Once the E 52 passenger and E 91 freight locomotives entered service, the DRG realized that a heavy-duty electric switcher would be needed. It also recognized that it makes good sense to utilize some of the technology from the E 52 and E 91. So, it came to be that the DRG drew heavily on the E 91, in effect, basing part of the new engine on one-half of an E 91. Configured 1’C, this engine was designated E 60.

Between 1927 and 1934, the DRG ordered 14 switchers for the electrified lines in southern Germany. They were designated E 60 and numbered E 60 01 to 14. In addition they also saw some use in moving light freight trains. These robustly built engines used some components from the E 52 and E 91 machines, which, in part contributed to the long lifespan of the E 60.

The E 60 also used the double motor (two motors in a common housing) which was designed and developed for the E 91. This motor is coupled to a reduction gearbox that power a jackshaft and rod drive. (Rod drives on electric locomotives, such as the E 60, E 91, Ce 6/8^III Crocodile, etc.), were derived from similar ones found on steam locomotives.

In order to arrive at an acceptable axle loading, the E 60 incorporated a single-axle leading truck but, even at that, axle loading reached a hefty 19.3 tons. Initial trials of the new E 60 dispelled some of the DRG’s fears about rod drives. Nevertheless, the forces generated by the jackshaft placed stresses on the engine’s frame that had a tendency to be amplified when operating the engine on poorly maintained track. In reality though the system was more than acceptable at speeds below 40 mph (65 km/h), especially since the E 60 could reach only 34 mph (55 km/h). On the other hand, rod drive does some distinct advantages, one of which is that such systems are more easily configured for lower axle loadings.

The cab of the E 60 had to sets of controls so that driving the engine in either direction was done without difficulty. A 14-step electromagnetic "Schütz Steuerung" was installed. The main frame was 1 in. (25 mm) plate steel.

The locomotives were built by AEG at its Hennigsdorf (Berlin) facilities. AEG built the mechanical as well as electrical components. The only exception was the two engines E 60 14 and 15 which used electrical systems from Siemens Schuckert Werke (SSW).

After World War 2, six of these engine which were then in Austria were returned to the DB. In 1958/59 all E 60s received substantial overhauls, which included the addition of switching platform at both ends. The upgrading done at München-Freimann included a better oil cooling system for the transformer as well as better visibility from the cab.

Starting in 1968, they were renumbered 160 001 to 014. The 1970s saw these engines in use in Heidelberg, Freilassing, Garmish-Partenkirchen, Ingolstadt and Rosenheim. Engines 160 003, 009 and 012 were still in service in the early 1980s. Three of them were preserved; they are 160 009, 010 and 012.

Source:

Märklin Magazin, "Die elektrischen Lokomotiven der Baureihe E 60," 1/18, p. 24

Constructors

Specifications

Sources:

Märklin Magazine, "Die elektrischen Lokomotiven der Baureihe E 60," 1/18, p. 24