Product Features and Details
Information about the model
The ability to haul 700-ton express trains at 90 km/h on a 10 per mille gradient – that was the requirement set by the DR's (East German Railways) Technical Central Office in the specifications for the new electric locomotive to be developed. This requirement closely followed the specifications of the E10 series prototypes under construction by the Deutsche Bundesbahn (West German Federal Railway). In cooperation with VEB Lokomotivbau Elektrotechnische Werke "Hans Beimler" Hennigsdorf, the Deutsche Reichsbahn began developing the universal locomotive, planned as the E11, in the mid-1950s. However, like the DB, they quickly realized that they could not avoid developing a separate freight locomotive. The mechanical components of the new series were heavily based on the U4 locomotives previously developed by LEW for the Polish State Railways. Furthermore, the design principles of the axleless electric locomotives put into service by the BLS (Bern-Lötschberg-Simplon Railway) and SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) in the 1940s served as a basis for the development. For the electronic components, the plan was to acquire West German licenses, but this proved impossible and ultimately necessitated in-house development. All this development work led to the two prototype locomotives E11 001 and 002, which LEW delivered to the Deutsche Reichsbahn (East German State Railway) for testing in 1960. After the test runs were completed, the findings were incorporated into the series production of the E11 and E42 locomotives. The two prototype locomotives entered regular service and were technically adapted to the series production locomotives by 1966. Locomotive 211 001-3, the first newly built electric locomotive of the GDR, has been preserved to this day and can be viewed at the DB Museum in Halle/Saale.
Model details
- Finely detailed chassis
- Freestanding roof pipes
- Coupling mount according to NEM
- Frame and wheels made of metal
- Authentic, multi-part roof equipment
- Metal roof pantograph (no current collection possible)
- Extra windshield wipers
- 5-pole, skew-slotted motor with 2 flywheels
