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What does “Elektrolok E-lok” mean?
NRC has this question for readers:
“What does Elekrolok E-lok mean? I see this all the time from European sellers.”















Hi,
It’s simple: “Elektrolok” or “E-lok” means model of electric locomotive. I think it’s all.
regards,
Mike
Hello from France !
First, I’m french and I don’t speak usualy english. But I’ll try to speak english correct.
Only in Germany : lok = diminutive of lokomotive
E-lok = Electrolok = electric locomotive. In France, we say motrice ou locomotive électrique.
Dampflok or Dampflokomotive = Steam Locomotive. In France, we say “vapeur” ou locomotive à vapeur.
Best regards,
Alain
If you ever come across “Verbrennungslok”, it will refer to a diesel locomotive. A “Verbrennungstriebwagen” will be a diesel powered railcar.
“Elektrolok”, “Ellok” and “E-lok” are all German abbreviations referring to electric locomotive (real ones, not just models). An electrically powered model of a diesel or steam locomotive would NOT be described as an “Elektrolok”, “Ellok” or “E-lok”. The full expression would be, I believe, “elektrisch getriebene Lokomotive” (electrically powered locomotive, in English).