Great News

Great news everyone! And I'm not talking about Osama being dead and flight recorders being recovered, but about a more rail-related piece of news. I wrote a journal a while back, stating that 103 113 has been towed to Dortmund, to see whether it's possible to get her back onto the mainline. She was retired in 2005, but remained in working order, participating in the museum's locomotive parade every year. For her to go back into regular service though, a general inspection is required by law.

I'm happy to report that it's official by now: After going through a preliminary inspection, 103 113 was deemed to be in good nick, so she'll be given a full overhaul! Right now, there are two 103s in this region that regularly haul IC-replacement and chartered TEE nostalgia trains, namely 103 184 (left) and 103 235 (right).





By the end of this year, they'll be joined by a third member of this magnificent class, when 103 113 will return to mainline service, putting her fabled 10.000hp into good use.



Took this photo back in 2009, while visiting the DB Museum Koblenz. And I have to say, even as a static exhibit, she looks absolutely stunning! It's a pleasure to know that such a beautiful machine will grace our rails once more.