Background
České dráhy (ČD) is leasing ten Vectron locomotives from ELL (European Locomotive Leasing). Starting with this years time table change in December, ten machines should be available to ČD. for intended use on the Prague – Dresden – Berlin – Hamburg Eurocity (EC) trains. The livery design thus depicts a silhouette of each city mentioned.

At first, the Vectron locomotives will only be used between Prague and Dresden, as ČD’s partner on the German part of the route, Deutsch Bahn, needs more time for driver training. First through services with Vectron locomotives are expected to be introduced mid-2018. Here's a screenshot from vagonweb.cz showing the new Vectron as motive power for the Porta Bohemica train (more on that later).





REVIEW
The Vectron 193 locomotive is an offering from Piko's Expert line and is well detailed. Although the end handrails are separately applied, the door handrails on each side are molded on but the delicate silver painting makes them appear separate. The roof is well detailed and appears to match references with parts properly locates and scale looking. The paint scheme is smooth, with clear demarcations between colors and a lot of fine printing. I really like the cityscapes pictured on the side for the various cities.





Now for some specifics:

3 RAIL
Yes, this locomotive is also available in 3 rail as part #59088.

DIGITAL
Yes, a NEM 658 PluX22 socket is ready for installation of a decoder. I am fond of ESU's decoders, so I will place an order this weekend for one.

PORTA BOHEMICA
As mentioned above, this is the assigned motive power for the EC 378/379 Porta Bohemica train. I will pair this locomotive along with my ACME Porta Bohemica sets. I'll try to find a track and get some pics of the entire train.

CLOSING
In summary, this is another good looking and well priced offering from Piko. The color scheme is well done and it's ready for a decoder. I'll circle back and update this review once I get a chance to put some running time on it.