DBAG Class 185

DBAG Class 185
Fabien Perissinotto · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	DBAG Class 185
Powertype	Electric
Builder	Bombardier Transportation
Builddate	2006–2013
Totalproduction	125
Uicclass	Bo'Bo'
Maxspeed	160 km/h
Poweroutput	5,200 kW
Operator	Deutsche Bahn, TX Logistik, MRCE, CrossCountry
Locale	Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, Poland, Czech Republic

DBAG Class 185 The DBAG Class 185 is a multi-system electric locomotive used primarily for freight and passenger services across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Developed by Bombardier Transportation from the TRAXX platform, it integrates features from earlier designs used by Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB, and private operators such as TX Logistik and MRCE. The fleet played roles in international corridors linking hubs like Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, and Wien Hauptbahnhof.

Design and Technical Specifications

The locomotive is derived from the Bombardier TRAXX family, sharing components with models used by DB Regio and DB Cargo, and follows specifications influenced by UIC standards and interoperability requirements from the European Union Agency for Railways. Power electronics employ IGBT converters similar to those in the Siemens Vectron and use traction motors comparable to units in Alstom designs. The Class 185 supports 15 kV AC, 25 kV AC, and 3 kV/1.5 kV DC systems to operate across borders between Germany, France, and Belgium corridors, interoperating with signalling systems including PZB, LZB, and ERTMS/ETCS. Bogie design follows the Bo'Bo' arrangement used by locos such as the DB Class 145 and draws on suspension practices from SBB and ÖBB research. Braking systems incorporate blended pneumatic and regenerative braking comparable to units ordered by DB Schenker and Deutsche Bahn Intermodal.

Construction and Production

Production was carried out by Bombardier Transportation at plants aligned with projects for Deutsche Bahn AG and private freight operators including TX Logistik and HVLE. The order process involved procurement rounds with oversight from Bundesnetzagentur and coordination with manufacturers like Siemens Mobility and Alstom for supply-chain components. Subcontractors included firms known to supply traction components for Siemens and ABB. Construction cycles paralleled other European orders such as deliveries to SNCB and PKP Intercity. Serial production benefited from test programs conducted at facilities used by DLR research and at test tracks adjacent to Braunschweig.

Operational History

Class 185 locomotives entered service on international freight corridors and cross-border passenger diagrams linking Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Köln Hauptbahnhof, and alpine routes into Innsbruck. Operators included Deutsche Bahn Cargo, TX Logistik, MRCE, and private hauliers competing with DB Cargo on corridors to Poland and Czech Republic. The locomotives were deployed for intermodal services serving terminals such as Hamburg Hafen and Rotterdam Maasvlakte, and for passenger work on routes historically served by CrossCountry-type operations and regional services coordinated by authorities such as Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg. International use required certification interactions with agencies like SŽ, PKP, and SBB.

Variants and Modifications

Variants include freight-optimized and passenger-equipped subtypes adapted for ETCS fitment or increased top speed for regional expresses, paralleling modular adaptations seen in the TRAXX family used by DB Regio and ÖBB. Some units were modified by leasing companies such as MRCE to include additional safety systems for operation in Poland and Czech Republic, aligning with approvals from UTK and SŽ. Owners performed retrofits for remote diagnostics in line with initiatives from Deutsche Bahn Digital and fleet management systems similar to those used by SNCF and PKP Intercity.

Liveries and Ownership

Liveries have ranged from Deutsche Bahn red used on freight and traction units to private schemes applied by TX Logistik, HVLE, and MRCE leasing pools. Several locomotives carried promotional liveries for events coordinated with municipalities such as Hamburg and Frankfurt am Main and contracted work for logistics firms including DB Schenker and terminal operators like NEO. Ownership structures involved sales, leases, and transfers between Deutsche Bahn, leasing firms like Macquarie-managed entities, and private operators such as SBB Cargo International and DB Arriva.

Accidents and Incidents

Units of this class have been involved in incidents investigated by national bodies including Eisenbahn-Unfalluntersuchungsstelle and reported to regulators like the Bundesstelle für Eisenbahnunfalluntersuchung. Notable occurrences prompted technical reviews similar to investigations that followed incidents involving Siemens Vectron and Alstom Prima locomotives, leading to procedural updates adopted by operators including DB Cargo and TX Logistik. Safety recommendations were circulated among operators such as MRCE and infrastructure managers including DB Netz.

Preservation and Models

While primarily a modern freight and passenger workhorse, the Class 185 has inspired scale models produced by manufacturers associated with Roco, Fleischmann, and Märklin for collectors in markets like Germany and Poland. Heritage groups and museums such as the DB Museum and regional preservation societies have monitored retirements, coordinating with model makers and archives including Eisenbahn-Kurier and Modellbahn publications to document liveries and technical data. Category:Electric locomotives of Germany