In short

LTE, one of the first open acces operators in Austria, operates three EuroRunners, which are designated 2016 903, 904 and 909. The first two locos have a remarkable history before they came into service at LTE. 2016 903 was originally part of the Siemens Dispolok fleet as ER 20-009, but was taken out of the Dispolok fleet to ensure that LTE could receive its EuroRunner on a short notice. This wasn't a problem, because ER20-009 was only a few months old at that moment.

The story for locomotive 2016 904 is slightly different. When this EuroRunner came to LTE, Siemens had changed its strategy. Locomotives were now being built ahead of actual orders, so Siemens would be able to deliver fastly without cannibalizing running orders or the Dispolok fleet. In this case Siemens expected Veolia/NOB to order more locomotives and therefore two stock locomotives were already painted in NOB corporate colors. However, things didn't turned out to be as expected, so one of these stock locos eventually ended up with LTE in 2007. It concerns the former DE2000-05 here.

A third EuroRunner was added to the LTE fleet on 16.05.2010, designated 2016 909. This locomotive came from the outsourced Siemens stock production line at the Netinera works in Neustrelitz.

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Details - 2016 903

During the last months of 2004 LTE bought its first ER20 locomotive. The locomotive in question went into service with Siemens Dispolok as ER20-009. However, after being in service for a very short while, it was sold by Siemens to LTE to ensure a fast delivery. On 27.11.2004 the locomotive went to Wiener Neustadt. There its Dispolok logos were removed and its service number was replaced by its new number: 2016 903. On 29.12.2004 the official approval run was made. From that point on 2016 903 could be used for regular services, however it was still carrying its yellow Dispolok livery.

At the end of January 2005 the locomotive received its NVR numbers and in March the 'Zugsammelschiene' equipment was taken out. Taking out this equipment was a necessary procedure to get the loco approved for Slovakia, where it could interfere with the country's signalling systems. Later that month the loco went to Linz to receive its blue identity and a larger fuel tank. The next stop was Vienna, where it's vinyls were added. Finally, the loco was officially presented on 06.04.2005 with its fresh LTE, DHL and European Bulls logos. At this ceremony the loco was baptised with the name 'Maria'.

Details - 2016 904

Ever since the delivery of 2016 903, there were rumours about a second LTE EuroRunner. But of course there had to be sufficient services to justify such an investment. At the end of 2006, when the need came for a second machine, LTE decided to rent Dispolok ER 20-006. It didn't take long before LTE purchased actually purchased a second unit. The loco in question was originally foreseen to be sold to Veolia/NOB, being designated DE2000-05. For unknown reason Veolia/NOB didn't purchase the locomotive, so it became avaiable to LTE.

In January 2007 the loco was transported to Linz, where it lost the NOB color scheme and received a silver and blue identity. In February and March refitting was carried out, because the loco was delivered as ER 20 BU and not as the freight version BF. On March 7th, 904 emerged again, ready for freight services.