Photo courtesy Armand Schmit © copyright Armand's Diesellokomotivseite

MZ

In the late 60s, following the success of the EMD-NOHAB built My & Mx Class locomotives, and with requirements for further, higher powered machines, DSB looked once again to NOHAB for a suitable design. The MZ Class is DSB's version of the ubiquitous EMD model JT26C, and the 10 units of the first order were powered by the new 16 cylinder 645 c.i.d engine which was fast replacing the 567 as EMD's industry standard.

Entering service between Zealand and Lolland Falster, the MZs were transferred shortly afterward to Jutland and Funen, working both heavy freight and passenger services. During the 70s and 80s they could be seen working out of Nyborg Faerge on Inter City services, and this continued until 1991, when the introduction of the IC/3 DMUs saw the Mz Class transferred to freight duties, replacing ageing Mx & My Class locos.

Soon after delivery of the first series, DSB placed a second order for a further 16 units, and this series was visually identical to the first except for the arrangement of underfloor equipment such as battery boxes and fuel tanks. A third delivery began in 1972 of 20 units featuring a more powerful 20 cylinder version of the 645 prime mover, and they were the first to be delivered in DSB's red and black corporate livery. These units could be seen working both sides of the Great Belt, originally on express Inter City trains, and later on regional and heavy freight services. Problems with excessive brake wear resulted in their transfer to semi fast running on Eurocity and Interregio trains.

A final delivery of a further 15 locomotives took place between 1977-78, and these units featured a gear ratio more suitable for frequently stopping regional trains. Heavy freight trains were commonly worked by these locos and fast international trains were also among their duties until the completion of the Great Belt link in 1997, when EA class electrics took over these services. This batch is still in service today, primarily sharing regional traffic with the ME Class.

The Mz Class were originally fited with curved wrap-around wind screens, but expense of replacement resulted in the installation of squarer, segmented panes. Snow ploughs were fitted to the pilots from 1978, and the original round buffers were replaced with square ones due to problems working in multiple upgrade and around certain curves.

Resources

General Data

DSB Locomotives - Rail-o-rama
NOHAB & AFB Diesels - Armand's Diesellokomotivseite
Gallery - European Railway Server

Many thanks to Thomas Hupfeldt.

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