DRG Class E 77

The German DRG Class E 77 was an electric locomotive introduced by the Deutsche Reichsbahn-Gesellschaft in 1924 after being ordered in 1923. Originally intended for use on the Halle (Saale)–Leipzig line and routes in southern Germany, 56 units of this class were built. The locomotives were initially classified as light multi-purpose engines but were primarily used for freight trains during their service. Delivered by manufacturers BMAG, Krauss, and LHW, these locomotives were originally designated EG 3 (Bavarian) or EG 701–725 (Prussian). Electrical components were supplied by BMS. Despite their intended versatility, the E 77 class faced criticism for limited performance and issues with flexible electric cables. During World War II, all units were reassigned to Reichsbahndirektionen Halle und Hanover. By the end of the war, only 53 locomotives remained. Of these, 42 were transferred to the Soviet Union as reparations, while 8 heavily damaged units (including E 77 06 and 51) were scrapped in Leipzig by 1948. The fate of E 77 64 remains unknown. In 1952–53, 38 repaired locomotives were returned to service, but only 10 (E 77 03, 10, 14, 15, 18, 24, 25, 30, 52, and 53) were successfully reintroduced after 1955. The rest were scrapped by the 1960s. By 1966, all but E 77 10 had been retired or scrapped. E 77 10 was preserved and is now displayed at the Deutsches Technikmuseum in Berlin. The locomotives were capable of handling various train types, including passenger and freight services, with specific performance metrics provided for each ...