Electric locomotive class 230 of the Deutsche Reichsbahn (DR).  Epoch IV

Completely new construction including 16-BIT SOUND for a perfect sound experience.

■ Version as a series locomotive of the class 230
■ Finely detailed model with many separately applied plug-in parts
■ Completely newly-developed current collectors with innovative attachment
■ Elaborate roof area design as well as the ventilator slats allowing an unobstructed view
■ Delicate design of the bogies as well as the spoked wheels
■ With rail guards and air tanks in closed form for realistic presentation in display cabinets
■ Comprehensive lighting functions in the digital versions ex-works: Driver’s cab and control panel lighting as well as engine room lighting
■ Newly-developed “Dynamic Sound” package with two loudspeakers for improved depth of sound

In the 1980s, the DR purchased electric dual-mode locomotives to improve operating procedures in the steadily growing cross-border traffic between the GDR and Czechoslovakia. Due to the lack of experience in the field of dual voltage technology (GDR: AC voltage 15 kV/16⅔ Hz, ČSSR: DC voltage 3 kV) and full capacity production at the electric locomotive manufacturer LEW in Hennigsdorf, the machines were built based on the ČSD series ES 499.1 and 499.2. However, the locomotive factory Škoda had not built a locomotive for the AC system before, so the parts of the AC equipment were supplied from the GDR. Due to the demand of the ČSD, this resulted in a double order for Škoda with 15 locomotives class 372 and 20 locomotives class 230 for the DR.