As we reported on page 69 of R 3/08, in June 2008 the type ES64U4-C was granted approval to use the main Czech rail corridors - a milestone in Czech railway history, since these are the first modern three-phase asynchronous traction electrics to receive such permission. Now any operator with this type of locomotive can employ them, without constraint, on services into, or across the country which lies at the rail crossroads of Europe.
During a ČD driver training session, 1216 235 passes through Praha-Klánovice, in the suburbs of the capital, with Ex 572 „Punkva“ Brno - Praha-Holešovice. This section of line has still not been upgraded, even though it forms a vital part of the SŽDC arterial network. Perhaps the Taurus heralds a brighter future for the system? After all, Siemens can be hailed as the pioneer of traction modernisation in the Czech Republic. The first step was taken in 2004, when the manufacturer's Desiro DMU received Czech authorisation. ČD is currently at least planning to hire a batch of these trains for fast middle-distance services on two routes, though until they will really arrive in the country, nothing can be taken as for sure...
Photo: Bohuslav Kotál