Development DR Class 243

143 184-0 near unkel

beginning in 1976, deutsche reichsbahn of gdr recommenced railway electrification efforts in wake of 1973 oil crisis, had affected eastern bloc countries. prior this, deutsche reichsbahn had acquired russian-built diesel locomotives, such class 120 , dr class 130 family, soviet union had been providing gdr inexpensive heavy oil , diesel fuel. veb lokomotivbau und elektrotechnische werke hennigsdorf, manufacturer of electric locomotives left in gdr, subsequently ordered develop modern lightweight, eight-wheel electric locomotive both passenger , medium freight services, based on heavy dr class 250 co co freight locomotives. bodywork , other mechanical components developed , built @ lew s hennigsdorf works, while traction motors , other electric equipment manufactured emw dresden , various other producers.

the prototype new locomotive type designated 212 001. built in 1982 , first presented @ leipzig trade fair year. built, locomotive capable of maximum speed of 140 kilometres per hour (87 mph). underwent extensive route trials before being disassembled evaluation purposes, , while being reassembled modified lower top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph), had been specified following production locomotives. @ time, locomotive redesignated 243 001. owing special livery of white crimson stripes, 243 001 given nickname weiße lady (white lady). production of new class began in 1985 after 243 001 had proven satisfactory during trial period.