Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 23, 2026

DR Class E 42

The DR Class E 42 is a class of electric locomotives formerly operated by the Deutsche Reichsbahn in East Germany. They were later operated by Deutsche Bahn, designated as Class 142.

Last revised
Jun 23, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
328 w
Citations
4
Source
DR Class E 42 / Class 242
DBAG Class 142
142 255 in September 2007
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
BuilderLEW Hennigsdorf
Build date1963–1976
Total produced292
Specifications
Configuration:
 • UICBo′Bo′
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in)
Wheel diameter1,350 mm (4 ft 5+14 in)
Wheelbase11,300 mm (37 ft 1 in)
Pivot centres7,800 mm (25 ft 7 in)
Length16,260 mm (53 ft 4+14 in) over buffers
Width3,050 mm (10 ft 18 in)
Height:
 • Pantograph4,530 mm (14 ft 10+38 in) (with pantograph lowered)
Axle load20 tonnes (20 long tons; 22 short tons)
Loco weight82.5 tonnes (81.2 long tons; 90.9 short tons)
Electric system/s15 kV  16+23 Hz AC overhead catenary
Current pickupPantograph
Traction motors4 off
Performance figures
Maximum speed100 km/h (60 mph)
Power output:
 • 1 hour2,920 kW (3,920 hp) at 72 km/h (45 mph)
 • Continuous2,740 kW (3,670 hp) at 76 km/h (47 mph)
Tractive effort:
 • Starting245 kN (55,000 lbf)
Career
Operators
Class
  • DR: E 42, later 242
  • DBAG: 142
LocaleGermany, Switzerland
Withdrawnfrom 1992

The DR Class E 42 is a class of electric locomotives formerly operated by the Deutsche Reichsbahn in East Germany. They were later operated by Deutsche Bahn, designated as Class 142.

Technical specifications

The locomotives have a Bo-Bo axle arrangement and a power output of 2,920 kW (3,916 hp).1

History

A total of 292 locomotives were built.2 From 1970 onward, they were designated as Class 242.3 Some locomotives were acquired by Lokoop and hired out for services in Switzerland.4

References

References

  1. Goldsack, Paul, ed. (1981). Jane's World Railways 1981-82 (23rd ed.). Jane's Publishing Company Ltd. p. 268. ISBN 0 7106 0726 1.
  2. "Quantensprung". lok-magazin.de (in German). GeraMond Verlag. Retrieved July 1, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  3. Rossberg, Ralf, ed. (2013). Deutsche Eisenbahnfahrzeuge von 1838 bis Heute [German railway vehicles from 1838 to today] (in German). Springer-Verlag. p. 203. ISBN 9783642957703.
  4. Garratt, Colin (2000). Locomotives of the World. Lorenz Books. p. 56. ISBN 0-7548-0513-1.

Further reading

  • Kotzanek, Jan; Schlegel, Dietmar; Stange, Andreas (2019). Die Baureihen E 11 und E 42 (in German). EK-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-8446-6034-0.