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ZSSK retires class 350 “Gorila” from regular service following Vectron deliveries
ZSSK has ended the regular deployment of its iconic class 350 “Gorila” locomotives after more than 50 years in service. The final day of scheduled operation took place on 15 March 2026. The withdrawal follows the recent delivery of additional Siemens Vectron locomotives, numbered 7193 141–143, which have strengthened the operator’s modern fleet. Together with Class 361 locomotives, ZSSK now has sufficient capacity to fully cover services on the Bratislava–Košice corridor. From now on, the Class 350 locomotives will remain in the fleet only as operational reserve units and will be deployed solely in case of shortages or disruptions involving newer traction. The move marks the end of an era for one of Slovakia’s most recognisable locomotive class in regular passenger service. (mp)
A new Vectron Dual Mode linked to Austrian Steiermarkbahn
For the second time, a new Vectron Dual Mode has been spotted in connection with Austria’s Steiermarkbahn. On 19 March 2026, 90 81 3193 911-2 A-STBAT, finished in white, performed a test run near Munich. This follows an earlier example from 2021 (no. 90 81 3193 910-4 A-STBTL = VDM020 = Siemens 23163). However, it was never delivered to Austria, as full approval for the Alpine country was not yet possible at the time — something that has since changed. The 2021-built locomotive instead went on to pursue a different career. Renumbered as 90 80 2248 995-3 D-SIEAG, it has operated with several freight companies. After a period with SETG (in full SETG livery), locomotive 995 is now in service with Smartrail, carrying the distinctive side markings typical of Smartrail locomotives. (sw)
SRI Rail Invest hands over Traxx AC3 to SWEG
SRI Rail Invest has handed over locomotive 187 932 (DE-AT-HU-RO) to Südwestdeutsche Landesverkehrs-GmbH (SWEG) for cross-border operations. Equipped with ETCS, last-mile module and remote control, the blue machine marks a continued partnership between the two companies, following SWEG’s earlier use of SRI’s BR 145 and BR 151 locomotives. 187 932 was previously used by Metrans. (sw)
Willke Holding completes first locomotive overhaul in Ludwigslust
Willke Holding has completed its first full locomotive general overhaul (revision) at its Ludwigslust site, marking a milestone for the company. The locomotive, a deeply modernized Alstom V100 (214 011 “Ingrid”), in service for Willke since 2018, underwent a mandatory main inspection covering all safety-critical components with Willke as ECM. (sw)
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ELL: Third Romanian Smartron returns to Germany
For the third time, a Romanian-registered (and operated) Smartron locomotive owned by ELL has returned to Germany. Following the earlier transfers of units 91 53 0192 012 and 013, locomotive 91 53 0192 008 has now followed the same path. All three Siemens Mobility-built machines have been re-registered, receiving new numbers in the 192 99x series. Unit 012 (2023) became 91 80 6192 999 in early 2025, 013 (2023) became 998 in early 2026, and 008 (2021) was renumbered 997 in March 2026. (sw)
Pilsen region launches BEMU tender for 15-year contract with state support
The Pilsen region in the Czech Republic has launched a tender for the operation of battery-electric multiple units (BEMU), marking a major step in the transition away from diesel traction in regional rail. The contract covers a 15-year period from December 2030, with an estimated value of CZK 6.1 billion. The selected operator will also procure the rolling stock, supported by funding from the Transgov programme. A total of 12 BEMU units will be deployed across four regional lines, with deliveries split between 2030 and 2033. The units must achieve at least 160 km/h under electric power and 120 km/h in battery mode, offering a minimum of 130 seats. The introduction of BEMU units is expected to eliminate diesel operations on the selected routes. The tender winner will be selected solely based on price. (mp)
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