DR Class 132

DR Class 132
DB 232 559 in the snow, 1 Feb, 2005.
Type and origin Power type Diesel Builder October Revolution Locomotive Works Build date 1973-1982 Total produced over 1000
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR Co-Co Gauge 1435 mm Length 20.62 m Adhesive weight 10.2 t Fuel type Diesel
Performance figures Power output 2200 kW
Career Number in class 600 Nicknames Ludmilla Delivered 1973-1982 to DR

DR Class 132/DBAG Class 232

The diesel locomotive class 232 was introduced 1973 into Deutsche Reichsbahn (GDR) services. It was produced in the Soviet Union, as central planning did not allow Eastern Germany to construct own diesel heavy-duty engines. It's original number was class 132 (please see short history of numbering schemes). Nicknamed Ludmilla, the series also comprises classes 230, 231, 233, 234 and 241, with a total of 873 units produced between 1970 and 1982.

History

During the 1960s the East German government decided to focus on diesel traction. Due to RGW guidelines the GDR had to stop their production of diesel-hydraulic locomotives. Instead GDR imported heavy-duty engines from the USSR, starting with the M 62 / V 200 / class 120 (later class 220) for freight trains. The plan demanded a 2,200 kW locomotive with a top speed of 140 km/h for general purpose duty. Following these technical demands the Lugansk locomotive works introduced the class 130 in 1970. Unluckily the soviet industry could not provide an electric heating feature, therefore the engines were restricted to freight trains - for what they were too fast. As a reaction the class 131 with a reduced top speed of 100 km/h (and higher traction force) was delivered for freight services.

When in 1972 the electric heating system was available, two prototypes were constructed. Due to poor track conditions in GDR the top speed was limited to 120 km/h, therefore the class 132 top speed was reduced to that. The class 132 became the backbone of GDR diesel traction quickly. Later six 2,940 kW - class 142 - units were produced in 1977, but due to the planned electrification of many major lines such strong engines were not necessary any more.

After reunification class 130 was renumbered to 230 and class 131 to 231, but both quickly were pulled out of service. The renumbered class 232 are still in service and have taken over many freight services in Western Germany also.

Some class 232 underwent reconstruction, such as class 234 (top speed 140 km/h), class 233 (new 12 cylinder engine) and 241 (new engines with 2,940 kW).

Usage

During GDR times the class 132 pulled everything that was fast or heavy. After restructuring of DBAG the locomotives were assigned to DB Cargo (now Railion) for freight services. Class 232 locomotives can be seen all through Germany and the Netherlands, as they are stronger and/or can supply more electric energy than a single class 218.

Technics

The locomotives are constructed on a steel frame with attached carbody. The two three-axle bogies are led by a central pin. The power transmission is electric, with the 16 cylinder turbo-charged diesel engine creating electric energy for the nose-suspended traction motors. Due to construction and the electric power transmission the class 232 locomotives are very heavy. The load per axle of 20,3 t allows usage only on main lines.

In the beginning, many units suffered crankshaft failure, especially in early spring. They were eventually replaced with forged, hardened versions.

Variants

• Czech Republic, Slovakia: T679.2 similar to class 132.
• Bulgaria: 07, similar to class 131.
• USSR: TЭ 109, double engines 2TЭ 109, TЭ 125, TЭ 129.

Literature

• Helmut Brinker: "Russische Westflotte". Fünf Jahre Baureihe 232 im Ruhrgebiet. In: Eisenbahn-Kurier. Nr. 306/Jahrgang 32/1998. EK-Verlag GmbH, ISSN 0170-5288, S. 52-56.
• Kurt Köhler, Andreas Stange: Die V 300 - Familie der Deutschen Reichsbahn. Die Baureihen 130, 131, 132 und 142. EK-Verlag, Freiburg 2000, ISBN 3-88255-130-5

External links

• http://www.triebfahrzeuge.de/232-d.html
• http://www.br232.de
• Triebfahrzeug-Lexikon
• Pictures in the European railway gallery: BR232, BR233, BR234, BR241, BR234 304-4 in Regionalbahnfarben, BR130/131 der Reichsbahn