Emil Zátopek Prepares For Services To Germany

On 15 December 2015 ČD’s 380.015 realised a series of test runs across the border between Germany and the Czech Republic on the line from Děčín to Bad Schandau. This photo was taken on that day at Děčín, showing 380.015 together with Captrain Deutschland’s Vectron 193 891. The tests formed part of a standard procedure, to check that the control system was functioning correctly as the locomotive traversed the voltage break and the transition between the Czech and German ATP systems. The test runs also offered an opportunity for DB staff to get acquainted with the workings of a Class 380. Satisfactory performance during these tests was the final condition stipulated by DB Netz before the Class 380 locomotives are allowed to haul passenger service, at least as far as Dresden.