It is always a special experience to present a prototype vehicle and model together: On 20 March 2024, in great spring weather, the time had come - the new PIKO Vectron in the special design of DB Systemtechnik met its great role model, the 193 969, which has been part of the fleet of Europe's largest competence centre for railway technology since December 2021, in Minden (Westphalia).
Foto: Christian Albers / Deutsche Bahn AG
The 8,700 hp locomotive has been travelling on the routes of the Rhine-Alpine European rail freight corridor for ETCS acceptance runs with the DB Systemtechnik livery since spring 2022. The Vectron, which can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h, is equipped with the Baseline 3 ETCS train protection system for this purpose. The Siemens locomotive is also used for approval runs for rail vehicles and transfer runs. 
Fotos: Christian Albers / Deutsche Bahn AG
At the meeting, Product Manager Matthias Fröhlich was delighted to present Christian Albers, Head of Project Management Testing at DB Systemtechnik, with a model of this fantastic locomotive.
Fotos: Volker Emersleben / Deutsche Bahn AG
The PIKO model of the class 193 in the DB Systemtechnik look not only impresses visually with its prototypical shape and design, numerous attached parts and delicate metal pantographs. It is also state of the art in technical terms and has harmonious head and tail lights as well as numerous attractive sound functions in the digital versions. All of the lighting is, of course, designed using modern, low-maintenance LED technology.
Foto: Volker Emersleben / Deutsche Bahn AG
Foto: Volker Emersleben / Deutsche Bahn AG
We would like to thank DB Systemtechnik in Minden for the invitation, the excellent cooperation and the great meeting!
