Established in 2024, Loc.KA.engineering e.V. is an innovative student initiative from Karlsruhe, dedicated to advancing rail transport technologies through the construction of our own locomotives.
Our final destination
Innovation
Our locomotive features a modular, scalable design, allowing individual components to be independently functional and easily integrated into a complete vehicle.
Research
Part of our vision is to collaborate with both academic and industry partners. This involves working on joint projects with research institutes, industry partners and students.
Common benefits
Our goal is to build not just a prototype of our locomotive, but to develop it into a fully functional product ready for real-world scenarios. By that, we aim not only to win trophies, but also to benefit the community.
Our crew
Our student group currently consists of more than 20 students from various disciplines. We regularly meet as a full team at our headquarters on the KIT Campus East.
Still, most of the magic happens in our subteams. Their meetings are held in various locations, depending on the specific task. To learn more about our subteams, click on one of the boxes below.
Our locomotive shed
Trailer
Since we ran out of space in our small office in building 70.04 we acquired ourselves a truck trailer that now houses our mobile workshop. It features work benches, our tools, a welding machine, a 3D printer and more. It also serves as a storage facility for our locomotive and our tracks. We even installed a heat pump!
Semi-Trailer
Furthermore, we still have a semi-trailer available. Right now, we use it as storage space but we are currently planning to set up our office there and put in some sofas for relaxing.
Competitions
Railway Challenge (RWC)
Every summer the RWC takes place in Stapleford, England where international student groups from all over the world compete. It’s the original format of railway challenges. With usually around 15 teams participating, the title is particularly hard-fought there.
We plan our first participation at RWC in 2027!
European Railway Challenge (ERWC)
The ERWC takes place every summer in Kürnbach, Germany. At the ERWC teams from universities across Europe present their locomotives and contend in a series of challenges focusing on performance, efficiency, and innovation.
In 2025, we showcased our first-ever constructed vehicle KARLA at the European Railway Challenge. In 2026 we will contend with an upgraded version of KARLA.
Get on board
Become a member
Ready to help us lay the rails to future transportation? We’re currently looking for new members to join our team and invite you to get involved in our journey!
Other ways to contribute
You can also support us by making a donation or becoming a sponsor.