News and Insights

Exclusive interview with Werner Dampf, Retrack Germany, about the EuroDual and the collaboration with European Loc Pool

European Loc Pool (ELP) is a pioneer in providing full-service leasing solutions for rail freight transport. Close collaboration with our customers and their feedback is especially important to us.
We had the opportunity to speak with Werner Dampf, Operations Manager at Retrack Germany GmbH, about his experiences with the EuroDual and his collaboration with ELP.

1. What has your experience been with the EuroDual and its performance in your operations so far?
“Everything started in February 2021, when I had the opportunity to pick up the EuroDual in Braunschweig. I was present for both the handover and the training on the locomotive – an all-around excellent package from ELP!

We’ve been using the EuroDual at Retrack for four years now, and our experience has been consistently positive. The locomotive is extremely reliable and user-friendly. What’s particularly impressive is its energy efficiency and performance. It’s a well-thought-out concept that works perfectly in practice. Our locomotive drivers also give it high praise and greatly appreciate the EuroDual. It operates smoothly, and handling it is relatively simple.

Room for improvement? Only minor things, really – like an aluminum button in the driver’s cab – but that’s truly nitpicking at the highest level!”

2. What advantages or challenges do you see in using the EuroDual in your industry?

“The EuroDual offers us many advantages. Most notably, its flexibility in both electric and diesel operation stands out. This independence enables a wide range of applications. Its last-mile capability is a crucial advantage, especially for shunting work at different locations.

Its primary area of use for us is heavy freight transport – whether for minerals, coal, steel, or grain. This is where the EuroDual demonstrates its full power. Even in scrap transport, it shows how well thought-out its design is. Our locomotive drivers feel completely comfortable on board the EuroDual, and working with this locomotive is simply enjoyable.

Challenges? Hardly any. The EuroDual operates reliably and meets all our requirements. There was one exception at the very beginning: in Oberhausen West, we had to manually refill AdBlue – 40 canisters, to be exact! That’s a story you don’t forget. Today, thanks to the AdBlue nozzles provided by ELP, we can now easily refill at DB filling stations without any extra effort.”

3. What do you value about your collaboration with ELP?
“Our collaboration with ELP is excellent. Communication is straightforward, and any issues are resolved quickly and efficiently. We are very satisfied with the partnership and look forward to the next joint projects.”

We sincerely thank Werner Dampf and wish always safe travels!

Werner Dampf (left) during the handover of the two EuroDual locomotives from ELP in February 2021

More about Hybrid Locomotives

European Loc Pool (ELP) focuses on innovative six-axle hybrid locomotives from Stadler, thereby setting new standards in European rail freight transport. The EuroDual and Euro9000 locomotives revolutionize European Rail Freight with their combination of electric and diesel operation, also enabling seamless last-mile and shunting operations.

The EuroDual, as a forerunner in the portfolio of European Loc Pool, is a game-changer in rail freight. With its tractive effort of 500 kN and a performance of up to 2.8 MW in diesel and 6.2 MW in electric operation, it offers up to 40% higher loading capacity. The EuroDual is already successfully in operation in Germany, Austria, France, and Scandinavia and was recently approved in Serbia. Slovenia and Croatia will follow in the first quarter of 2024.

EuroDual Locomotive | European Loc Pool

About European Loc Pool AG

European Loc Pool (ELP) is a leading provider of innovative leasing and services for locomotives, based in Frauenfeld, Switzerland. ELP’s full-service leasing package includes preventative and corrective maintenance (including major overhauls), covered with corresponding availability and reliability guarantees. Additionally, ELP offers locomotive driver training and an innovative insurance package tailored to modern, six-axle hybrid locomotives. Since its establishment in May 2018, ELP has ordered 124 locomotives, of which over 100 have been leased, and has already serviced over 30 operators in 6 countries.

The vision of ELP is to positively disrupt the European Rail Freight Industry. The experienced team at ELP places great emphasis on safety, reliability, cost-efficiency, and sustainability to exceed customer expectations.

For further information, please visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, or YouTube.

Press contact European Loc Pool:

Henrike Wilkens

Marketing & Communications

E-mail: Henrike.Wilkens@europeanlocpool.com