The German website “Elektrolok” is reporting that DB Schenker will switch off all remaining Class 139 and 140 locomotives effective December 31st. This large class of freight locomotives numbering over 800 examples were built for the expansion of electrification in West Germany after WW2. All major German locomotive builders took part in building them. The majority of the fleet was still in operation as recently as 2005. DB was even overhauling examples judged to be in good structural condition in early 2008. Five of those most recently overhauled will be retained in reserve, but they will have no scheduled work.