Sebastian Bollmann reports: Sometimes crazy things happen…
As you may know, Siemens Mobility has outsourced the commissioning (Inbetriebsetzung) of many new Vectron locomotives to DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung in the German town of Dessau.
During the past months, newly built Vectron locomotives have regularly been taken (by diesel machines) from Dessau to Blankenburg (Harz) as part of their technical acceptance process. These transfers allow the locomotives to undergo functional testing under the 25kV 50Hz overhead line of the Rübelandbahn.
On 18 December 2025, however, circumstances led to an extraordinary substitution. Instead of the usual diesel traction, the task was taken over by the impressive steam locomotive 50 3501 from Meiningen. The historic machine hauled an unusual consist: the white 1293 906 and 909 for DPB plus 384 007 for ČD.
The result was a scene few would ever have expected to witness. Probably once-in-a-lifetime photographs were captured at Giersleben and near Blankenburg, showing a classic steam locomotive hauling state-of-the-art electric engines.
Curious which new locomotives are being outshopped by the European industry? We do a weekly update with a new machines listed, specially for our members.
On video, on instagram by @olaf.berlig:
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