Rail Operations Group have recently undertaken heavy freight trials with the new and innovative Class 93 locomotive, between Crewe and Carlisle. The trials saw the locomotive hauling gradually increasing loads up to a maximum of 1,800 tonnes. The trials were supported by Network Rail, Freightliner and Stadler and were hugely successful. The locomotive operated in Diesel, Battery, Diesel Hybrid and A/C modes without any issues being identified. Despite some adverse weather and damp railheads, the Class 93 stormed Shap at nearly 60mph – from a standing start in Tebay loop, at the foot of the incline. Likewise, the locomotive made light work of bringing the same load out of Crewe Basford Hall yards in Battery & Hybrid modes.
Rail Operations Group CEO Dave Burley said: “This is great news for this industry changing form of traction. The innovative hybrid approach has proven hugely successful and has exceeded our expectations. 1,800 tons over Shap at nearly 60mph and the loco had more to give – a truly awesome performance and tribute to both the ROG design and Stadler’s engineering skills. This locomotive provides a truly decarbonising yet commercially attractive alternative to other traction types in the UK. Put simply, it does exactly what it was designed to do”.
Further tests are planned in the next few weeks before the locomotives enter service later this month.