KHŽ Class 420

Kráľovské Holynské Železnice Class 420
A Class 420 operating an intermodal train
Type and origin Power type Electric Builder HLZ Build date 1977-1988 Total produced 1,161
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC Co′Co′ Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) Length 19.6 m (64 ft 4 in) Loco weight 123.0 t (121.1 long tons; 135.6 short tons) Electric system/s 25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead Current pickup(s) Pantograph Traction motors Six Loco brake Airbrake / regenerative Train brakes Airbrake
Performance figures Maximum speed 120 km/h (75 mph) Power output 5,400 kW (7,200 hp) Tractive effort 380 kN (85,000 lbf)
Career Operators Holynské štátne Železnice (until 2001) Kráľovské Holynské Železnice Holyn Rail Freight AS Blue Cargo Class KHŽ Class 420 First run 1975 Last run Still in service

The Kráľovské Holynské Železnice Class 420 locomotive is a renowned electric locomotive designed and manufactured in Holynia for use on both passenger and freight services. Nicknamed the "electric container" for its unique car body, it is considered one of the most iconic locomotives in Holyn rail history. Over 1,100 were built between 1977 and 1988.

History

In the late 1960s, Holyn State Railways identified a need for a more powerful locomotive to meet increasing demands for reliable passenger and freight transport. Existing engines, while serviceable, lacked the necessary performance for the country's growing rail network. In response, the Holyn Locomotive Works (HLW) developed the Class 420, a six-axle electric locomotive suitable for a variety of rail tasks.

The first prototypes rolled off the production line in 1972, and after rigorous testing, full production commenced in 1977. Over 1,100 units were built between 1977 and 1988, serving a dual purpose: hauling heavy freight on mountainous routes and providing high-speed passenger services on Holynia's emerging intercity lines.

With the fall of the communism in the late 1990s and subsequent modernization of Holynia's rail infrastructure, the Class 420 locomotives were updated to meet international standards. Many were refitted with improved braking systems, modernized control panels, and more efficient power units. These updates allowed the locomotives to remain competitive and operational well into the 21st century.

While newer models have since been introduced, the Class 420 is still widely in use for regional freight services and occasional passenger duty. Many private operators have purchased second hand Class 420s. Several have also been exported. Many Holyns view the locomotive as a symbol of the country's industrial resilience and ingenuity. Several units have been preserved in railway museums, celebrating their historical significance in Holynia’s transport heritage.