The Class 151 is an electric heavy freight locomotive built for German Federal Railways between 1972 and 1978. They were built as a replacement for the ageing Class 150, in order to cope with the increased requirements of this type of locomotive, in particular the desire of a 120 km/h (75 mph) top speed.Locomotives of Hector Rail are designated as Class 162.The locomotives have a Co-Co wheel arrangement, and a weight of 118 tonnes (116 long tons; 130 short tons).On 21 November 1972 the first locomotive, 151 001, was delivered by AEG and Krupp. It was followed by 11 further pilot locomotives, which were extensively tested before the main order was built. Altogether 170 locomotives were built.[citation needed] Originally the Class 151 locomotives were also suitable for passenger service, however it is not possible anymore due to the lack of required safety equipment.Deutsche Bahn's Class 151 fleet was sold to leasing company Railpool in 2017.Saar-Rail bought three Class 151 locomotives in 2018. Two of them operate on freight services with torpedo cars, while one locomotive serves as a spare parts donor.As of 2020, 34 locomotives are in service with private railway companies. DB Cargo has leased 19 locomotives.
