DB Class E 41

Deutsche Bundesbahn

Industry	Railway
Founded	1956
Headquarters	Germany

The E 41 class, which was later reclassified as the DB Class 141, represents the inaugural series of German Einheits-Elektrolokomotive introduced by the Deutsche Bundesbahn starting in 1956.

Development and initial deployment

Intended primarily for local and branch line duties, the E 41 was re-designated as class 141 following the 1968 renumbering scheme. Its popular moniker, Knallfrosch (meaning firecracker), derives from the distinctive loud clicking sound produced by its tap changer during notch transitions. A total of 451 locomotives were constructed.

Conceived as an efficient traction solution for lighter passenger services, the E 41 featured a maximum velocity of 120 kilometres per hour (75 mph) and maintained an axle load under 17 tonnes (17 long tons; 19 short tons). In the early years, due to a shortage of available locomotives, it was occasionally assigned to express train duties. However, with express train speeds increasing to 140 kilometres per hour (87 mph) in the early 1960s, the E 41 gradually ceased operating on express routes.

Operational history

In its designated role of hauling local passenger trains, the E 41 demonstrated dependable performance and efficiency, particularly when operating with push-pull train configurations. Its application within S-Bahn networks was less optimal since it lacked an electric friction brake, which would have minimized wheel and track wear. The locomotive's operational profile remained largely consistent until the early 1990s.

From that period onward, many E 41 units were supplanted by former Deutsche Reichsbahn locomotives of the class 143, especially in S-Bahn services. Additionally, starting in the mid-1990s, newer electric multiple units and modern locomotives such as the TRAXX series' class 146 replaced further numbers of class 141 engines. Consequently, a substantial portion of these locomotives was scrapped over time. The first unit withdrawn from service was number 141 188 on October 31, 1987; since then, their fleet size steadily declined. The final quartet of units remained on standby around Frankfurt until their retirement in December 2006, reserved for emergency substitution of newer locomotive failures.

Liveries

• stahlblau RAL 5011 (units 141 001 to 141 071)
• chromoxydgrün RAL 6020 (units 141 072 to 141 451)
• ozeanblau/beige RAL 5020 / RAL 1011 (repainted between 1976 and 1987)
• S-Bahn Rhein Ruhr (a variation of the 5020/1011 livery, applied to unit 141 248 from 1977 to 2001)
• orientrot RAL 3031 (introduced from 1987, with numerous locomotives repainted)
• kieselgrau/orange RAL 7035 / RAL 2012 (used on Nuremberg S-Bahn units 141 436 to 442)
• verkehrsrot RAL 3020 (from 1998 onwards)