The first of our #TRAXX Africa locomotives are now undergoing testing on tracks across South Africa. pic.twitter.com/ipkcZx447n

— BombardierRail (@BombardierRail) June 13, 2017

TFR Class 23E locomotive built in Durban pic.twitter.com/obD707kYJ9

— Peter Christener (@PeetTheEngineer) February 1, 2017

It sure looks different, but it is a modern electric locomotive produced by Bombardier, sharing its many technical components with the TRAXX locomotives from Europe. TRAXX Africa, also known as Class 23E, is one if the new types of locomotives for Transnet, railfreight operator in South-Africa. 240 units (!) will be built of the multi system electric (3kV DC + 25kV AC). Read more about here.

Milestone for #TRAXX South African locomotive project: First African made motors arrive at our #Johannesburg site. pic.twitter.com/uDJhGgpSoo

— BombardierRail (@BombardierRail) November 10, 2015

The Bombardier Traxx family will get a distant family member in South-Africa. South-African operator Transnet has ordered 1064 new locomotives from Bombardier, CSR Zhouzhou (electrics) and GE, CNR (diesel locomotives).

Rail technology leader Bombardier Transportation South Africa (Pty) Ltd has signed a contract with Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) for the delivery of electric locomotives. Bombardier’s 240 TRAXX Africa locomotives are set to be part of a complete fleet renewal programme involving four different suppliers. The contract is expected to be effective by end of March 2014, following certain administrative approvals.

TFR will use the dual-voltage electric locomotives for its general freight business in South Africa. The locomotives will be designed for speeds of up to 100 km/h. The TRAXX Africa design benefits from the vast experience of the TRAXX dual voltage locomotives being in operation with many of the leading European rail freight and passenger operators. TRAXX locomotives are well known for their high reliability, excellent traction capabilities, energy efficiency and low maintenance cost.

Bombardier will build all its new locomotives in South Africa and is committed to localizing more than 60% of the contract scope. This implies investments in local manufacturing capacity, training and further improving the skills development of local employees, while working with local partners to achieve the same objectives. In accordance with South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) program, this project will create a significant number of quality jobs and skills to complement overall developmental objectives.

CSR Zhouzhou will build 359 electrics. CSR Zhouzhou currently already delivers 95 electrics to Transnet as series 20E.

GE: 233 diesel locomotive: Evolution Series ES40ACi

CNR: 232 diesel locomotives.