Product Features and Details
Prototype: multi-purpose locomotive quick series 120.0 of the Deutsche Bundesbahn (DB). Before standard in original livery.
Model: to operate on 3-wire Trix Express tracks. With digital decoder and extensive sound functions. Controlled high-performance drive with flywheel mounted centrally. All 4 axles powered. Traction tires. Directional alternating three top light and 2 red marker lights conventionally in operation, digital switchable. Maintenance-free, warm white light-emitting diodes (LED) lighting. Placed laterally and frontally handles made of metal. Is a link plug for direct analog operation. 22.1 cm length over buffers.
The three-phase pioneer. The 120 series marks the technological upheaval on three-phase drives. This principle promises largely maintenance-free, compact motors without collectors, slip rings, brushes and mechanical contacts. Because a wide torque and speed range control allows the AC technology, the specifications for this new development is wishlist moderately broad. The BR 120 to pull 200 km/h fast Intercity trains and 5,400 t heavy freight trains, also be equipped with change control and electric commercial brake. The DB ordered 1977 five test machines, which are thoroughly tested on test benches, test drives and in operational use. Approaching, acceleration, running properties, traction, braking, Energy consumption, stability are on the program. Comparative tests with other locomotive manufacturers as well as start-up attempts at the Lötschberg and Semmering ramps confirm the performance of the technology. The speed record is 265 km/h. During the trial phase, new developments incorporated for example microprocessors to regulate faster. Again and again, components to improve until all five machines 1982 technically be placed on the same level and get the production. During the multi-year development phase the procurement policy has changed, however. Instead of all-round locomotives again prefer special locomotives based on common development platforms with many identical parts. From the BR 120, therefore only a first series obtained by 60 units. The prototypes are still used for the testing, the locomotives proved until today in the daily operation of the railway.
