New Class 68 loco on track for delivery in Autumn 2013
Development of the DRS Class 68 locomotive continues at pace and the next stage will be a rigorous testing programme. First off the production line will be Locomotive 68001, which will be sent to the Czech Railway Research Institute’s Velim Railway Test Circuit to undergo extensive testing throughout the back half of 2013. These tests will serve to confirm haulage capability, high speed performance and braking performance and will be closely monitored by DRS, Vossloh, Caterpillar and ABB engineers.
Separately, loco 68002 will arrive in the UK in October 2013 and will be subjected to UK testing throughout the Autumn. In advance of Class 68 testing, DRS and Vossloh engineers are already taking advantage of telemetry data from the two sister Eurolight locomotives currently operating in Germany and Italy. This telemetry data is helping to create a more detailed understanding and confidence of the class leading performance characteristics of the Class 68 locomotive.
Ahead of the arrival of the first Class 68 loco in the UK, DRS Engineering are already working hard to construct a new building at DRS Gresty Bridge Crewe depot, to house both test and warranty engineers, as well as the spares and consumables that will be needed for maintenance of the fleet. DRS’ Senior Traction Engineer, Andy Firth will also relocate into this new facility to oversee the introduction of the Class 68.
The Class 68 Advantage
This new locomotive is set to deliver a significant performance benefit for both DRS and its clients. A true mixed traffic locomotive it can haul both freight and passenger services.
- 100 mph performance offers the potential for new high speed freight services.
- Innovative design features including individual axle invertor drives provide 4 levels of redundancy and superior reliability.
- Minimum routine consumable parts required as part of a planned maintenance programme, reducing down time and cost.
- Auto stop start technology with day and night guard functionality.
All this adds up to a locomotive which is set to deliver new standards of performance and efficiency.
For further information on the innovative new Class 68 locomotive email: marketing@drsl.co.uk