The first DB 245 series locomotive was presented at InnoTrans 2012. At that moment, DB had placed a firm order of twenty units for services around Kempten (7), Mühldorf (8, Sudostbayernbahn) and five for Frankfurt-Griesheim. For the Multi Engine diesel locomotive at the fair (the designated 245 003 for DB Regio) Bombardier reserved a special works number; no. 35000.

The DB 245 series is the first representative of a new TRAXX product: the Bombardier TRAXX DE Multi Engine. It has four smaller, diesel engines, which are normally used for other industrial purposes. The Technische Universität Dresden was consulted to perform a study to the biggest challenge of the ME, the regulation of these four diesel engines and optimalization their combined performance. Of course, the outcome of this study tries to maximize the concept, but the ideal state will never become reality. Locomotives are not always used on the same location, in the same service etc. although this would be ideal for getting the most out of the concept.

Bombardier also had to let go a bit of its modularity philosophy of its TRAXX platform. The body and frame of the locomotive had to be re-dimensioned. As the engine all have their own hatch for service and maintenance, this resulted in (not esthetically optimzed) many holes in both sides of the engine, requiring extra fortification of the wall construction of the locomotive.

It is clear to Bombardier, the multi engine concept is the key feature of all there future locomotive products. With the Dual Mode for the US market (also having two diesel engines) and this project, it now has good references and experiences. And the Multi Engine is not restricted to the use of combustion engines only. It is not unthinkable that one diesel-module will be replaced by a battery pack for example.

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