DCC + Sound electric locomotive series 140

In the model range of the young German Federal Railway, four different series were to make a decisive contribution to the advancement of electric traction. In addition to the E 10 for fast trains, there were the E 40 and E 50 for freight traffic and the E 41 for local traffic. The machines were fitted with parts that were a good 36% identical, i.e. standard locomotives. The E 40, the later series 140, achieved the highest number of units. The total of 879 units struggled to haul heavy freight loads as well as passenger trains. They took freight trains to the Brenner system changeover station and to the Vienna central marshalling yard. The high number of units naturally required a long procurement period, which spanned from 1957 to 1973. While the ocean blue/ivory color scheme was once unpopular with railway enthusiasts and model railroaders, many now consider it to be quite successful. The color design suited the 140 series well, although the light surfaces, especially on the load haulers, tended to get dirty more easily in rough everyday use. It is hard to imagine that DB AG has now parted with all 140. The last schedule ended in late autumn 2016. However, several machines are still bravely in operation on private railways today and are testament to the robustness of this series and its popularity among staff and railway enthusiasts.