Class 88 Locomotive
DRS are proud to unveil the eagerly awaited Class 88 Locomotive in her new livery.
88002 showcasing her new livery at Stadler Rail Valencia
DRS are proud to unveil the eagerly awaited Class 88 Locomotive in her new livery.
The Class 88 is another technical innovation from DRS for the provision of superior traction equipment for UK operation, which will result in a step change for delivery of freight and passenger services.
A further development of the Class 68 platform, the Class 88 is a true “Dual Mode” locomotive combining both 25kv Electric and Diesel Electric operating modes.
Testing of 88001 in Velim has concluded, reporting on the testing Stadler said: “During UKDual test campaign in Velim, two main goals have been covered. First, we have focused to perform all test related to homologation purposes by using the capabilities of Velim test center (TSI track, catenary characteristics, braking distances.). As second goal, we have tested and adjusted locomotive performances as traction control in different conditions, diesel engine and electrical power management, by hauling a train of 1500Tons and an ER20 locomotive.
As our first dual locomotive, new functionalities of control software have been validated as dynamic mode changing between electrical operation to diesel operation (and viceversa) and fine tuning of automatic speed control.
Finally, Velim test site has been used as first scenario to show to DRS the behavior of the locomotive and let to our customer to feedback us with the first impressions about UKDual locomotive.”
88001 pictured on the test track in Velim
The testing was completed ahead of schedule with the locomotive performing extremely well.
88003 will be appearing at the leading international trade fair for transport technology, Innotrans from 20th to 23rd September 2016 in Berlin. For more information regarding the trade fair please visit http://www.innotrans.com/
Direct Rail Services have purchased ten new state of the art Class 88 dual powered locomotives from Stadler Rail, in partnership with Beacon Rail Leasing Limited.