Our locomotive “Hartmut” (BR 218) is back in service! After a severe engine failure that forced a roughly six-month downtime, a new – refurbished – engine was successfully installed on September 23, 2025.
Replacing a locomotive engine is among the most demanding tasks in maintenance. First, the defective unit had to be removed. This required disconnecting all cables, connections, and systems before the engine could be lifted out of the machine room with millimeter precision using a crane. The installation of the refurbished replacement engine was then carried out by the specialists of Brohltalbahn.
Subsequent adjustments and functional tests ensured that all systems worked together smoothly. Every single move had to be precise – only after successful testing could the locomotive be officially returned to service.
Since the completion of the work, one thing is clear: “Hartmut” is alive again. Starting next week, the locomotive will be back in regular service for HERING Rail Services, marking the end of an almost half-year downtime.
We are proud that “Hartmut” is back on track and look forward to many more kilometers ahead. From now on, it’s all about: less workshop, more railway!
