Locomotives / Train Sets

DB Class 218 (series) Diesel Locomotive

Diesel Locomotive

Series: "DB V160"

The West German DB Class 218 played a critical role in national passenger and freight-pulling operations in the latter-half of the Cold War period.
Entry Last Edited: 01/17/2024 | Content ©www.RailRoadJunction.net

The West German DB ("Deutsche Bundersbahn") Class 218 was a further evolution of the V160 locomotive family. The diesel-hydraulic-powered design was built by Krupp, Henschel, Krauss-Maffai, and MaK from the period spanning 1971 to 1979 to the tune of 398 serial production models. Krupp supplied the initial 12 prototypes in 1968. Despite their Cold War-era roots, the series still sees limited service in second-line roles today (2024) owing largely to its inherent reliability and versatility.

The locomotives weighed 79.5 tons, sat on a four-axle arrangement (UIC = B'B'), and showcased a running length of 53.10 feet. Power varied based on the production model as some were outfitted with MTU units and others carried Pielstick engines as prime movers. A generator supplied upwards of 540 horsepower for Head-End Power (HEP). Total power reached 2,764 horsepower (MTU TB11). Braking was through a hydrodynamic system.

All told, the locos could reach maximum speeds of 87 miles-per-hour with a tractive effort producing 53,000lb.

Notable variants in the line went on to include the "DB Class 218.9", the "DB AG Series 210.4", and "DB AG Series 218.8".

DB Class 218.9 were former gas turbine-boosted models rebuilt into the Class 218.9 standard from the early 1980s on and these managed as existence until the mid-2000s.

Deutsche Bahn AG headed the creation of the DB AG Series 210.4 of 1996 to operate between Munich to Hamburg. Unpowered driving trailers were arranged in the formation as the route was not entirely electrified though, once the line was updated, variant was returned to its former operational role. The DB AG Series 218.8 encompassed fifteen locomotive units modified for second-line roles.

The related DB AG Series 225.8 was formed from Class 218 units for operations with DB Railion.

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Specifications [ DB Class 218 (series) ]

Germany (West Germany)

Operating Countries

Deutsche Bahn (DB); DB Railion
Customers / Operators

Krauss-Maffei; Krupp; Henschel; Maschinenbau Kiel (MaK)
Builder

West Germany
Origin

1971 - 1979
Production Run

411 units
Production Total

Front-Right
Driver Position

16.4 meters
(53.8 feet)
Length

72,121 kilograms
(159,027 lb | 79 US Tons)
Weight

Diesel
Power Source

P A S S E N G E R

F R E I G H T
Service Roles

MTU 12V956 TB10 OR Pielstick 16PA 4V 200 prime mover unit developing between 2,470 and 2,764 horsepower output. HEP generator developing 540 horsepower.
Engine / Drive Source

2,764 hp
Rated Output Power

140.0 kph
(87.0 mph)
Max Speed

Wheel Arrangement (Loco Facing Left)

Series Variants

DB Class 218
DB Class 218.9
DB Class 210.4
DB AG Series 218.8
DB AG Series 225.8

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