The E 103 locomotive: When the railway conquered shipping in Kelheim!

The E 103 locomotive: When the railway conquered shipping in Kelheim!

On December 29, 2005, an extraordinary sight in Kelheim caused a stir. A class 103 locomotive, also known as E 103, set off at exactly 2:32 p.m. to begin an unconventional journey - transferring from Saal train station to a ship. This event was not only a highlight for the Kelheim editorial team, but also part of a number of topics that were in focus that day, including the effects of the new ozone law and the growth of the Peguform works in Neustadt. Central Bavarian reports that this was a very special way of combining the technical achievements of the railway with water travel.

The Class 103 itself was one of the most powerful electric locomotives ever in use in Germany. Originally developed by the Deutsche Bundesbahn in the 1970s, the locomotive reached a top speed of 200 km/h and was equipped with an impressive power of 7,440 kW. This ensured that it was particularly popular in Trans Europ Express and InterCity traffic. Wikipedia describes the locomotive as the flagship of the German rail network, which held a monopoly in fast train traffic in Germany until regular service was discontinued in 2003.

The development of the railway in Germany

The history of the railway in Germany goes back to the 19th century, when Friedrich List published his vision of a Saxon railway system in 1833. The first locomotive-powered railway, the Ludwigseisenbahn, began operations between Nuremberg and Fürth on December 7, 1835. With the progressive development and the construction of new routes, the railway took on a central role in German transport. The history of the railway in Germany shows that the railway became indispensable not only for the transport of goods, but also for the mobility of the population.

From the first 1,400 kilometers of route in 1845, the network grew rapidly, and by 1870 it covered over 18,480 kilometers. With the founding of the Deutsche Bundesbahn and the Deutsche Reichsbahn after the Second World War, the importance of the railway was further strengthened. The merger of these two large state railways in 1994 to form Deutsche Bahn AG marked a further step in the history of German rail transport.

Unique heritage and future

The 103 series, whose components and prototypes date back to the 1960s, is more than just a machine; it stands for the innovative strength of German railway technology. With a speed of up to 283 km/h in 1985, it set new standards in speed. In recent years the preservation of these historic locomotives has become an important concern, with at least 17 units still in existence, some of which are operational.

The railway has changed repeatedly over the decades, and the 103 series remains a fascinating example of technological history and progress in transport. Whether in freight transport or passenger transport – the railway continues to be a mainstay of German mobility.