České dráhy (ČD), the Czech national railway carrier, has decided not to modernise its classic Class 150.2 and 151 electric locomotives, known in Czech railway circles as the so-called “Bananas” or “Twos”. The vehicles will instead be offered for sale, with scrapping possible if no buyer is found.
The locomotives were withdrawn from regular service in spring 2025, after their final scheduled deployment on the R20 Labe route between Prague and Děčín. Some units later appeared occasionally as reserve locomotives on services towards Děčín and Hradec Králové, but their operational role gradually disappeared.
ČD had considered modernising and converting the locomotives into dual-system units capable of operating under both 3 kV DC and 25 kV 50 Hz AC, the two main electrification systems used in Czechia. The possible upgrade would also have included the installation of ETCS.
After preliminary market consultations with potential suppliers and an assessment of operational and economic factors, ČD has now decided to end the project and put the locomotives on the market.
The Class 150.2 and 151 locomotives were built by Škoda in Plzeň in 1978, with 27 units produced. Originally designated E 499.2, they were designed for long-distance express trains on the main route from Prague via Ostrava to Košice and Chop, where they replaced pairs of older locomotives on heavy passenger trains.
The locomotives were built for 3 kV DC operation, with an output of 4,000 kW and an original maximum speed of 140 km/h. During their more than four decades in service, they underwent several upgrades, including modifications that allowed part of the fleet to operate at 160 km/h.
Together, the locomotives have covered more than 216 million kilometres since entering service. Five units each exceeded 10 million kilometres individually.
Although most of the fleet is now heading for sale or possible scrapping, several locomotives are expected to be preserved in museum collections.
