Description

The V 140 was a groundbreaking model which never saw much success for political reasons. In the 1930s the Deutsche Reichsbahn wanted to have a diesel engine for freight services on branch lines in order to replace steam engines. This should reduce running costs, as the expensive infrastructure needed for steam engines would become obsolete (it seems cost cutting was quite the rage back then already...)

In 1935 only one unit of this type was created. Test trials showed it was comparable to the widely used class 38, but with the outbreak of World War II and the subsequent shortage of fuel the engine was sidelined. After the war, it saw brief service until 1953, but with it being only one unit without spare parts being available the retirement was unavoidable. From the historic perspective it still was a groundbreaking success for hydraulic transmissions in diesel engines, paving the way for successful designs such as the V 200 and V 100.

If you are playing historically correctly, then you can skip this type. However, the engine has lots of potential, being a good replacement or standin steamers in light freight or passenger services. After all, the political turmoil of the time does not have to affect the game.