Diesel locomotive class 118 of the Deutsche Reichsbahn (DR-Ost).

■ In Bordeaux red color
■ 4-axle version
■ The tail light can be switched off on each side of the locomotive using a DIP switch

The locomotive series V 180 of the Deutsche Reichsbahn was the largest diesel series ever built in the GDR. It was initially built in a four-axle version with two 2-axle bogies - later there were also 6-axle variants. The six-axle version with a low axle load of 15.6 t is even today still considered to be a masterpiece of the engineers involved. The low axle load allows for an universal use so the locomotive can also operate on branchlines. In addition to that, it has also the license to haul trains over steep railway sections. The resulting potential application area is unique with large German diesel locomotives.
The V 180 replaced various steam locomotive series in the performance classes above the V 100 and therefore accelerated the traction change at the German Reichsbahn. The three locomotives 118 548, 550 and 552 were assigned to the GDR and hauled state-owned trains. In 1995 the last locomotives of these types stopped operating for the DB AG. Afterwards many locomotives were sold to private railway companies.