Multi-purpose electric locomotive. German Federal Railways (DB) class 120. Wheel arrangement B-B. 2 driven axles. Coupling hook at each end. Length over buffers 22.1 cm (8-3/4").
The German Federal Railways class 120 was a turning point in the history of locomotive development. With this class the Federal Railways had made another advance in electrically-driven rail transport, almost exactly 100 years after the world's first electric locomotive entered service, in Berlin.
Modern semiconductor technology had made it possible to use alternating current motors in locomotives. This type of motor has several advantages. As well as having low maintenance costs, due to their simple construction, they enable a high continuous loading to be maintained over virtually the entire speed range. This locomotive could therefore be used for any type of passenger or freight service.
The 120 developed a continuous rating power of 5600 kW, with a maximum speed of 160 km/h (100 mph). One trial locomotive was designed to go as fast as 200 km/h (124 mph). With this superb locomotive the German Federal Railways had scored a notable success, as has been recognized by other nations using the same railroad electrification system. Norwegian Railways, for example, ordered an initial batch of similar machines to be built in Germany.
