Abstract: A drive for high-speed locomotives has a variable-speed electric motor which transmits torque to the input shaft of a hydrodynamic power transmission having a hydrodynamic torque converter and a hydrodynamic coupling for transmission of torque to the output shaft which drives the wheels through the medium of a mechanical transmission and cardan shafts. The control unit of the drive engages the converter in the lowest speed range, the coupling in the highest speed range, and the coupling or the converter in the intermediate speed range. In the intermediate speed range, the coupling is engaged when the control unit ascertains that the ratio of maximum traction effort of the drive in engaged condition of the coupling at the momentary intermediate speed to the resistance which the locomotive encounters exceeds one.