
[AT] New: Werbelok 1216 141 -ÖAMTC-
update 2013|10|14
[AT] New: Werbelok 1216 141 -ÖAMTC-
Not sure if this locomotive will come to the rescue when your car breaks down, but at least it promotes the ÖAMTC, or the 'Österreichische Automobil-, Motorrad- und Touringclub'. ÖBB 1216 141 is the newest Werbelok in Austria. - LGS/HP
Today, 1216 235 was presented in Brno in its new livery. It officially got the name 'Spirit of Brno'. Impression of the day. 1216 233-237 and 149-150 will get this livery before December 2014. - PN/LS Edit: nice detail, note the blue pantographs!
[AT/CZ] First image of CD Railjet 1216 235 [updated]
update 2013|09|17
[AT/CZ] First image of CD Railjet 1216 235 [updated]
They managed to get a nice thin white line on the various roof parts of the locomotive. 1216 235 will be presented on 18.09.2013 in Brno and get a 'Spirit of....' name. In the mean time, it has become clear, CD will not order additional Railjet rakes. Seven it will be.
The introduction of Railjet services from Prague (CZ) to Graz (AT) will have consequences for the fleet of 1216 series locomotives of the Austrian railways (ÖBB). In the period July 2013 - October 2014 many locomotives will be retrofitted, repainted renumbered and re-assigned. The Czech railways will hire seven machines from the ÖBB. An overview of what will change, according to the current plans:
1216 229, 230 and 231: will get the OBB Railjet design and will be equipped with ETCS. 1216 229 is already presented in this livery with extra Prague - Graz announcements.
1216 232 to 237: will get the CD Railjet design, that will be presented soon. These machines will also get ETCS. 1216 235 already has this signalling system. CD will hire these machines from the ÖBB.
1216 149 and 150: Will get the CD Railjet design and ETCS. Additionally they have the Mirel signalling system. Most likely they will be renumbered to 1216 249 and 250. CD will hire these machines from the ÖBB.
All other locomotives of the 1216.2 subseries (1216 210, 226-228, 238-240) will be assigned to the freight services of Rail Cargo Austria. They will all get ETCS. 1216 210 will loose its Kapsch promotional livery in October 2013.
This month, the first 1216 series locomotive in the Czech (CD) version of the RailJet livery will be presented. Best candidate for the introduction of the new livery is [update]1216 235 (originally the 1216 233 was planned). The presentation is planned for 17.09.2013.
[DE/AT/IT] Ready for duty: 1216 019 -Wagner/Verdi- [updatedx3]
update 2013|08|02
[DE/AT/IT] Ready for duty: 1216 019 -Wagner/Verdi- [updatedx3]
Both sides of the locomotive are different, featuring one composer each.
Image of the making of in the workshops of Salzburg, where tourists could visit old skool locomotives. 1216 019 got its new livery in between the oldies. The new livery features the composers Wagner and Verdi. Application of the vinyls was finished on 01.08.2013. - FL/IM/LG
Since last year, ÖBB locomotive 1216 020 sported a special livery celebrating the 175th anniversary of the railways in Austria. But this jubilee has ended. However, in stead of removing the complete livery, the Austrian railways decided to change it. The general theme 'being an steam locomotive' remained but the jubilee inscriptions were removed. Especially the fronts look different now. The Austrian flag is replaced by the fronts of steam locomotive 310.23.
[AT/IT] ÖBB 1216 019: designs for next promotional livery online
update 2013|07|27
[AT/IT] ÖBB 1216 019: designs for next promotional livery online
Unconfirmed sources tell us that ÖBB 1216 019 will get a new promotional livery at the end of this month. At the ÖBB railAD website two designs were found. Side one is about Richard Wagner, German composer. The other side has a Giuseppe-Verdi-theme.
Locomotive 1216 019 is one of the locomotives used for the DB/ÖBB EuroCity services from Germany to Italy. So using these two composers is for a special livery is a logical choice.
Today, the recently redesigned ÖBB locomotive 1216 229 took a Railjet-rake to Prague. The image shows EC 30000 (Wien Meidling - Praha hl.n.) in Chocen. After this service, the Railjet continued its service with SC 513 Praha hl.n. -Ostrava - Bohumín. - MS / http://www.trainfoto.euÖBB 1216
2013-04-11
[PL] ÖBB 1216 233 in Poland
update 2013|04|11
[PL] ÖBB 1216 233 in Poland
ÖBB 1216 233 in Chałupki yesterday. Rail Cargo Austria recently started to use these machines for freight service from Austria to Poland. - PF
ÖBB 1216
2013-04-10
[AT/CZ] First days of service of Railjet 1216 229
update 2013|04|10
[AT/CZ] First days of service of Railjet 1216 229
A shiny locomotive needs to be shown ofcourse. Today the repainted 1216 229 has its first days of service. The images show the locomotive with EC 278 Graz Hbf - Praha hl.n.. - GR
ÖBB 1216
2013-04-09
[AT] 1216 229 is the first multi system Railjet locomotive [updated]
update 2013|04|09
[AT] 1216 229 is the first multi system Railjet locomotive [updated]
Today, locomotive ÖBB 1216 229 left the workshops of Linz in a new outfit. It now sports the ÖBB Railjet livery (yes the normal red one) with an additional slogan '2014: Praha-Wien-Graz, powered by OBB and CD'. It refers to its future service domain.
In December 2014 both operators will start this 2-hourly service between Graz [AT] and Prague [CZ]. Both CD and OBB Railjets will be used on this route. The CD Railjets however still need to be delivered.
According to plan, Unit 229 will be coupled together with OBB Railjet rake no.29, substituting 1116 229. Two more OBB 1216s will be retrofitted and repainted as Railjet locomotive. Planned are unit 230 and 231. - RG/MP
Update: image added. On 17.04.2013 CD/OBB will organize two presentation runs with Railjet trains to Prague: EC 30000 Wien - Břeclav - Praha and SC 513 Pendolino service Praha - Ostrava on same day will be executed with Railjet. - JP/RG
Some playfulness from our side: what a 1216 could look like in CD Railjet design:
[AT/CZ/PL] ÖBB 1216s run to Chalupki, Poland [updated]
update 2013|04|06
[AT/CZ/PL] ÖBB 1216s run to Chalupki, Poland [updated]
update:
Since last week, ÖBB 1216 series locomotives run to Poland in regular service. Under the brand name RCC (Rail Cargo Carrier), Rail Cargo Austria uses them for coal trains from Poland to Austria. For these services 1216.2 locomotives are being used. The image shows 1216 236 and 237 with SGAG 49481 from Hohenau [AT] to Chalupki [PL].- GR/PK
In January 2013, ÖBB multi-system locomotive 1216 228 got Rail Cargo Carrier logos. RCC is the international department of the Rail Cargo group.
The number of 1216s with the version C package (DE/AT/SK/CZ) in the fleet of ÖBB has been increased a bit lately. Both 1216 228 and 229 were retrofitted for example. - BBW.net/RG
On 21.02.2013, the Czech and Austrian railways made a round Vienna – Břeclav– Brno – Česka Třebová – Olomouc – Přerov – Břeclav – Vienna with a Railjet test train. A Austrian 1216 locomotive pushed/pulled the train. For December 2014, both companies plan to start a Prague – Brno – Vienna – Graz service. By then, the CD will have its own Railjet trains. - Youtube via Bronislav Janošík/CD
ÖBB 1216
2013-02-08
[IT] ETCS interference trials with ÖBB 1216 005
update 2013|02|08
[IT] ETCS interference trials with ÖBB 1216 005
Last week, locomotive 1216 005, being the first of its series with ETCS, came to Italy for interference trials. It ran from Novate Milanese to Vanzaghello on the network of Ferrovie Nord Milano to check the interference between SCMT and ETCS. Today it was transported back to Brennero by ES 64 F4-401. Two images of today are included. - GR
ÖBB 1216
2012
2012-07-17
[AT/IT] 1216 020 in its new livery
update 2012|07|17
[AT/IT] 1216 020 in its new livery
A nice atmosphere. 1216 020 in its new livery, in Verona. - FM
ÖBB 1216
2012-07-06
[AT] Next one please: ÖBB 1216 020 -175 Jahre Eisenbahn für Österreich-
update 2012|07|06
[AT] Next one please: ÖBB 1216 020 -175 Jahre Eisenbahn für Österreich-
Ms. Geiblinger has created yet another promotional livery for ÖBB 1216 020.
ÖBB 1216
2012-06-10
[AT] Taurus-parade and load trial of the Draubrücke in Villach
update 2012|06|10
[AT] Taurus-parade and load trial of the Draubrücke in Villach
On 08.06.2012, several Taurus-locomotives (541-001, 1216 210, 1216 025, 1116 126 and 1116 153) gathered in Villach. That day the were used for load trials in the new Draubrücke in Villach. - CT
ÖBB 1016/1116ÖBB 1216SZ 541
2011
2011-10-08
[AT] New promotional livery: OBB 1216 210 -Kapsch-
update 2011|10|08
[AT] New promotional livery: OBB 1216 210 -Kapsch-
On 06.10.2011, ÖBB 1216 210 was released with a new, yellow and black promotional livery. Kapsch is company specialized in digital comminucation. On 07.10.2011 it was presented. Pictures of services on 08.10.2011. - AT/KK
ÖBB 1216
2010
2010-10-21
[AT/IT] 1216s in Italy
update 2010|10|21
[AT/IT] 1216s in Italy
The Austrian 1216 is on its way to conquer Italy. At this moment ÖBB 1216s are immatriculated at three different Italian companies, required to get them running in this country. An overview of what we know:
1) Linea Smart Business Ways uses unit 1216.001, 002, 003, 004, 025 and 032. This freight operator is property of Rail Cargo Austria, the freight transport division of the ÖBB. In Italy these machines are marked as E190 0xx I-LI.
2) Units 1216 005 to 009 (E190 005-009 I-TI) run under FS Trenitalia registration because they are solely used for the corridor services between Innsbruck and Lienz, with Trenitalia personal on board.
3) LeNord operates 1216 011 to 019 (all decorated with the Italian flag) as E190 0xx I-LN. Also 1216 020 and 023 are avialible to LeNord. - EisenbahnRevue/PT/LF
ÖBB 1216
2010-08-24
[IT/AT] 1216 025 in Italy
update 2010|08|24
[IT/AT] 1216 025 in Italy
Today, OBBs 1216 025 was seen on Italian territory for the first time. It made a test run from Villach to Gorizia. - SC
ÖBB 1216
2010-05-26
[IT/AT] 1216s in Italy
update 2010|05|26
[IT/AT] 1216s in Italy
It seems that the Austrian 1216s finally are breaking trough the Italian barrieres:
As from May 17, 2010, locomotives 1216 001-004 are approved for commercial services in Italy along the Pontebbana-corridor, towards Lugo, Pescara, Padova, Portogruaro, Piacenza. The topspeed is still restricted to 120 kph. - SC
Next to that, the OBB/DB Eurocity service to Verona has been hauled for the first time by a 1216 last saterday. Unit 1216 011 brought EC 87 to Italy. More units are soon to be put into service (1216 012 and up). - RG
ÖBB 1216
2010-03-16
[IT] ÖBB 1216s in Italy
update 2010|03|16
[IT] ÖBB 1216s in Italy
Since yesterday, the ÖBB 1216 is finally approved for the Italian (ANSF) network. Italian operator Linea (for 50% property of Rail Cargo Austria, part of the ÖBB concern) now operates the 1216 001-004 for freight trains (max. speed 120 kph). This approval also clears the way for the 1216 011-018 which will be used for EuroCity services between Germany and Italy. - SC
ÖBB 1216
2010-03-12
[DE/AT/IT] 1216s ready to take over EC services
update 2010|03|12
[DE/AT/IT] 1216s ready to take over EC services
This week, first images emerged of Austrian 1216s with large Italian flags and DB/OBB URLs to the Italian parts of their websites. It are the first signs that the 1216s are ready to take over the EC services between Munich and Italy, currently hauled by Nordcargo ES 64 F4 units. Revenue services with 1216s in Italy would mean that finally some progress has been made in homologating the ES 64 U4 for Italy.
At this moment, 1216 011-016 are being prepared. Until June 1216 017 and 018 will follow. - RG
ÖBB 1216
2009
2009-12-01
[DE/AT/IT] DB/OBB passenger services in Italy
update 2009|12|01
[DE/AT/IT] DB/OBB passenger services in Italy
On 13.12.2009, Deutsche Bahn and the Österreichische Bundesbahn will join forces in transalp passenger services via the Brenner line. Five new services will be introduced between Munich in Germany and several Italian destinations: Bolzano, Bologna, Verona and Milan. An exact timetable can be found here.
By the official introduction, these trains will be hauled by ES 64 F4 series locomotives provided by Nordcargo. Driver training on these machines has already started, as ES 64 F4-088 is already spotted in Italy hauling a single OBB-passenger coach. This solution however is only temporary, as the ES 64 F4s will be replaced by OBB 1216.0 series engines as soon as these units are fully homologated in Italy. 1216 011 is being used right now for tests and driver instructions. - DM
MRCE ES64F4ÖBB 1216
2009-03-08
[AT] 1216 010 renumbered
update 2009|03|08
[AT] 1216 010 renumbered
1216 010 has been renumbered as 1216 210. Therefore it should represent the VC configuration now. Curiously it also has a Italian service number, E 190 210, not seen before on a 1216.2. - FM
ÖBB 1216
2008
2008-11-18
[EU] Siemens short
update 2008|11|18
[EU] Siemens short
Lokomotion ES 64 F4-017 has lost its blue adhesives, celebrating Italy being world champions soccer back in 2006 (DB) - RailJet 1116 204 is in Hungary for trials (GA) - As already shown yesterday, SBB Cargo's Re474 002 is in Germany for test with the Italian SCMT system (DSO) - OBB 1216 239 was transported to Dresden (DE) yesterday, for staff training on the route towards this city. From December on, the 1216 series will be used for EuroCity services between Vienna and Berlin, via Prague. - Bahnforum.info
MRCE ES64F4ÖBB 1216SBB Cargo Re474
2008-10-23
[CZ] CD hires OBB 1216s
update 2008|10|23
[CZ] CD hires OBB 1216s
Starting 14.12.2008, the Czech railways (CD) will hire 1216.2s from the OBB. Five units will be used on the Wien - Brno - Prag - Dresden relation (EC Vindobona, Franz Schubert, Gustav Mahler) three more are needed for EuroCity services from Ceske Budejovice to Salzburg and Linz. - CD
ÖBB 1216
2008-08-06
[IT] in Latina..
update 2008|08|06
[IT] in Latina..
Two images from yesterday, taken around the Italian station of Latina. The first image shows E 474 102 DG, deserted after its operator no longer is allowed to operate train in Italy. In the second one you see 1216 012 being used for trials between Roma Casilina and Priverno Fossanova evaluating its dynamic behaviour. - LP
IFI/DFG 474ÖBB 1216
2008-05-10
[AT] world's fastest electric changes color
update 2008|05|10
[AT] world's fastest electric changes color
Sources from the workshops of Linz report on the current status of 1216 050, the worlds fastest monobody electric, which since last April is back in Austria. The machine has lost its grey livery and yellow and silver vynils, which are repleced by black paint with silver corner and rooftop elements. For 25.05.2008 them a special event is planned around the official delivery of the very last and 382nd Taurus locomotive to the OBB. During this ceremony this machine in its remarkable livery will surely play the key-role. - Bahnforum
ÖBB 1216
2008-01-24
[CZ] OBB 1216 series homologated for Brünn - Ceske Budejovice route
update 2008|01|24
[CZ] OBB 1216 series homologated for Brünn - Ceske Budejovice route
From today on the 1216 can officially penetrate a bit further into Czech Republic...
ÖBB 1216
2004
2004-03-28
[AT] design/order details of the future OBB 1216 series
update 2004|03|28
[AT] design/order details of the future OBB 1216 series
from EBFO, more info about the future OBB 1216:
Next to the ordered 50 locos of this type there is also an option for 18 more locos! The first 3 locos will be built in Munchen, the rest of the serie in Linz. The first body will be ready in the second quarter of 2004, the first loco will be delivered in the first quarter of 2006. Planned is that the locos will be approved for 6 countries, Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Tsjech Republic and the Slovak Republic. More details about the design, 2 doors in every cab, the third front-light will be placed in the roof-area.
ÖBB 1216
ÖBB 1216: Why another Taurus family member?
Since 1999 Siemens is delivering TAURUS locomotives to the OBB. By 2001, the number of machines to be built increased had grown up to 400 locomotives (50x1016, 350x1116). This number of machines was inspired by a ambitious plan to make the OBB a leading supplier of locomotive power to various operators in Europe, in cooperation with the German DB, and to become a important operator for international freight services towards Switzerland, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia.
But as time passed by, an delivery progressed, these plans proved to be unrealistic or even impossible. The DB no longer wanted to cooperate, unpredicted technical problems made homologation processes of 1016/1116 series difficult or even impossible for several foreign countries.
The order for 400 machines however, with a volume of 1.1 billion Euros, was final. The OBB attempts the reduce the number of locomotives on order, were futile. With the introduction of the EuroSprinter ES64F4 platform by Siemens and the Traxx MS locomotives by Bombardier, new products optimised for international interoperability, became available to the market. These machines made it possible for other operators to enter markets, that where also of interest to the OBB. Especially direct long-haul services towards Italy were very lucrative.
So finally, Siemens and the OBB agreed on a total different plan, which made it possible to the OBB the become the international player they wanted to be, which reduced the number of 1016/1116 series machines, without changing the volume of the original Taurus order. For Siemens this new agreement made it possible to develop the ultimate EuroSprinter locomotive, melting the ES64U2 (1016/1116) and ES64F4 platforms together. The result is the OBB 1216 series, or Siemens ES64U4 platform, offering such a versatile solution, that it can be used for every possible service one can think of.
As the new machines were about 20% more expensive as the original 1016/1116 series, the total number of machines that would be built was decreased, so that the total volume of 1,1 billion Euro could stay the same. In stead of the latter 68 1116 machines, now 50 1216 series locomotives would be built.
ÖBB 1216: Rumours become reality
A wooden model at Innotrans 2004 made rumours tangible!
The very first signals that the OBB was trying to alter the original Taurus order became public in October 2003. Under project name ‘1017’ one was exploring the possibilities of building a Taurus locomotive with additional components making it possible to run under 3kV DC voltage systems, as used in Italy.
In March 2004 it becomes clear that the new machines will resemble the original Taurus machines as much as possible. Sharing many parts with the 1016/1116 series is more economic for the OBB, and easier for Siemens as several deals with sub contractors did not have to be changed again. At the same time, the new machines would be fit in the Taurus identity nicely. From a distance it is not so easy to distinguish the 1216, which is the final designation for the new generation of Taurus locomotives, from the 1016/1116 series.
From June to August 2004 the first pictures appear of a 1216 body in steel. It already reveals several changes. The new machines has two fully fledged cabs with two entrance doors. European safety demands require this. The side-panels of a machine are smooth again, and every cab has a third head-light above the cabin windows. Also remarkable is that for the new locomotive the number of parts built out of glass-fibre-reinforced plastics (GFK) is reduced again. More steel increases the strength of the cab of course, improving driver safety. But Siemens was at that time also experiencing difficulties with the GFK roof tops of the 1016/1116 series, proving to be less durable as predicted.
In September 2004 the first complete body transported to Leipzig to the KIROW company for extensive fatique tests. In the meantime also the construction of a second loco was started.
At Innotrans 2004, international railway fair in Berlin, Siemens presents its new 1216 series concept, with a wooden model in scale 1:20 and 1:1 mock-up of the driver table.
In November 2004, construction of the third prototype starts.
At the end of 2004 the production plan for project ‘1017’ is revealed. There will be three prototypes, first dynamic trials are planned for May 2005. Series delivery is scheduled for 2006 and 2007. Until first machines are handed over to the OBB, Siemens disposes 4 Dispolok ES64F4 engines to OBB. (in 2005-2007 Dispolok ES64F4 006, 008-010 ran for the OBB).
In March 2005, the first completed machine is spotted outside the Siemens factories in Munchen-Allach. On 31.03.2005 the 1216 is officially presented, the 1216 001 outside and the 1216 003 inside the factories, both carrying the slogan ´part of the best´. 1216 002 was not finished at that moment. All three prototypes have a different configuration and will be used for trials all over Europe in the upcoming months. The 1216 001 (version A for D-A-CH-I, 3 pantographs) will go to Italy. 1216 002 (version C for D-A-SK-CZ, 4 pantographs) will be used for test runs at the Siemens Wildenrath centre and 1216 003 (Version B for D-A-SL, 3 pantographs) is reserved for technical running tests.
ÖBB 1216: About the prototypes
A prototype during the very first trails in Austria, accompagnied by an Austrian measurement vehicle and a 1116.
For test, experiments, promotional purposes three machines were ready to go in April 2005. 1216 001 and 002 were first transported to the Velim test centre in Cerhenice (CZ). After that the 001 went to Italy, the 002 to Slovenia and later on to Slovakia. The 003 went to Linz, got special bogies and run many tests in Austria. In June 2005 the 003 was the first engine used for a commercial OBB service. That month the 003 also visited Switzerland for runs at the Gotthard-Südrampe and the NBS Mattstetten – Rothrist. In August high speed tests took place in Germany with the 003 at the NBS Würzburg - Hannover. The 1216 family was also present at several events; 002 joined the rolling stock show at Rosenheim in June 2005, and was baptised by Kardinal Schönborn at 22.06.2005.
In January 2006 all this fun came to an end and the machines were prepared for delivery to the OBB; new service numbers were applied. 1216 001 kept its number, 1216 002 became 1216 226 and the 1216 003 is now 1216 141. At first sight it looks maybe a bit ought, but there is logic in it! The 50 engines are numbered 1216 X01-X50, with the X being the number that represents the sub type (0=A, 1=B, 2=C), which can and will be changed.
ÖBB 1216: 1216 050
In February 2005 Siemens started to built a ES64U4 platform locomotive, next to the three 1216 series prototypes for the OBB. Soon this supplemental machine, the designated 1216 050, was presented as new Siemens demonstrator. Not only would it be used to prove new technologies and components for future Siemens products, Siemens also decided to even strive for a higher goal with the 1216 050; becoming the worlds fastest single body electric in the world…
Back in 2005, when the machines was completed, Siemens also published what to do with machine when all trials were completed; it would be delivered to the federal Austrian railways (OBB) as 50th and final locomotive of their 1216 series. As long its property of Siemens, the machine has its own section.
ÖBB 1216: Serie delivery
Very similar, but when you look closer, nothing is the same..
From October 2005 on, series production of the 1216 series started, with the final assembly of the 1216 002II and 003II. Like during the production of the OBB 1116 series, the OBB workshops of Linz were responsible for the final assembly of the machines. Frames and bodies are welded together in Munchen, but than are transported to Austria. In June 2006 the the 1216 002II, 003II and 004, being the first locomotives 'made in Linz', were handed over to the OBB. All machines have the ´part of the best´ logos and inscriptions. The 1216.0/class-VA machines carry additional front numbers: E190 0xx, necessary for service in Italy. In 2006 the 005-010 and 227-232 were built. In 2007 and 2008 Siemens and the Linz workshops completed the serie with 1216 233-240, 142-150 and finally the 011-024.
ÖBB 1216: International career
In September 2006, all 1216 sub series series were approved by the German railway authorities, EBA, for services in Germany. Since December 2006, the 1216.1 series may run in Slovenia.
In April 2007, it became clear that no breakthrough was expected in having the OBB 1216 series homologated for Slovakia and Czech Republic, due to too much resonant currents on their networks. Five 1216.2s were then retrofitted for services to Slovenia, otherwise the OBB could use these machines for domestic services only. 1216 227-231 became 1216 127-131.
Since the summer of 2007, the 1216.0 machines are homologated for Italy, to be used on the Innsbruck/Lienz corridor.
In November 2007, 1216 232 was temporarily retrofitted for services in Italy, and numbered as 1216 032 it completed trials that finally would have to lead to an approval for the 1216 series for speeds up to 200 kph in the future. Italy is introducing a new train detection system, called SCMT, which is mandatory for speeds above 140 kph soon, so the combination of 1216 and SCMT required another testing project.
Per 24.01.2008, 1216.2 machines have a restricted approval for Brünn - Ceske Budejovice in the Czech Rublic. 1216 234 was used for gathering enough data to make sure this was possible. Since June 2008 all 1216s configured as sub type C (1216.2) have full approval for running in the Czech Republic. The only restriction is that on track sections were old safety systems are installed, working with 25 Hz frequencies, maximum speed is restricted to 40 kph.
Just before the summer of 2010, the 1216.0 series had their long awaited break through in Italy. Since then, all units fit for running in Italy at that moment (eg 1216 001-025 and 032, which also kept its Italian package) can be seen in Italy. They are immatriculated at three different Italian companies, which is required to get them running in this country. An overview of the situation in October 2010:
1) Linea Smart Business Ways uses unit 1216.001, 002, 003, 004, 025 and 032. This freight operator is property of Rail Cargo Austria, the freight transport division of the ÖBB. In Italy these machines are marked as E190 0xx I-LI.
2) Units 1216 005 to 009 (E190 005-009 I-TI) run under FS Trenitalia registration because they are solely used for the corridor services between Innsbruck and Lienz, with Trenitalia personal on board.
3) LeNord operates 1216 011 to 024 (of which units 011-019 are decorated with the Italian flag) as E190 0xx I-LN. - EisenbahnRevue/PT/LF
Alstom
This month, the first 1216 series locomotive in the Czech (CD) version of the RailJet livery will be presented. Best candidate for the introduction of the new livery is [update]1216 235 (originally the 1216 233 was planned). The presentation is planned for 17.09.2013.
Update: added this nice front view picture.
A wooden model at Innotrans 2004 made rumours tangible!
A prototype during the very first trails in Austria, accompagnied by an Austrian measurement vehicle and a 1116.
Very similar, but when you look closer, nothing is the same..
