Catalogue information
Material: cast metal. Locomotive number: 120 123-5. Clutch: KK. In schedule: 2008-2010. Version: Digital decoder mfx with serially switchable sound functions. Controlled high-efficiency propulsion. 2 axles powered. Anti-slip tires. Lighting with low-maintenance warm white LEDs. Front signal in traditional operation, digitally switchable. Cab lighting can be switched separately. Cabs with interior and lighting. Mounted handrails. Digital sound: locomotive whistle and station announcements. Prototype: Series version of the BR 120 pre-series. The 120 series marks the technological change to three-phase drives. This principle promises compact, highly wear-resistant motors without collectors, slip rings, carbon brushes and mechanical contacts. Because a wide torque and speed range can be controlled with three-phase current technology, the list of requirements for this new development has been set out broadly in terms of wish list. The BR 120 is to pull 200 km/h fast InterCity trains and 5,400-ton freight trains, in addition to being equipped with reverse train control and electric recuperation brake. In 1977, the DB orders five test machines, which were thoroughly tested on test benches, on test drives and in operational use. Acceleration, pulling power, acceleration, running characteristics, braking power, energy demand, sustainability are on the program. Comparative tests with other locomotive manufacturers and acceleration tests on the slopes of the Lötschberg and Semmering confirm the performance of the technology. The speed record is 265 km/h. During the test phase, new developments come in, for example microprocessors for faster control. Components are continuously improved until all five machines have been technically brought into the same state in 1982 and they have become ready for series production. During the multi-year development phase, however, the purchasing policy has changed. Instead of all-round locomotives, preference is again given to special locomotives based on common development platforms with many similar construction components. Therefore, only a first series of 60 units of the BR 120 will be purchased. The prototypes are further used for tests, the series locomotives prove themselves in daily railway operation.
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