Havelländische Eisenbahn (HVLE), a private German rail operator, has steadily built a reputation for efficiency, reliability, and strategic freight solutions. Key to their success has been the addition of three Traxx AC2 locomotives, numbered 185 583, 640, and 641, which serve as the backbone of HVLE’s regional and long-haul freight operations. This article traces these locomotives’ acquisition, deployment, and performance, highlighting their contributions to HVLE’s freight services and the demanding Rubelandbahn route in the Harz mountains.
Acquisition of the Traxx AC2 fleet
In 2007, HVLE placed its first order for a Traxx AC2 locomotive from Bombardier. Designated 185 583, this locomotive was delivered in early 2008, with authorization for operations in Germany and Austria. Painted in HVLE’s distinctive silver and orange, 185 583 was quickly named Havelland and deployed to support HVLE’s freight shuttle service between Spreewitz and Schwerte. The locomotive’s powerful traction and reliability made it an ideal choice for HVLE’s growing operations, and its success paved the way for additional orders.
In March and April 2009, HVLE expanded its fleet with two additional Traxx AC2 locomotives, numbered 185 640 and 641. Again, both machines were delivered fully homologated for German and Austrian rail networks, and HVLE officially presented them on April 18, 2009. Each received a unique name—Rübeland and Blankenburg—honouring regions in the mountainous Harz area where they would soon serve on one of Germany’s most challenging rail routes.
The Traxx AC2: A High-Performance Freight Solution
The Traxx AC2 locomotives are designed specifically for alternating current (AC) systems and are known for their versatility across diverse freight operations. Each locomotive in HVLE’s fleet delivers a power output of 5,600 kW and can reach maximum speeds of up to 140 km/h. These features allow the locomotives to handle both high-capacity freight operations and demanding routes with steep gradients.
A notable feature of the Traxx AC2 series is its dual-voltage capability, which allows seamless operation on both Germany’s standard 15kV / 16.7Hz AC system and the unique 25kV / 50Hz system used exclusively on the Rubelandbahn. This adaptability enables HVLE to deploy these units efficiently across different sections of its network, making the locomotives highly versatile and valuable assets.
Operational Highlights: Five Years of Excellence on the Rubelandbahn
Since their introduction, locomotives 185 640 and 641 have established a reputation for reliability on the Rubelandbahn, one of Germany’s most challenging rail sections. The Rubelandbahn, built between 1880 and 1886, is known for its steep gradients—up to 60 per mille—requiring locomotives with powerful traction to manage the ascent. This line rises 400 meters over a 14-kilometre stretch, carrying lime from quarries in Rübeland to distribution centres in Blankenburg. Loaded trains weigh up to 500 tons on the uphill journey and 1,500 tons on the descent, demanding robust and consistent locomotive performance.
The Traxx AC2 locomotives have excelled in this environment, handling up to nine round trips per day, seven days a week, and maintaining near-perfect availability. “For us, high vehicle availability is of utmost importance,” said Uwe Wullstein, HVLE’s Technology and Operations Manager. “The two Traxx locomotives have met all our expectations, providing reliable service nearly one-hundred percent of the time.”
Fleet Maintenance and Continuous Improvement
HVLE is committed to maintaining its fleet to the highest standards, ensuring its Traxx locomotives’ longevity and consistent performance. In February 2017, locomotive 185 640 underwent an R1 revision at Bombardier, making it fit for continued service on the Rubelandbahn and other HVLE routes. Regular maintenance and updates are essential to HVLE’s operational strategy, allowing the company to meet rigorous schedules and optimize locomotive availability.
A Versatile Fleet Beyond the Rubelandbahn
While 185 640 and 641 primarily serve the Rubelandbahn, the original 185 583 remains dedicated to HVLE’s long-haul freight services across Germany. This locomotive supports high-capacity freight operations outside the mountainous regions, highlighting the versatility of the Traxx AC2 series within HVLE’s network. The ability to deploy these locomotives across varied routes underlines HVLE’s flexible approach to freight logistics, adapting to different customer needs and expanding service capabilities.
Vehicle Properties:
- Manufacturer: Bombardier;
- Subtype: TRAXX F140 AC2;
- Top speed: 140 km/h;
- Power rating: 5,6 MW;
- Starting traction effort: 300 kN;
- Axle Configuration: 4 / Bo’Bo’
- Track Gauge: 1435 mm;
185 641:
- EVN: 91 80 6185 641-8 D-HVLE;
- Works Number 34643
- Year of Construction 2009
- EBA Certification EBA 03J15A 591
- Acceptance date: Bombardier Transportation Kassel BTK 20.04.2009;
- REV 1: Bombardier Services Kassel ReV FW 510 10.03.2017;
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