[PL / Expert+] The first Pesa Gama Dual Mode is out

In July 2021 we could already catch the first glimpse of a Pesa Gama Dual-Mode locomotive. Last week it was seen outside the factory in Bydgoszcz for the first time. nakolei.pl published a picture.

We see a locomotive in the paint scheme of PKP Intercity, mainly get, with dark blue striping. Dual Power markings point out the special capabilities of the machine. Its EVN is 90 51 5450 001-1 PL-PKPIC. Its road number should be 111De-001.

We are working on an extensive article on this locomotive. Some background information:

Dual Mode no.1

It is the first diesel-electric + electric locomotive of the Gama family. Its concept is similar to that of Siemens’ Vectron Dual Mode. We have to go all the way back to 2016 to find the origin of this project. On 06.10.2016, Pesa and PKP IC signed a memorandum of understanding for developing a dual-mode locomotive (diesel and electric). The project is supported by the NCBiR (National Research and Development Centre). The plan back then was to develop a 2.8MW electric with a combustion engine of 1.8 MW. Its maximum speed should be 160 km/h. Pesa and PKP IC signed a contract for the delivery of one dual-mode Gama in 2017.

Dual Mode no.2

Similar news was published in 2018, yet this time it was PKP Cargo, Pesa, and IPS Tabor that planned to develop a dual-mode (electric+diesel) autonomous (level GoA3) Gama locomotive. The three parties signed an agreement during InnoTrans 2018.