class 88

The Class 88 is a state-of-the-art bi-mode locomotive, the only dual powered locomotive in the UK, which can run on overhead electricity, produced by Stadler Rail for Direct Rail Services.

The Class 88 is part of the Stadler Euro Dual family. This is a range of dual-mode locomotives that are fitted both with a pantograph, to collect electricity from overhead wires, and a Caterpillar diesel engine. The diesel engine is compliant to the latest EU emissions legislation and enables them to pull into depots, and also operate up to 500 miles on diesel power, if no overhead electricity is available. When running on the overhead lines they can also put electricity back into the network under braking.

It has a maximum speed of 100mph and when running on electric power 5,400hp or 940hp when running on its diesel engine.