DRG Class E 94

DRG Class E94

Company type	Electric locomotive
Industry	Railway transport
Predecessor	DRG Class E 93
Founded	1940
Headquarters	Germany
Products	Electric freight locomotives
Number of employees	146 (by end of World War II)

DRG Class E94 Overview

The DRG Class E94 represents a powerful electric freight locomotive developed for the Deutsche Reichsbahn beginning in 1940, with the majority of units produced during that initial year. This model marked a significant advancement from its predecessor, the DRG Class E 93. Enthusiasts often refer to this locomotive as the "Grünes Krokodil" (Green Crocodile), inspired by its visual similarity to the Swiss locomotive known as the "Crocodile".

Production

File:Nuremberg 1985, German Railways, DB Class 194 (SIK 03-021164).jpg

Deutsche Bundesbahn E 194 in 1985

A total of 146 units were manufactured by the conclusion of the Second World War, reflecting their strategic significance during the conflict. During this era, these locomotives were designated as KEL 2.

Following World War II, the Deutsche Bundesbahn commissioned an additional 49 locomotives, with deliveries extending until 1957. The last 23 produced featured an enhanced power output of 4,680 kW (6,280 hp). Beginning in 1968, their maximum speed was increased to 100 km/h (62 mph), and they were subsequently reclassified as E 94.2 and later as Class 194.5, reflecting several technical modifications.

Transfers to ÖBB and DR

In the aftermath of the war, 44 locomotives were transferred to the control of the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). By 1952, ÖBB placed orders for three additional units to complement their fleet. These locomotives were assigned to class 1020 in 1954.

The Deutsche Reichsbahn undertook refurbishment of 23 E 94 units recovered from the Soviet occupation zone, deploying them primarily on heavy freight services and occasionally on express passenger trains.