ČD Class 340

ČD Class 340
Type and origin Power type Electric Build date 2003–2004 Total produced 3
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR B-B  • UIC Bo'Bo'  • Commonwealth Bo-Bo Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in)
Career Operators ČD Cargo Nicknames Modrá laminátka (Blue laminate lady)

The ČD Class 340 is a multisystem electric locomotive, designed for use between the Czech Republic and Austria. A total of three locomotives were rebuilt from the earlier 240 class. Since 2007, all three have been allocated to ČD Cargo.

History

When the railway from Horní Dvořiště, in the Czech Republic to Summerau, in Austria, was electfied, this left ČD with a problem. They owned no locomotives that could operate on both the Czech 25 kV 50 Hz electrification, and the Austrian 15 kV 16.7 Hz electrification. This left ČD having to use ČD 771 class diesel locomotives on these trains. It was decided to convert the 340 class from the 240 class, due to a shortage of the originally intended 163 class.^[1][2]

References

1. Harák, Martin. "Laminátky pomáhají s mezistátními spoji do Rakouska". Železničář (in Czech). Archived from the original on 25 October 2019. Retrieved 25 October 2019.
2. "Ukončení elektrizace úseku Horní Dořiště – Summerau". Stránky přátel železnic (in Czech). November 2001. Archived from the original on 25 October 2019. Retrieved 25 October 2019.

Bibliography

1. "340". Atlas Lokomotiv (in Czech). Archived from the original on 25 October 2019. Retrieved 25 October 2019.