The Vossloh G2000 BB is a four-axle heavy shunting and mainline diesel-hydraulic locomotive, designed by the German company Vossloh and built at the former Maschinenbau Kiel (MaK) plant in Kiel. At the time of its introduction in 2000, it was the most powerful hydraulic-transmission locomotive in Vossloh's range.
Development and production
The locomotive was first unveiled at the Innotrans trade fair in Berlin in 2000. It was built in several variants from 2000 to 2010. The total production run comprised five sub-models: the G2000 (20 units, 2000–2003), G2000-2 (30 units, 2003), G2000-3 (16 units, 2003), G2000-4 (1 unit, 2004), and G2000-5 (1 unit, 2005). External styling was provided by Tricon-Design, and the design was modular, with components sourced from various suppliers.
Design
The initial G2000 model featured an asymmetric cab with an adjacent external walkway. This arrangement extended the walkway to both ends of the locomotive and, combined with radio remote-control operation, allowed shunting to be performed from an external vantage point while riding on the locomotive.
A second variant introduced a symmetric full-width cab, produced in two versions: the G2000-2 BB for the Italian market with left-hand drive (Italian railways generally operate on the left) and the G2000-3 BB with right-hand drive for Germany. Apart from the cab, these two models were otherwise identical to the initial asymmetric offering. The new cabs provided seating for two operators.
Specifications
- Configuration (UIC): B′B′
- Gauge: 1,435 mm (standard gauge)
- Length: 17.4 m
- Width: 3.08 m
- Loco weight: 87.3 t (G2000 through G2000-3); 90 t (G2000-4 and G2000-5)
- Fuel capacity: 5,000 L
- Prime mover: Caterpillar 3516 B-HD for the G2000, G2000-2 and G2000-3; MTU 20V 4000 R42 for the G2000-4 and G2000-5
- Transmission: Diesel-hydraulic, Voith L620reU2 (with KB 385 retarder on MTU-engined variants)
- Maximum speed: 120 km/h
- Power output: 2,240 kW (G2000 through G2000-3); 2,700 kW (G2000-4 and G2000-5)
- Tractive effort: 282 kN (G2000 through G2000-3); 292 kN (G2000-4 and G2000-5)
Later variants
Beginning in 2004, two further sub-designs were produced. The G2000-4 BB used an MTU engine, raising power to 2,700 kW, and included a hydrodynamic retarder (a braking system) as part of the Voith transmission package. The G2000-5 BB shared the same upgrades and was designed for the Scandinavian market, featuring anti-wheel-slip technology and the ability to operate in temperatures down to −40 °C.
Operators and use
The locomotives were certified for use on the railways of Germany, Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Sweden, Denmark, and Poland. They were operated by numerous companies, many on lease. Angel Trains and MRCE acted as leasing companies, with Angel Trains providing the majority of leased units. Other operators included SBB Cargo (which classified it as the SBB Am 840), Railion, Euro Cargo Rail, Rail4chem, ACT, and Hector Rail. The machines were used primarily for freight service, notably in northern Italy, the German Ruhr region, and cross-border traffic in the Benelux area.
In 2023, several G2000 units were exported to Mexico for construction work on the Tren Maya project.
