The cooperation between VÚKV a. s. and Kübler Heavy Rail GmbH started already during the production and tests of the 20-axle special wagon in 2016. This wagon continued two prototype wagons built by Krupp for then Czechoslovak State Railways in 1987. The wagon was then completed at LEGIOS Loco. VÚKV assisted as assigned body the approval process by National Safety Authority of Czech Republic.
Based on the approval consulted with European Railway Agency (ERA) the wagon can be operated also in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Following the good experience decided Kübler Heavy Rail GmbH to cooperate with VÚKV also during the tests and approval of the 32-axle wagon for heavy transformers transport. Maximum speed of the empty wagon (220 t) is 100 km/h, of the loaded wagon (720 t) 65 km/h. The carrying parts of the wagon were welded from steels with higher yield limit. The wagon follows the Krupp performance approved by BMVIT in Vienna in 2008 again; the newly built wagon will be approved ibid. The bogies were produced by ELH Halle, the subsidiary of TATRAVAGÓNKA Poprad a. s., regarding the situation of LEGIOS Loco.
Despite of the COVID-19 pandemic the time schedule discussed already in July 2019 was punctually fulfilled. Even if to use the LEGIOS Loco capacity at Nymburk for wagon completing wasn’t possible, it succeeded to provide necessary cranes to Cerhenice workplace and to hoist the middle part (60 t) and to link it with the end parts. The brake and simplified running tests were carried successful out on the great and small railway testing circles. Following the actual experience and very good cooperation aims Kübler Heavy Rail GmbH to continue the coaction with VÚKV a. s. during development, testing and approval of further special wagons.
