‘Gravita’

‘Gravita’ 10 BB on display at the TRAKO 2011 Fair; Gdańsk, October 14, 2011.

261 307-3 during test operation by Lotos Kolej; Zduńska Wola Karsznice, December 21, 2011.

261 301-6 in the Northrail livery; location unknown, August 6, 2010. Photo by Torsten Bätge (source: www.commons.wikimedia.org).

The same author and source: 265 499-04, location unknown, February 5, 2012.

‘Gravita’ 15 BB on display at the TRAKO 2013 Fair; Gdańsk, September 24, 2013.

Commercial name ‘Gravita’ refers to the family of diesel locomotives with hydraulic transmission, developed by Voith Turbo Lokomotivtechnik of Kiel, Germany. Initially it was intended to cover a broad range of rated power, from about 400 to 2200 kW, and include two-, three- and four-axle versions for switching and line service. Ultimate Voith offer included nine locomotive types, from 500 kW 5 C to 1800 kW 15L BB and 15L CC. The latter was a six-axle variant intended for narrow-gauge lines (1000 mm and 1067 mm); no example was built. Prototype ‘Gravita’ 10 BB was exhibited at the Innotrans fair in Berlin in 2008 and attracted attention of DB Schenker Rail Deutschland, who placed an order for 130 examples. They were intended to supplant older switchers – classes 291, 295 and 298. First ten examples were classed 260. In 2010, following exhaust system modification (in order to conform with latest environmental standards), class designation was changed to 261, 99 examples being built until 2012. All 260s were sold to Northrail leasing company. Following presentation of the ‘Gravita’ 15L BB at the InnoTrans Fair in 2012, DB Schenker Rail Deutschland modified their order for the second time and 31 examples were delivered in this larger and more powerful variant, classed 265. Northrail purchased eight more 10 BBs, several were also delivered to a few German and Swiss operators. In 2014, due to lack of orders, Voith production line in Kiel was closed down. In all, 165 ‘Gravitas’ were built in the following variants: 10 BB (127), 15 BB (2) and 15L BB (36).

‘Gravita’ 10 BB numbered 261 304-0 was displayed, in the manufacturer’s livery, at the TRAKO Fair in Gdańsk in October 2011. It underwent service tests with Lotos Kolej, starting from April 2011. In December it was joined by another example, 261 307-3. Both remained the property of Northrail and have already been returned. Third locomotive of this type, 260 503-8, was operated by DB Schenker Rail Polska on colliery sidings in Upper Silesia between September 2012 and July 2013. Later it was transferred to DB Schenker Rail Deutschland and finally sold to Bayerische CargoBahn in January 2015. Until now, other ‘Gravita’ versions have seen no service in Poland.

Main technical data

No.	Parameter	Unit	Value
1.	Years of manufacture	-	2008 – 2014
2.	Total built / used in Poland	-	165 / 3
3.	Axle arrangement	-	Bo’Bo’
4.	Transmission type	-	hydraulic
5.	Design maximum speed	km/h	100
6.	Prime mover type	-	MTU 8V4000R43^1) 12V4000R43^2)
7.	Engine rating	kW/hp	1000 / 1360^1) 1800 / 2448^2)
8.	Bore x stroke	mm x mm	170 / 210
9.	Number of cylinders	-	8^1) / 12^2)
10.	Number of electric engines	-	-
11.	Rated output of electric engines	kW	‑
12.	Main reduction gear ratio	-
13.	Diameter of drivers	mm	1000
14.	Total weight	kg	67 000 – 84 000^1) 80 000 – 90 000^2)
15.	Axle load	T	16.75 – 21.0^1) 20.0 – 22.5^2)
16.	Axle base	mm
17.	Overall length	mm	15 720^1) 16 860^2)
18.	Maximum width	mm	3 075
19.	Train heating	-	-
20.	Brake type	-	hydrodynamic

1) Type 10 BB.

2) Type 15 BB.

References and acknowledgments

- Article by Marek Graff and Jacek Chiżyński (SK vol. 2/2013);

- Voith Turbo Lokomotivtechnik folders;

- SK, various issues.