Piko Hobby model ES64 U2 102 & the real thing brand new at TS Linz (1 September 2001)

Hupac currently (January 2005) have three Taurus locomotives on lease:

1116.901-8 This loco was assembled by TS Linz from parts supplied by Siemens Krauss Maffei, München and delivered in on 20 Sept 2000 to Dispolok. 1116.901-8 was supplied painted plain silver / grey, with the logos being added on being leased to Hupac in Sept 2000. As supplied, the loco sported a Taurus badge on the sole bar to the left of the door, but this was removed in Oct 2000. The number appeared on the ends, at the right side under the cab windows and on the solebar above the inner wheelset of the right hand bogie.

Hupac purchased the loco from 1 Dec 2000. Maintenance remained with Dispolok, and in August 2001, Siemens decided that all locos serviced by Dispolok should be numbered in a common range. The loco became ES64U2 901, with the numbers being replaced on the loco. However, the LZB number 1116 901-8 was added centrally below the ES number on the ends, and on the sides.

ES64U2 101 This loco was supplied new to Seimens Dispolok from Siemens München on 26 Jun 2001, and put on hire to Hupac on 19 Jul 2001. The loco was provided without logos on the vehicle sides, but sported number ES64U2 101 on the ends and sides. It was allocated the LZB number 182 601-5, but this was not applied to the vehicle. Logos were applied in July 2002.

ES64U2 102 This loco was supplied on the same day as 101, and was then leased to Hupac at the same time. This loco was given Hupac logos on the bodysides and the ES number on sides and ends. Although allocated LZB number 182 602-3, this number was not shown on the body.

In 2002, Hupac (expanding their services) needed to have the locos altered to work through Switzerland. The locos were returned singly to Dispolok, and were fitted with the Swiss train protection system, and a third pantograph configured for the SBB network. ES64U2 102 was the first to be treated, being returned to Dispolok in Apr 2002. 101 followed in Jul 2002, and was then immediately sub-contracted to the Belgian firm of Dillen & Le Jeune Cargo NV. The Hupac logo on the body sides was replaced by the Dillen & Le Jeune logo. It returned from the contract at the end of Dec 2003. ES64U2 901 was returned i n Oct 2002, and fitted for use in Switzerland. It was renumbered ES64U2 100, and given the new LZB number 182 600-7 (the locos are no longer authorised to work inside Austria).