DB Class 611
| Company type | Diesel multiple unit train |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Founded | 1996 |
Area served | Germany |
| Products | Regional trains with tilting technology |
The DBAG Class 611 is a diesel multiple unit consisting of two cars, featuring tilting capabilities, and is utilized by Deutsche Bahn to provide rapid regional transport on routes without electrification.
General information
Replacing the DB Class 610, the Class 611 incorporated tilting technology inspired by German military applications rather than continuing with the earlier hydraulic system developed by Fiat. This transition aimed to mitigate environmental risks associated with hydraulic fluid leaks by implementing an electrically controlled mechanism derived from stabilization technology used in tank guns. Although the train initially faced operational difficulties and was viewed unfavorably, as of November 2015, 40 units were still active in service.
Tilting technology issues
After entering service in 1996, the Class 611 encountered problems with its tilting system by March 1997. Consequently, the Federal Railway Authority imposed a speed restriction of 120 km/h and temporarily deactivated the tilting function until May 1999, when these problems were rectified. In August 2004, tilting was once more disabled following the detection of cracks in wheelsets of its successor, the Class 612, during ultrasonic examinations. Curve speed limits were lowered until 2006 when defective wheelsets were replaced. Additional difficulties caused another suspension of tilting in October 2009. From April 3, 2011 onward, Class 611 units operating in Baden-Württemberg resumed use of their tilting technology.