DB Cargo is searching for extra locomotives, they need more, and they need them fast. THE news of this week was that Deutsche Bahn is ordering 100 freight locomotives from Siemens. But it will take a while before these are being built. DB Cargo needs extra locomotives now and we can notice. Bombardier delivers 187s in two number series at the same time: 187 08x and 187 13x. 189 822 and 823 were bought from Siemens and DB Cargo is searching on the lease market too. MRCE and Railpool for example hired extra locomotives to DB Cargo during the past weeks for example. A nice, more exotic example is the 185 679-8 as shown in the image above, in DB Cargo service since 10.07.2017. The Railpool banners on this locos fits ;)

On 23.08.2016, around 4am, a freight train pulled by Railpool > CargoNet 185 709 partially derailed at the freight terminal in Drammen. The locomotive and several freight cars jumped out of the rails. The accident had serious consequences for all rail traffic in the area.

Øyvind Berg just sent in a picture of the recovery of the derailed locomotive:

Earlier this year, freight operator CargoLink from Norway terminated its freight services. The company was operating many Railpool TRAXX AC2 locomotives, that were (and still are) easy to recognize by their red Railpool stickers. But where are they now? We made an overview of the ten machines, who is operating them now:

185 678 > TX Logistik Sweden
185 679 > left CargoLink in 2013, to Germany 12.2015, now Lokomotion
185 682 > TX Logistik Sweden
185 683 > CargoNet
185 685 > CargoNet
185 688 > CargoNet
185 698 > CargoNet
185 699 > left CargoLink in 2015 [edit] still in Scandinavia, now CFL cargo Sverige
185 700 > CargoNet
185 707 > CargoNet

As far as we know, most engines have no new operator logos yet. But the title picture shows that a new color variation of TRAXX has appeared. At least 185 683, 685 and 698 now have the yellow CargoNet logos, combined with the red Railpool logos.

Since May 2014, Oaktree Capital was the 100% owner of Railpool. It acquired the lease company from its founders: KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH and HSH Nordbank AG.

Now it announces that Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC has taken a 49% stake in Railpool. This deal provides more financial security for the ongoing fleet expansion of Railpool.

Interesting duties for Railpool 185 679. Images show the Railpool locomotive, recently transferred from Scandinavia to Germany, pulling passenger trains for National Express. The 679, subhired from Lokomotion, replaces the MRCE ES 64 U2-034 that needed some maintenance. Update: the locomotive as only used for one day by National Express. On 17.01.2016 it as again seen hauling a Lokomotion freight train.

By coincidence, the silver and red locomotive was perfectly 'in style' with the former DB coaches that still have the DB Regio livery. National Express has two loco hauled trains in services since late December 2015. They complement the fleet of Bombardier Talent2 trains for as long as needed (they are so called 'Ersatzzüge'). (Sven Jonas / Jannick Falk)

Since medio december, Green Cargo from Sweden has taken over the 'Real Rail' freight transport contract from CargoNet.

As a result, CargoNet has returned six lease locomotives to Railpool: 185 679, 686, 687, 689, 692 and 699. The lease company has decided to transfer all machines to Germany. On 29.12.2015 they started their journey via Oslo - Götheborg - Trelleborg.

The orange stripes of HSL Logistik get more common. We already saw Railpool 186 147 with these extra decorations, now Railpool 185 671 sports them too. (Tobias Kußmann)

To replace the Alpha Trains locomotives, CargoNet is hiring extra 185s from Railpool, that is transferring locomotives from Germany to Scandinavia. We can already say that 185 671, 686, 689 and 692 have made their debut up north, as proven by the pictures below. Other machines that are mentioned to be added to the CargoNet fleet are 185 679 and 687 but we have not seen pictures of those locomotives yet. - RE/GR/KAR

Alpha Trains / RBSAF 185.2 Railpool 185.2

More information about these trains:

Railpool 185.2

In the past, we already had ES 64 U2-101 completely restyled in white, now the silver 185 681 got the same make-over. The visual effect is almost nihil, and it still costs money, we think. Does anyone know why this is done?

Hupac ES 64 U2 Railpool 185.2

Read the complete press statement here.

On 09.05.2014, funds managed by Oaktree, a leader among global investment managers specializing in alternative investments, acquired all shares of Railpool. The previous shareholders are the two banks KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH and HSH Nordbank AG, each with 50 percent. Both banks will continue to be lenders to Railpool and support the future growth of the company. The purchase price was not disclosed.

"We plan significant investments in new, innovative vehicles, the expansion of our excellent team as well as the internationalization of our business. As we continue to offer our customers modern, interoperable locomotives with an attractive full-service package, we are very pleased to welcome Oaktree as an excellent partner, who will support us strategically and financially in our plans going forward," said Torsten Lehnert.

In parallel to the acquisition of Railpool, an order for five Vectron locomotives has been placed with Siemens for delivery in the coming months. In addition, negotiations are being held with several manufacturers for the order of at least 50 additional locomotives. Paribus (Northrail) Vectron Railpool 5170 Railpool 185.2 Railpool Traxx AC3 LM Railpool TRAXX MS2e Railpool Vectron

The Bellinzona works (CH) have completed the main overhaul of MRCE 185 554-3 (REV 03.01.2014). On 04.01.2014 the machine was seen in Basel. Note that this locomotive is only permitted to run in Germany and France, so it could not reach Switzerland under its own power. - MB

MTEG is no longer the responsible vehivle keeper of Locomotive 189 800-6. The locomotive now carries D-PRESS keeper markings. - KAR

For the first time, the main lessor of 185 514-7 has changed. No longer TX Logistik, but Rheincargo now. - KAR Alpha Trains Traxx AC1 Lokomotion 185.2 MRCE Traxx AC1 MTEG 189 Railpool 185.2

For international services in Germany and Austria, Floyd is currently hiring Railpool Traxx locomotives 185 673 and E 186 143-4. Both now sport the new red and blue logos.

Floyd also operates former class 56 (0659 series) and 86 (0450 series) locomotives from the UK. The livery of recently refurbished machines is also different. It changed from purple to black with red and blue striping.

Lease company Railpool still awaits the delivery of several Traxx AC2 locomotives. Most of them have been seen in Kassel in the past months, but they are not handed over to the customer. Things are not being rushed here. An overview of our first sightings of the units that are still missing:

185 694: 11.2011, silver and blue
185 695: 12.2011, silver and blue, had a Peterson logo for a while, but removed
185 698: 01.2012, initially had a blue and silver livery, now it has a red Railpool-beam
185 699: 02.2012, initially had a blue and silver livery, now it has a red Railpool-beam
185 700: 01.2012, initially blue/silver and D/A/H, but now it has a red Railpool-beam
185 701, 702 and 703 have not been seen up until now. - CK

185 696/697 off-lease and back in Germany
Something different. In the past week, TXL in Sweden returned 185 696 and 697 to Railpool. These machines were then transported back to Germany and parked in Krefeld. Their TXL logos were already removed in Sweden. - MO/SV

EVB locomotives exchanged
Operator EVB returned 185 676 and 680 to Railpool and got 185 675 and 687 in return. The ex-EVB machines now run for LTE, and still have their EVB-logos. The image shows 185 676 in Budapest-Kelenföld. The reason for the exchange seems evident: EVB does not need locomotives with a approval for Hungary, LTE does. - KAR/HP Railpool 185.2

It is unknown if the company can make a new start at this moment. All services have been stopped. Peterson Rail has 55 employees, their faith is unknown at this moment. - Peterson Rail / gp.se

Railcolor: Peterson Rail Ltd was founded in 2007 by the Norwegian paper and packaging group Peterson AS. The company has Traxx AC2 locomotives on hire from Railpool. Recently, 185 675-6 and 185 687-1 returned from Sweden, now both being operated by the Rurtalbahn. Railpool 185.2

Last week, 185 704, 705 (most likely Skandinaviska Jernbanor) and 714 (CargoNet) were delivered to Sweden. This year we still have to welcome unit 694-695, 698-703 and 715. There are three different subversions of the Railpool Traxx AC2, D/A/H, D/A/S/N and S/N. You see that a large part of the Railpool AC2 are configurated for services in Norway and Sweden, where most of them are in use at this moment; CargoNet, CargoLink, TXL and Peterson Rail are the heavy users. The locomotives that are used in and around Germany are in service of ITL, PCT and the EVB for example.

Nice to see it that the fleet now incorporates three different dolour version of the Railpool livery; yellow, blue and red. - Bombardier/various sources Railpool 185.2

Remarkable is that locomotive 185 707 has no REV data (at least it doesn't carry any on its frames), like some other Railpool Traxx's used in Scandinavia. - BB Railpool 185.2

In the mean time, Railpool 185 713-6 has arrived in Norway. It will be operated by CargoNet. These images show us that the 713 has slip brakes ("Slirebrems" or "Schleuderbremse''), which are very useful under wet and/or icy weather conditions. These brakes prevent wheels from spinning around (or slow down the slip) when there is less or no grip. The wheels are still in pulling power mode, so the train loses no or less of its speed. - BD

185 713 is not the only unit delivered with extra slip brakes. 185 712 and 714 also have it. Railpool 185.2

Just before Christmas, the Bombardier 34242 - Railpool 185 717-6 also got the Railpool colours silver and blue. - WW Railpool 185.2

SkJb uses a Railpool Traxx (185 707) and passenger coaches formerly owned by the Swedish state railways. Interesting detail is that the restaurant-coach is a WRmh 132.1 originally delivered to the German railways. Rumors say a piano bar coach will be added later. More images of the test train are gathered here.

SkJb uses a distinct classic livery for its rolling stock, dark blue with golden details. Some nice close-ups can be found here - NO/DSO/KB/PV Railpool 185.2

Soon to be repainted in the Railpool livery. Railpool 185.2

Railpool 185.2

As far as we know, these machines (well at least the 708 and 709) have 'Drosseleinrichtung' on their roof, at only one side just in front of the pantograph (the silver constructions, clearly visible on the picture). Anybody that can tell us more about the function of this equipment, and why they are needed in Scandinavia, please mail us at railcolor@gmail.com.

At this moment six such machines have been outshopped: 185 704, 705, 706, 707, 708 and 709. The first two are alternative power stations in Domodossola, unit 706-709 are in Scandinavia.
185 706 is hired to CargoNet. 185 707 is seen with a black side surface (image). Rumors say that it will be hired to anew railway company in Sweden: Skandinaviska Jernbanor.
The 185 708 and 709 are most likely also for CargoNet, as they have been delivered from Kassel with the company's logos.
- Postvagnen/MO/BT Railpool 185.2

In 2008, Bombardier delivered two Traxx AC2 locomotives to Eurocom, both being financed by Deutsche Leasing Hungaria. They were mainly used for stone transports all accross Hungary. However, in 2010, Eurocom went bankrupt. Since than, the 481 001 and 002 were hired by AWT Rail from Budapest, which took over a considerable part of the Eurocom services.

Than another owner had to be found for these two machines was clear since 2010, as they were for sale at rail-assets.de since then. In the past two months both units visited the Bombardier assembly factory in Kassel and Siemens test center in Wegberg-Wildenrath for adjustments.

- Rail-asset / PH / GG/ iho.hu Eurocom 481 Railpool 185.2

Lately we got an update on the two brand new 'power stations', Bombardier recently outshopped; 185 704 and 705 in a yellow Railpool livery. They are now parked on a track section in Domodossola without overhead wiring. Both have an additional installation on their roof top, connecting them to the catenary of one of the main lines. 185 704 supports the South to North direction, the 705 the North-South connection. The locomotives are switched off when a train uses a track section, and when it has left, if goes on again. If this is done manually, is unclear. - MB Railpool 185.2

The corresponding profiles:
Bombardier ? - Railpool 185 704-4
Bombardier ? - Railpool 185 705-1 Railpool 185.2

On the pictures we see Railpool / TX Logistik 185 697 entering the track section, equipped with ERTMS. The locomotive does not have this. In stead it has a train dispatcher is on board. The close-up shows that the 697 has lost its approval for Germany and Austria since it moved to Scandinavia, as the Indusi equipment has been removed. - BD via DSO Railpool 185.2

This feature can be installed on all Traxx units of course. Railpool 185.2

Both Bombardier and Railpool do not say much about the specifications of the 36 new units. Only that delivery is scheduled for July 2011 to November 2013 and that these Traxx units will incorporate innovations of some kind. Volume of the order is approximately 120 million euro. - Railpool/Bombardier Railpool 185.2 Railpool Traxx AC3 LM Railpool TRAXX MS2e

Next to that, unit 186 240 was spotted in Kassel near the factory with special Bombardier promotional vinyls. Macquarie Rail (former CBRail) TRAXX MS2e Railpool 185.2

The Railpool livery proves to be a flexible one. Standard is a silver base color white a clear blue bar on the side. For operator PCT however, it turned yellow, CargoLink units for Scandinavia get a red colored version. The units hired from CBRail have a light gray base color. The highlights of the past weeks:

PCT, the German operator of car transports, has returned 185 537 to TX Logistic, and got Railpool's 185 637 in stead. Its hired from CBRail and got a yellow band over its light gray livery. - After being used by the Rurtalbahn for a week or so, the brand new Railpool 185 685 has left Kassel for its voyage up north, to CargoLink, to be operated in Sweden en Norway from now on. The 685 has a red Railpool-band, and with a similar design feature, the 185 682 has been spotted around Kassel. TX Logistic operated Railpool's 185 696 and 697 in Germany up til now, but both units have been re-equipped in the past weeks and are also transported to Scandinavia.

And then there are the Traxx MS units, or Railpool's 186 series. Lotos Kolej has started to operate the freshly delivered 186 272 in Poland. By Lokomotion, the new (and genuine transalp-locomotives) 186 281-286 will slowly take over the services from the units of the 186 101-110 batch (they can also run in the Netherlands for example. Most likely, Lokomotion at least will keep on using the 186 102, 106 and 110, as they are decorated with big service numbers upfront recently. 186 103, 105 and 107 are now being associated with operators using them in the Netherlands. SBB Cargo operates the 103, replacing the 186 182 which is currently under evaluation in the Czech Republic. Rurtalbahn got the 105, but on short notice this one will be replaced by the 107. The 186 105 will be present at the Innotrans fair and is therefore decorated with big Railpool logos. Railpool 185.2 Railpool TRAXX MS2e

darker red on KombiVerkehr 185 664
CapTrain 185-CL 005 with some white spots
CapTrain ES 64 F4-995 is black again. Railpool 185 681 is now hired to PCT! It got PCT logos and a slightly adjusted Railpool base design...- KAR MRCE ES64F4 Railpool 185.2

185 671 D/A/H > Rurtalbahn > large Railpool logos
185 672 D/A/H > EVB > small pink/blue EVB logos
185 673 D/A/H > EVB > large red/blue EVB logos
185 674 D/A/H > Rurtalbahn > RTB/Aus dem Kreis Düren logos
185 675 D/A/S/N > Peterson Rail > Peterson logos, machine is in Norway
185 676 D/A/H > EVB > large red/blue EVB logos
185 677 D/A/H > ITL > ITL logos
185 678 D/A/H > not in service, parked around Kassel
185 679 D/A/H > OHE > no specific inscriptions (?)
185 680 D/A/H > EVB > large red/blue EVB logos
185 681 D/A/H > PCT
185 682 D/A/H > not in service, parked around Kassel
and production will go on

Corrections/additions are welcome! Railpool 185.2

But what has been spotted outside the factory gates so far and what is new? An overview:

E 186 101-110; Since 2006 Bombardier was testing the Traxx MS platform in many European countries using the first batch of 186s built for leasing company Angel Trains Cargo (ATC). But until 2009 none of these ten units were actually delivered to ATC. During the summer 186 101-110 were repainted in Railpool colours. This covers the DE-AT-IT batch of ten for Railpool, although these machines were originally also equipped for running the Netherlands. It is unclear if this still is possible with 186 101-110.

Since the summer also a newly built Traxx MS is seen throughout Germany: 186 281. It has only been used for testing purposes so far and it seems to be configurated for DE-AT-IT traffic.

Since this week, also units that orginally have been built for leasing company CBRail are being adopted (and adapted) for Railpool. Yesterday 186 143 was spotted in Railpool colours. It country specific package is also changed from DE-AT-NL-BE to DE-AT-PL. Most likely, more CBRail machines are on the shortlist to become a Railpool-member: also 186 141, 145 and 147 have never been used by CBRail yet. These machines partially cover the DE-AT-PL order of Railpool.

Then the AC2 units, thirty machines on order, to be numbered as 185 671-700. Three newly built units have left the factory so far, 185 671, 679 and 680, all DE-AT-HU.
Two other units, 672 and 673 were originally completed as ATC 185 610 and 611, but renumbered and repainted so Railpool was able to quickly serve its customer EVB, which is now hiring both engines. In the mean time, Bombardier has built a new 185 610 and 611 for ATC to fill the gap.
Not all Traxx AC2s will get the DE-AT-HU package, as open access oprator Peterson Rail from Sweden has announced that it will hire 3-5 Railpool AC2 units in 2010. These machines obviously need a different package.

For sure this information is not complete yet, many more machines are still to come, but it provides a good intermediate overview. Railpool 185.2 Railpool TRAXX MS2e