DB Baureihe 185.2/146.2 – Bombardier Traxx

About the real one:
The “Traxx” series is a modular mainline locomotive plattform for both diesel or electric versions manufactured by Bombardier/Alstom. They are highly popular and reliable engines and the many different varieties form the backbone of much of Europes rail traffic.

In development since the middle of the 1990s, the Traxx family of locomotives has spawned different generations, from the prototypes of early 3-AC-electrics, to innovative “Last-Mile” locos of the latest generation.

There are in total three different generations of the Traxx, each with their own different versions in terms of technical equipment. The most common ones today, are still the locos from the second generation, mainly the classes “Baureihe 185.2” (Freight) and “Baureihe 146.2” (Passenger). The main difference between the two classes are the slower but cheaper “paw-bearing-drive” used on the freight version and the faster but more expensive “hollow-shaft-drive” on the passenger version, alongside with the neccessary technical equipment needed for it to be used in passenger service.

About the moc:
To cut a long story short I advise everyone to read the articles written by fellow creator “Raised” at BrickModelRailroader:

How to Traxx & Bombardier Traxx by Raised and BigDaedy

The involved builder are:
– Raised
– DennisakaTechno
– Nicolas_tbx
– BigDaedy

TLDR: A group of creators worked at this model since 2014, continuing to inspire and challenge each other with each new version that emerged. This model stands as an example of what a community can achieve together in terms of creativity and is to this day the most outstanding Lego version of the Bombardier Traxx family of locomotives. It also shows how the passion for this hobby can bring people together.

Unfortunately not everyone respects the amount of work and time it has cost each and everyone of us creators to recreate this amazing model out of ordinary bricks normaly used as a childrens toy.

The loco shown here is a Traxx 2 or Baureihe 185 in the distinct livery of Germany’s largest train operator “Deutsche Bahn AG”.

Both the passenger version (Br. 146.2) and the freight version (Br. 185.2) are included in the building instructions.

This moc is for experienced builders! Please read the following comments carefully!

Custom parts:
– Custom “M-wheels” manufactured for example by HA-Bricks or any other wheels with 24mm diameter (measured without flange).
– Brickarms Monopods to hold the roof mounted high-voltage cable
– “Hose rigid 3mm” or also known as “flex tubes” need to be cut to length
– Can be fitted with custom LED lights

Some of the custom parts can be subsituted for ordinary readily available bricks and you can use standard train wheels after some minor modifications too.

Minimum radius: R104

Rare parts: Some parts can be difficult to acquire or are rather expensive.

Power:
– Standard ordinary train motors
– “Buwizz”, “Power Functions”, “Powered Up” or similiar power source

Additional comments:
A different version using L-Motors and a completely different drivetrain might become available in the future. I use standard train motors, as they are nearly maintenance free and quite reliable.

The side attachments on the train motors tend to loosen up and even fall off with the time. I recommend the use of an adhesive paste (or special ABS glue if you don’t care) to tightly secure them in place.

If you want to upload the .io file to BrickLink as a wanted list, you first need to open the file and remove the custom parts like the wheels and cut hose rigid.

One final note from the creators:
Please show respect to the amount of creative effort put into this model. Please do not devalueate our collective work by attempting to commercially use the whole moc, parts or certain distinct design choices for your own benefit. We strongly appeal for everyone to adhere to the rules of Open-L-Gauge to keep this community enjoyable for everyone.
Also be advised, that the design of this model is patented at the German Patent Office (Deutsches Patent- und Markenamt) and therefore protected by German Copyright law. We will take appropriate measures to ensure our intelllectual property is not violated – if the need should arise.

Thanks for your understanding.

Have fun with the model!

(Below a little reward for your patience)