MAJOR changes to operating contracts in southern Germany on June 9 mean Go-Ahead’s German subsidiary is now operating multiple routes from Stuttgart, replacing DB Regio push-pull trains.
Abellio also took over routes in the area on the same day, and more routes will switch from DB in December.
For the German national operator, the changes mean large numbers of older electric locos have become redundant.
Many Class 111 locos have been stored or scrapped already this year and more will follow next year.
The Class 111 dates from 1974 to 1984 and was ordered for West German Deutsche Bundesbahn, with 227 built and fewer than 100 remaining in use.
In the short term the RE4 route between Dortmund and Aachen (via Düsseldorf) is one of the best places to see the remaining Class 111 locos, although these will be replaced by new EMUs from December 2020.
Read more News and Features in the July 2019 issue of The RM –on sale now!
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