DB E41 Electric Locomotive III

DB E41 Electric Locomotive III

1:220 scale model produced by Marklin. This model is ready-to-run straight out of the box and would make a excellent addition to any model railway collection.

Features:

• Analogue DC Model
• Best suited to Epoch III Model Railways
• This model mainly operates in Germany
• This model is decorated in DB company markings
• Bell armature motor.
• Directional Lighting
• Metal Locomotive Frame

Details

The DB Class E 41, redesignated Class 141 in 1968, was a key electric locomotive introduced by Deutsche Bundesbahn beginning in 1956 as part of the first generation of standardised electric motive power after World War II. A total of 451 locomotives were built between 1956 and 1971 by major German builders including AEG, BBC, Henschel, Krauss-Maffei and Siemens.

Designed with a Bo'Bo' wheel arrangement and driven by four electric motors, the Class E 41 delivered about 2400 kW of power and was capable of a maximum speed of 120 km/h, making it ideal for light passenger, commuter and mixed traffic services on both mainlines and electrified branch lines. Its relatively low axle load allowed it to operate even on lighter electrified secondary routes without issue.

The locomotive earned the affectionate nickname “Knallfrosch” (Firecracker) because of the distinctive noise made by its electrical switchgear when changing notches. Initially it even hauled some express trains due to a shortage of motive power, but once higher speeds (140 km/h) became standard for expresses, the class focused on local and regional traffic.

Through the 1970s to the 1990s, Class 141 was widely used in push-pull commuter service, especially with Silberlinge commuter coaches, and remained a familiar sight across Germany. Many units were repainted over the years, from early steel blue and green schemes to ocean blue/beige, orient red and traffic red liveries. The class was gradually replaced by newer EMUs and locomotives in the late 20th century, with the last units retired from regular service in 2006.