DB Class 120

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The 120 is a class of electric locomotives operated by DB Fernverkehr in Germany. Its prototypes, delivered in 1979, were the first electric locomotives with three-phase motors. They were based on experiences made in the 1970s with diesel-electric test platforms. Hopes were to create the first truly universal locomotive, capable of pulling fast passenger trains as well as heavy freight trains. While the electric equipment exceeded expectations, the mechanical part suffered from its lightweight construction neccessitated by the heavy electronics of the time.
After extensive tests, a series of 60 locomotives (designated class 120.1) were ordered in 1984 and delivered in 1987-1989. Original plans to build up to 1,000 machines were ultimately ended by DB's privatization. The 120s went to DB Fernverkehr, the other divisions of Deutsche Bahn ordered locomotives that featured technologies from the 120, but were no direct successors.

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