Electric locomotive 230 003 of the Deutsche Reichsbahn

■ Rich detailing on the model with many separately applied plug-in parts
■ Elaborate roof design with authentic pantographs
■ In digital operation with separately switchable headlights/taillights

In the 1980s, the DR purchased electric dual-system locomotives to enhance its ability to manage cross-border traffic operations and the steadily growing traffic volume on the lines between the GDR and Czechoslovakia. However, due to a lack of experience in dual voltage technology (GDR: AC voltage 15 kV/16⅔ Hz, ČSSR: DC voltage 3 kV) and the full capacity production at the electric locomotive manufacturer LEW in Hennigsdorf, the locomotives were built based on the ČSD series ES 499.1 and 499.2. The Škoda locomotive factory had no prior experience in manufacturing locomotives for the AC system 15 kV/16⅔ Hz. Consequently, the AC equipment components were sourced from the GDR. The ČSD's demand led to a double order for Škoda, resulting in 15 locomotives of class 372 and 20 locomotives of class 230 for the DR.