DRG Class E 19
| Company type | Electric locomotive series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Predecessor | DRG Class E 18 |
| Founded | 1938 |
| Headquarters | Germany |
| Products | High-speed electric locomotives |
The Deutsche Reichsbahn electric locomotives of the E 19 series (renamed class 119 in 1968) were the fastest electric engines operated by the company. Although their operational speed was limited to a maximum of 180 km/h during regular service, they were engineered to achieve velocities up to 225 km/h. Upon their introduction, these locomotives represented the most powerful single-frame units ever constructed.
History
In 1937, the Deutsche Reichsbahn initiated plans for electric locomotives tailored for the Berlin-Halle (Saale)-Munich corridor, aiming to support high-speed travel with a target maximum velocity of 180 km/h and maintain speeds of approximately 60 km/h on the inclines of the Franconian Forest Railway. The design also allowed for future enhancements to exceed speeds of 200 km/h.
Contracts were awarded to both AEG and a Siemens/Henschel consortium for the production of two units each. AEG manufactured locomotives designated E 19 01 and E 19 02, while Siemens/Henschel produced E 19 11 and E 19 12. Both variants were derived from the proven design of the DRG Class E 18. The helical spring suspension and rigid 1′Do1′ chassis remained largely unchanged from the E 18 model; however, to accommodate increased demands, the suspension system was reinforced and power output was augmented by approximately 500[convert: needs unit name]. The overall length between buffers matched that of the E 18, with external distinctions primarily evident in fan placement and window configuration.
Since Deutsche Reichsbahn sought to evaluate offerings from Germany’s two leading electrical manufacturers—particularly regarding advancements in power electronics—the locomotives exhibited subtle differences. The AEG-built units (subclass E 19.0) represented an updated iteration of the E 18, featuring welded body panels replacing riveted ones and equipped with a refined precision regulator that provided smoother transitions but offered only twenty speed settings compared to twenty-nine on the E 18. Conversely, Siemens/Henschel's locomotives (subclass E 19.1) retained a traditional riveted construction but incorporated an advanced dynamic brake system designed to minimize braking distances, resulting in a distinctive raised roof profile relative to the E 19.0 series.
The first unit, E 19 01, commenced operation in 1938 sporting a black chassis combined with a burgundy body accented by white pinstripes. Comprehensive testing across all four locomotives took place during 1939–1940; however, no further production occurred due to the outbreak of World War II. Although high-speed trials reaching up to 225 km/h had been planned, they were never realized. The initial pair, E 19 01 and E 19 02, failed to meet the standard braking distance requirement of one thousand meters because their braking systems lacked sufficient capacity. It was anticipated that the newer electric brakes on units E 19 11 and E 19 12 would address this issue, but wartime constraints prevented thorough evaluation. Consequently, it remained unresolved whether these locomotives could have consistently attained their intended top speeds during routine operations.
Deutsche Bundesbahn
All four units were handed over to the Deutsche Bundesbahn. During the 1950s, their maximum speed was lowered to 140 km/h through modifications to the gearbox and motor, optimizing them for their primary role on the Franconian Forest Railway. The two locomotives preserved in museums retain this altered setup and have not been reverted to their initial specifications. Their paint scheme was subsequently updated to a blue and black design. These locomotives were based at the Nuremberg depot and predominantly operated on routes between Nuremberg and Probstzella in the DDR, as well as between Nuremberg and Regensburg. Occasionally, they were also stationed at Hagen. The final E 19 model (119 002) was withdrawn from service in 1978, while the others were retired in 1975 and 1977.
Preservation
Two locomotives, E 19 01 and E 19 12, have been preserved. E 19 01 is exhibited at the German Museum of Technology in Berlin, featuring a red paint scheme. E 19 12, housed at the Nuremberg Transport Museum, was restored to its original red livery following the celebration of "150 years of rail transport in Germany." Locomotives 119 002 and 119 011 were dismantled in Munich.
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E 19 01 displaying red livery, Bochum-Dahlhausen, 1985
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E 19 12 in blue paint, 1984
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119 002 at Munich scrapyard, 1984
