The front design of the BKG1 unmistakably gives away the French origin of the design of the BKG1/HXD2. The BKG1 is going to replace some Soviet 'classics' in Belarus, VL80S locomotives, as seen in the background. The image shows unit BKG1-010 (depot Baranavichy) awaiting its train in Minsk, so is the VL80S-651 in the background. - MK

In August 2011, CNR Datong started the construction fo the first unit. In January 2012, the first BKG1 designated locomotive was ready for transport to Belarus. The start of the certification of these machines was scheduled on 02.02.2012, supported by the Belarusian State University of Transport and Datong of course.

The duration power of a BKG1 twin-section locomotive is 9600 kW. On eunit can haul trains up to 7500 tonnes. They will repaces VL80S type units that only have 6500kW and can haul trains of around 4700-5500 tonnes.

The exterior design of the BKG1 is not different from the HXD2. It has the welknown Prima-front design as developed by Alstom. The locomotives are painted in a light grey livery with light blue fronts. On each side a two tone blue wave 'connects' both parts of the locomotive. - railwaygazette.com/RW.by

CNR is still investing huge amounts of money in expanding and updating its fleet. In almost all projects technology transfer with foreign countries is the basis for new designs. Many new locomotive-designs are being introduced lately:

- HXD1: Siemens/Zhuzhou, Bo'Bo'-Bo'Bo' units, 180 locomotives delivered, 9600kW

- HXD1B: Siemens/Zhuzhou, Co'Co' units, 500 locomotives on order, 9600kW

- HXD1C: Also a 7200kW Co'Co' version of the Siemens design has been spotted, designated HXD1C. No further information on this however.

- HXD2: Alstom/Datong Bo'Bo'-Bo'Bo' units, 180 locomotives on order, 9600kW, Prima design

- HXD2B: Alstom/Datong Co'Co' units, 500 locomotives on order, 9600kW, Prima design

- HXD3: Recently (22.10.2009) the Chinese Dalian, Datong and Beijing February 7th plants were ordered to deliver 400 additonal units of this serie in the eight upcoming months. The HXD3 is a 7200kW Co'Co' unit originally developed by Dalian and Toshiba from Japan. Mass production started in 2006 and orders were raised from 240 to 640, of which the delivery is completed this year. This number will now increase to a staggering 1040 units.

- HXD3B: Bombardier/Dalian Co'Co' electric, 9600kW power, 500 units, based on the MTAB IORE platform, delivery 2009-2011.