During the past week, we got the first messages about a new Pesa Gama locomotive, being released from work: 111Db-002. The machine has the same livery as 111Db-001 which was presented last year in Berlin, during InnoTrans 2014.

The 002 is currently seen on the public railnetwork in Poland, together with PKP IC coaches. This image is from Poznan for example. the machine is now on its way to Rzeszów. From there it will be tested on the non-electrified track sections Rzeszów – Stalowa Wola – Zamość and Rzeszów – Jasło – Zagórz. We will closely follow the developments here, of course.

Meanwhile, the proto loco is reportedly pulling freight trains too. But PKP Cargo strongly denies any interested in acquiring the Gama.

Was there an electric (DC) locomotive with supplemental combustion engine at the fair in 2012, this time Pesa put a diesel-electric machine in the center of attention. After 111Ed-001 Gama 'Marathon' in 2012, there was now the 111Db-001 sporting the corporate colors and logos of PKP Intercity.

This particular livery is the result of a very long period of negotiations. Only one week before the fair Pesa and PKP Intercity signed a contract for the delivery of ten Gama diesel-electric locomotives. Two tenders were needed to find a manufacturer that met the demands of PKP. Both tenders were won by Pesa, but the first time PKP called the deal of because it regarded the bid of Pesa not realistic. Especially the maintenance costs were considered to be too low. The second time Pesa again got the order, but signing the contract was postponed until the second week of september 2014.

For Pesa it is the second order for its Gama locomotive platform. Koleje Mazowieckie has ordered two DC-locomotives for its additional double deck trains.

The 111Db-001 at Innotrans was completed by Pesa before any delivery deal was signed. It is therefore not being built to delivered to PKP. The logos and colours of the operators will be removed again. PKP will get ten new locomotives, that still need to be built. Pesa is meanwhile negotiating with other operators to sell this 'prototype'.

Check the complete section about the Pesa Gama at Mainlinediesels.net

Meanwhile, first images are appearing online. Check them here.

With its diesel-Gama, Pesa has won a tender of PKP Intercity. Ten such locomotives were to be delivered to the Poland operator of passenger trains. However, it is unclear whether or not this contract has been signed yet.

MTU has received an order from Polish rail vehicle manufacturer Pesa Bydgoszcz SA for ten Series 4000 locomotive diesel engines. The Type Gama 111Db locomotives from Pesa are to be fitted with 16-cylinder Type 4000 R84 units from MTU, a subsidiary of Rolls Royce Power Systems AG. The engines are certificated for EU Stage IIIB emissions regulations, and will go into operation in 2015, powering the locomotives and driving the passengers of the Polish rail company PKP Intercity.

Their 2,400 kW output means the diesel engines can take the Gama locomotives up to a top speed of 160 kph. The MTU drive units achieve EU Stage IIIB compliance using exhaust gas recycling, common rail injection and diesel particulate filters. The engines´ two-stage turbocharging technology delivers high charge-air pressures for enhanced power with minimum particulate emissions.

Polish rolling stock manufacturer Pesa has won the PKP IC diesel locomotive tender, that was re-issued late last year. When the tender ended early January, only two companies had made an offer for the delivery of the ten locos: Newag and Pesa.

Remarkable is that Pesa had also won the initial tender issued by PKP IC. However, the offers by Vossloh and Newag did not comply with the requirements and Pesa's bid included unrealistically low maintenance costs, so the tender was temporarily cancelled.

Pesa has now been selected again in favour of Newag, because Pesa was able to offer both a better purchase price and lower maintenance costs. Also, Pesa offered better availability and reliability of its Gama diesels compared with Newag. Delivery of the new Gama locomotives is envisaged for 2015.

Read more on: Rynek-Kolejowy.pl