MiniTrix 16345 N DB class 103 electric locomotive, MHI

For the planned InterCity service (IC 71) starting in 1971, series production of the Class 103 began in 1969, but with a new set of requirements: The towing capacities of TEE and IC trains at 200 km/h increased from 300 to 480 tons, and 800-ton D-trains were to be able to be transported at 160 km/h. For the 145 series locomotives – now designated as Class 103.1 – this resulted in a significant power increase of 25.3% compared to the prototypes, totaling an impressive 7,440 kW or 10,116 hp. After their delivery between 1970 and 1974, the 103.1 locomotives immediately took over the new IC trains as well as the prestigious TEE, which had now been partially integrated into the new IC network. It was not until over thirty years of service in heavy, high-quality passenger train operations with the highest mileage that the series locomotives completed their last scheduled services in December 2002.

Prototype: Electric locomotive 103 237-4 of the Deutsche Bundesbahn (DB) in the condition around 1985. Basic color scheme in purple red/ivory. Axle arrangement Co'Co', built from 1970. Model: Body made of metal-filled plastic for improved traction performance. Built-in digital decoder and sound generator for operation with mfx and DCC. Motor with flywheel, 4 driven axles, traction tires. Roof-mounted pantograph digitally raiseable and lowerable. Front and rear signals change with the direction of travel, with warm white LEDs, cab lighting, engine room lighting, digitally switchable. Kinematics for close coupling. Attached grab handles. Direction-dependent front signal changes analog in operation. Anniversary logo "150 Years of German Railways" included as a slide image. Length over buffers 126 mm. Limited series. The electric locomotive 103 237-4 is ideal for the special TT on page 20.