DR 252 series

252 (until 1992) 156 (from 1992) MEG 801–804
MEG locomotive 804 in the Dessau depot
Type and origin Builder LEW / AEG Build date 1991 Total produced 4
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC Co'Co' Gauge 1435 mm Driver dia. 1250 mm (new) resp. 1160 mm (worn) Minimum curve 140 m Wheelbase: ​  • Overall 14 660 mm Pivot centres 11 290 mm Length: ​  • Over beams 19 500 mm Width 03100 mm Height 04650 mm (Lowered pantograph) Axle load 020,0 t Service weight 120,0 t Electric system/s 15 kV, 16,7 Hz ~ Current pickup(s) Oberleitung Traction motors 6 × VEM ECFB 1110-127C[1] Transmission LEW-Kegelringfeder Loco brake Air brake and electric resistance brake Auxiliary brake Non-automatic auxiliary air brake Parking brake Mechanical parking brake Safety systems PZ80, PZB 90
Performance figures Maximum speed 125 km/h Power output: ​  • 1 hour 5880 kW  • Continuous 5580 kW Power index 49,0 kW/t Tractive effort: ​  • Starting 361 kN
Career Numbers DR 252 001–004 DB 156 001–004 MEG 801–804 Retired 2002 (DB) 2020–2021 (MEG)

The DR 252 series (after 1992: DB 156) was the last new development of an electric locomotive for the Deutsche Reichsbahn. It was intended as a supplement to the 250 series, in further series as a successor to the 251 series locomotives on the Rübelandbahn electrified with 25 kilovolts at 50 hertz and also as a locomotive for transit traffic with a maximum speed of 160 km/h, which was to be used on the main line West Berlin-Hannover via Berlin-Staaken-Oebisfelde, which was to be expanded.^[2]

However, the last two projects were never realized. As there was no longer any need for these locomotives with conventional AC technology after the reunification of Germany due to the rapid decline in freight traffic, the order for the first delivery series of 70 locomotives, which had already been completed, was canceled. A total of 350 units were planned to be procured in several delivery series by 1995.^[2]