19.01.2026
On January 19, 2026, two Vectrons have arrived in France – Railcolor reporter Tim Roux was present to welcome them with his camera:
- 91 80 6193 414-0 D-SIEAG = Siemens 23801 = DE-AT-CZ-SK-PL-HU all crossed out, small Xload logos on the whiskers, name ‘Angeline’
- 91 80 6193 488-4 D-SIEAG = Siemens 23761 = DE-AT-PL alle crossed out, name ‘Sophie’
Both were first seen in 2024, with 488 being slightly older. To us, 414 has been largely invisible so far, 488 we have seen in 2025 at the VUZ Velim test center. It has unique whiskers on its nose, one in blue, one in red, which gives us a first clue which special purpose these machines serve: authorization in France.
In the past months they got extra stickers, very similar to those on 193 920:
- 193 920 – ‘J’accélère en France’ – stickers removed in 2025
- 193 414 – ‘En route pour la France’
- 193 488 – ‘J’arrive en France’
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27.02.2026
Testing has started. The locomotives stick together for now.
Vectron testing in France started around February 11, 2026. At first, only 193 414 was used, later 488 joined:
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