DB Class 151

The Class 151 is an electric heavy freight locomotive built for German Federal Railways between 1972 and 1978. They were built as a replacement for the ageing Class 150, in order to cope with the increased requirements of this type of locomotive, in particular the desire of a 120 km/h (75 mph) top speed.

DB Class 151
Type and origin Power type Electric Builder AEG, BBC, Henschel, Krauss-Maffei, Krupp, Siemens Build date 1972-1978 Total produced 170
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC Co′Co′ Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 ^1⁄2 in) Length 19,490 mm (63 ft 11.3 in) Axle load 19.7 t (19.4 long tons; 21.7 short tons) Loco weight 118 t (116 long tons; 130 short tons) Electric system/s 15 kV 16.7 Hz Catenary Current pickup(s) Pantograph Safety systems InduSi, SiFa, PZB90
Performance figures Maximum speed 120 km/h (75 mph) Power output 6,288 kW (8,432 hp) Tractive effort Continuous: 250 kN (56,000 lbf), Starting: 395 kN (89,000 lbf)
Career Delivered 1972

Production

On 21 November 1972 the first locomotive, 151001, was delivered by AEG and Krupp. It was followed by 11 further pilot locomotives, which were extensively tested before the main order was built. Altogether 170 locomotives were ordered, which were based at first in Hagen and Nuremberg.

Variations

Originally the Class 151 was also suitable for passenger service, however it is now not possible due to not having required safety equipment. Some engines were fitted with automatic coupling (type unicupler AK69e) to haul heavy ore-trains.