3 Questions for Vera Bauer from RTB CARGO – Locomotive Driver, Technical Trainer, Expert Examiner, and Euro9000 Fan:
Question 1:
RTB CARGO already has two Euro9000 locomotives in their portfolio (2019.305 ‘Krefti’ and 2019.306 ‘Comic’) and two more Euro9000s on the way. You are one of the fortunate first drivers of the Euro9000. Tell us, what makes the Euro9000 unique for you?
Vera Bauer: I first got to know the Euro9000 in early May 2023 directly at the Stadler factory in Valencia. Stepping in for a sick colleague, I made a last-minute trip to Valencia. There, I had the unique opportunity to learn about the Euro9000 from scratch, directly from its manufacturer, Stadler. Along with my colleagues from the CARGO Group from Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium, we gained insights into the entire production process at the factory, and besides theoretical lessons, we had our first hands-on experience with the vehicle right at the factory site. In Spain, we were already able to try out a lot with the Euro9000. Right there, I could already tell how fascinated I was.
Now, seven months later, having also become an expert examiner for the 2019 series, my fascination hasn’t changed. I’m always excited when I get my hands on Krefti or the Comic locomotive in Austria. After my first actual train rides (with cargo), it was hard to believe what powerhouses we had received for the RTB CARGO fleet. The Euro9000 gives me an incredibly great driving experience and consistently surprises me with its power! Where we previously used other series in double traction, a Euro9000 effortlessly moves heavy trains on its own.
Question 2:
As an experienced locomotive driver, how would you describe the driving experience of the Euro9000? Are there any specific features or aspects that you particularly enjoy when operating the locomotive?
Vera Bauer: With the Euro9000, we received two state-of-the-art locomotives in the middle of the year 2023. The starting tractive effort of 500kN is, of course, not to be underestimated (although only allowed in exceptional cases in Austria). Heavy loads are no problem for the Euro9000, and I would like to emphasize the driving comfort at this point. A clear, tidy cab makes driving very pleasant.
Due to its clever arrangement of components, the Euro9000 has a low center of gravity, which allows for exceptionally good track positioning and smooth running. Its six axles also keep wheel slip in check, even on slippery rails.
In summary, I find the Euro9000 really great to drive, and on the other hand, it’s exciting for me as a long-time locomotive driver to accompany the machine from its beginnings. RTB CARGO gives me the opportunity to continually contribute to the further development of the Euro9000 since our first acceptance in June 2023.
Question 3:
The Euro9000 is a state-of-the-art hybrid locomotive with a performance of 1.9 MW in diesel operation and up to 9 MW under the overhead line. It is perfectly suited for European corridors. What impact does the Euro9000 have on the business operations of RTB CARGO?
Vera Bauer: We at RTB CARGO operate cross-border in European rail freight transport for our customers. The Euro9000, with its efficiency and flexibility, fits perfectly into our business model. In all five countries that belong to the CARGO group, we deploy our own personnel and, with the Euro9000, even with heavy trains, we largely save on having to change locomotives at the borders. A quick personnel change means not only time savings for us but primarily for our customers who transport their goods quickly and reliably by rail. Since taking over the first two locomotives a few months ago, we at RTB CARGO have already been able to develop and implement new operating concepts together with our customers. In recent weeks, we have also received the licenses for the Euro9000 for Belgium and the Netherlands. These licenses are enormously important for our cross-border transport to control traffic even more efficiently across Europe. Furthermore, a major advantage of this state-of-the-art hybrid locomotive is that it has a remote control. This allows for independent and flexible shunting operations. Thus, the Euro9000 simplifies operational processes for my colleagues and me. We at RTB CARGO are looking forward to receiving two more of these powerhouses from ELP in the near future and are confident that they will help us to further expand our position in the market.
Many thanks to Vera Bauer and RTB CARGO! We wish you a safe and pleasant journey at all times!
