The Class 260 (V 60) Diesel Switch Engine
The extensive new diesel locomotive program on the German Federal Railroad
in the 1950s included the popular classes V 100 and V 200. The class V 60
3-axle diesel switch engine was ordered in large quantities for switching work.
This locomotive had a power output of 650 hp and reached a maximum
speed of 60 km/h or 38 mph. It was powered by a jackshaft with side rods
and was one of the last designs to have this visually impressive form of power
transmission. The side rods in motion represent by themselves the dynamic
motion of the locomotive.
Starting in 1968 this model was reclassified as the class 260. Later a large
number of these models were equipped for remote control and were grouped
as small locomotives. This made it possible for even newly trained switch
engine crews to control these units.
In addition to the German Federal Railroad, this locomotive was also used
by the German Postal System in its own color scheme for switching work at
large postal centers. This locomotive could and still is found in service on
other European railroads and on privately owned railroads.
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Prototype
