Northrail / VDE 8.1 / Nightjet / DB Bahn / Tren Interoceánico / DB Cargo / Railpool

[locomotive] Northrail introduces remote-controlled Vectron Dual Mode

Siemens Mobility has equipped the first Vectron Dual Mode locomotive with remote control in Senftenberg. The required equipment was authorized for commercial use in February 2025. It allows operators to control the train from outside the cab, eliminating the need for an additional shunting assistant. Northrail has commissioned Siemens to retrofit its entire Vectron Dual Mode fleet. (sw)

[locomotive] First freight train on Germany’s VDE 8.1 high-speed line

The first freight train has successfully operated on the VDE 8.1 high-speed rail line between Erfurt and Bamberg, fully equipped with the European Train Control System (ETCS). This milestone, achieved in cooperation with TX Logistik and DB InfraGO, marks a significant advancement in rail freight transport. The successful test run in January 2025 paved the way for regular freight operations. (sw)

[passenger] Nightjet legacy fleet receives DaNi livery

Through several channels, we were made aware that now older carriages from the Nightjet fleet will also receive the Nightjet livery of the Dani fleet. This means a simplification, as the stars will disappear and the light gray lines will be removed. Along the entire length, there will now be a dark gray and red stripe, the window sections will also be outlined in dark gray, and the light gray doors will become dark blue with a gray outline. (sw)

[passenger] Second upgrade for interior DB ICE3neo

Deutsche Bahn has introduced new interior features for the ICE3neo (Baureihe 408). The restroom now includes a child seat and touchless trash bins. Seatbacks feature a tablet holder and coat hook. In first class, phones can be charged wirelessly, foot lighting has been added, and more wood paneling enhances the walls. Digital information displays have also been redesigned. This marks the second interior upgrade for the ICEneo during its delivery phase. (sw)

[passenger] Class43s in Mexico

The iconic British High-Speed Train (HST) is now running in Mexico as the Tren Interoceánico. Refurbished for its new role, the HST connects the Pacific and Atlantic coasts via the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. (sw)

[locomotive] DB Cargo advances fully automated hump locomotive

In December 2022, DB Cargo unveiled the 290 677 diesel locomotive as the fully automated hump locomotive (VAL). Developed in collaboration with Bosch Engineering and ITK Engineering, the technology is now being prepared for series production. Initial trials have been successful, with regulatory approval expected by 2027. Full deployment across Germany’s major marshalling yards is planned from 2028 to enhance single-load freight efficiency. (sw)

[locomotive] New TRAXX 494.7 locomotives from Vado Ligure for Railpool

As of now, Alstom has delivered seven TRAXX 494.7 locomotives to Railpool Italy, numbered 494.701 to 494.707. The latest unit, 494.707, departed from Vado Ligure on March 25, 2025. In the coming days, units 494.708 and 494.709 will be delivered to Ermes Rail, while test runs are underway in preparation for the handover of units 494.710 and 494.711. All locomotives so far are leased to Captrain Italia, except for 494.702, which is operated by ART Altmann. (lp)