The HKX (Hamburg-Köln-Express) is a private open access operator on the line Hamburg - Köln. Originally they planned to use refurbished cars from Austrian class 4010 with new locomotives, but none of the cars have been finished to a state where they could be used again, so in fact they are operating with a wild mixture of rented rolling stock. The locomotives are owned by leasing company Mitsui Rail Capital Europe, class Siemens ES64U2 (same as ÖBB class 1116), the cars are (in this case) originally from DB and DR but now owned by other companies. Among them are two 1960s TEE coaches type Avmz 111 (repainted in 1970s ivory/purple-red colours) which are known for their comfort and popular among fans, as the HKX fare is considerably lower than the first class fare that you would have to pay to use the same rolling stock in a train of Deutsche Bahn.
Köln Messe Deutz, 2013-08-01.
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<a href="mailto:tbk.uncia@gmail.com">tobias b k&ouml;hler</a>