Czech Railways (ČD) is set to retire its legendary “banana” locomotives, formally known as the 150.2 and 151 series, as part of its ongoing fleet modernisation. These express locomotives, beloved by railway enthusiasts, will be phased out of regular service within the next two weeks before being placed in reserve and later offered for sale.
“We are continuing with our plan to unify and rejuvenate the Czech Railways’ rolling stock,” said Jiří Ješeta, Member of the Board of Directors and Deputy General Director for Passenger Transport. “This approach simplifies maintenance and reduces the costs of operating a fragmented fleet with many different locomotive types. The 150.2 and 151 series are now being retired from regular service, and within a year or two, the remaining 242 and 371 series will follow. The 163 series is also being phased out, with the 854 series railcars set for retirement in about two years.”
Looking ahead, Czech Railways’ electric locomotive fleet will primarily consist of Škoda 362 series and Siemens Vectron locomotives. The first delivery of 50 new Vectron units, capable of speeds up to 230 km/h, is expected by the end of this year. Preparations are already underway at the Vršovice depot to accommodate them.
The final journeys of the 151 series
The 151 series locomotives, nicknamed “banana” for their original manufacturer’s paint or “two” after the original E 499.2 series, will complete its final scheduled journeys on the R 20 Elbe line between Prague and Děčín. Two locomotives remain in daily operation, covering over 1,500 km each day. Their final day of service is planned for Friday, 7 March, after which they will be replaced by Škoda 162 series locomotives from the Děčín depot. The dual-system 371 series, which shares duties on the line, will also be largely withdrawn, with only two units remaining for seasonal services between Ústí nad Labem and Dresden.
The 151 series, originally designated as the E 499.2 series, was introduced in 1978 by the Škoda locomotive factory in Pilsen. Designed for express services on key routes from Prague to Slovakia and the former Soviet Union, these 3 kV DC locomotives were among the most powerful of their time, boasting 4,000 kW of power and a maximum tractive force of 227 kN. Their introduction allowed for the replacement of older locomotives on demanding routes through the Beskydy Mountains and the Tatra foothills, handling 15 to 16-carriage trains weighing up to 600 tonnes.
Since entering service, the 150.2 and 151 series locomotives have collectively travelled over 216 million kilometres. Five locomotives—151.001, 006, 011, 014, and 019—have each surpassed 10 million kilometres.
The “banana” locomotives will go to the museum
While most of the retired locomotives will be sold, some will be preserved for historical purposes. Locomotive 151.023, featuring its original green-cream paint scheme, will be added to a railway museum collection. Additionally, locomotive 371.005 will be transferred to the Czech Railways Museum, ensuring that these iconic machines remain part of the country’s railway heritage.
The retirement of these locomotives marks the end of an era for Czech Railways, as the company moves towards a modern and more efficient fleet.
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