Some inscriptions on the 146 008-8 seen in Horrem (on Cologne-Aachen) on 19 October 2001. On the left is the weight of the loco (in metric tons). The numbers on the right are what is called "Bremsgewicht" ("brake weight"). It is a more or less abstract number which tells something about the braking ability. There are several modes in which the brakes can operate: G (from Güterzug - freight train), P (Personenzug - passenger train) and R (Rapid - fast train). The loco has an electric brake which can be used additionally (E). I guess E160 relates to a speed of 160 km/h. The weights and the brake weights of all vehicles of a train are added, the quotient of the sums must be in a certain range which is given for each line and the speed of the train.

Digital photo by Christoph Schmitz