5/2004

After a break of two years, between 21 and 26 September 2004 the Trade Fair Centre in Berlin hosted the fifth edition of the popular international trade fair for transport technology. Rising popularity and extension of this exhibition was apparent also this year, with all figures reaching again record values and exhibiton area notably enlarged.

On 5 June 2003 SBB Cargo placed an order with Bombardier Transportation for 18 Re 484 multisystem locomotives. Delivery will start in December 2004 with completion in March 2005. These machines, to be used for cross-border operation between Switzerland and Italy, are members of the TRAXX family and represent the standard freight motive power design, TRAXX F140 MS, suitable for all major European networks electrified at 15/25 kV AC, or 1,5/3 kV DC and equipped with the principal European train safety/signalling systems.

Boreas was the god of the North Wind in the Greek mythology, depicted as being winged and extremely strong. His twelve mares could race over the ground without destroying the grain. Vossloh could hardly find more suitable name for its latest member of MaK 2000 BB family.

In the interests of extending lifespans, reducing operating and maintenance costs, improving driver working environments, and enhancing network safety, MÁV is giving a new impetus to refurbishing its ageing diesel fleet. Locomotives selected for rebuilding are subjected to a thorough bodyshell refurbishment, re-engining, installation of new generators or hydraulic transmission, and new auxiliary equipment. Cabs are fitted with air conditioning, with redesigned, ergonomic seats and driver’s desks and panels...

Into the hills to the southeast of Zürich runs the 18 km metre gauge Forchbahn. In summer 2001 Forchbahn AG invited tenders for the supply of a new batch of 13 two-car, articulated trains. Assembly started at the Altenrhein factory in April 2003, and the first two trains - Be 4/6 61 and Be 4/6 62 were handed over to the Forchbahn on 11 November and 6 December 2003 respectively.

The Köln/Bonn Airport station in Nordrhein-Westfalen was formally inaugurated on 13 June 2004. The complex, situated on a new 15 km loop linked to the recently-completed high speed line between Köln and Frankfurt am Main, is covered by a glazed, vaulted roof, the tracks lying 18 m below ground level. It will be an invaluable new facility for thousands of airline passengers each day, the new line the fastest means of travel between the airport and neighbouring connurbations. The loop and station were built as part of the compensation programme for Bonn following the restablishment of Berlin as the capital of Germany.