DB Class V 160

DB Class V 160
DB Class 216

Prototype form 'lollo' example DB 216 003

Type and origin Power type diesel Builder Krupp, KHD, Henschel, Krauss-Maffei, MaK Total produced 224

Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC B'B' Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge Length 16 m (52 ft 5 7⁄8 in) Loco weight at 2/3 fuel and supply capacity : V 160 001 to 009 : 74 t (73 long tons; 82 short tons) V 160 010 to 224 : 76.7 tonnes (75.5 long tons; 84.5 short tons) Fuel capacity V 160 001 to 009 : 3,000 L (660 imp gal; 790 US gal) V 160 010 to 224 : 2,700 L (590 imp gal; 710 US gal) Prime mover Prototypes: Maybach MD 16 V 538 TB Main series: MTU 16 V 652 TB 10 or MTU 16 V 538 TB 10 Engine type V16 diesel engine Cylinders 16 Cylinder size (?) Transmission Hydraulic - two speed: prototypes:Voith L 218 rs main series:Voith L 821 rs. Loco brake Air Train brakes Air

Performance figures Maximum speed 120 km/h (75 mph) or 80 km/h (50 mph) Power output 1,397 kW (1,873 hp) Tractive effort 235.2 kN (52,900 lbf)

Prototypes:
Maybach MD 16 V 538 TB
Main series:

The Class V 160 (after 1968: Class 216) is a class of diesel-hydraulic locomotives of the German railways. It is the first variant of the V160 family, built for the Deutsche Bundesbahn for medium/heavy trains.

The Class were successful locomotives, eventually leading to a family of similar locomotives (see DB V 160 family). Due to them having steam heating, and a lack in later years of suitable coaching stock they were amongst the first of the family to be withdrawn, no examples being operated by Deutsche Bahn AG by 2004.

A few examples were converted to the short lived DBAG Class 226, with other examples being rebuilt and still in service with private operators.

Following good performance from the diesel-hydraulic locomotive the DB Class V 80, in the period of history of the German Railways sometimes known as Epoch III, the Deutsche Bundesbahn planned (in 1953) to build several types of new diesel locomotive, primarily to replace steam powered locomotives; these were: V 60, and V 65, both shunters, the V 65.2, also for shunting as well as light freight trains, DB Class V 200, for express passenger trains, and the V 160 for both freight and passenger work on the main network.

Initially a 1600 hp machine using two engines of the type used in the V80 was planned; in a similar fashion to the V200, which was powered by two engines of the type used in the V100. However it was realised that if a single high powered engine could be used, then maintenance and other costs would be reduced.

The new class would replace engines such as the BR 03, BR 23, BR 38.10 (pr P 8), BR 39 (pr P 10), BR 50, BR 57 (pr G 10) and BR 78 (pr T 18). Steam heating (for passenger coaches) was necessary, and a top speed of 120 km/h was specified.