THE FIRST EVER tri-mode locomotive designed and built to operate on Britain’s railway network was hauled through Bromsgrove on Monday as it headed to appear at a rail event, writes Neil Gordon.
The new class 93 locomotive, number 93001, which is capable of operating in hybrid mode, is set to appear at a rail industry event this week at the Rail Innovation Centre in Long Marston, Warwickshire.
The origin of the locomotive stems from the UK rail sector looking to deliver on its decarbonisation targets with this new design of locomotive capable of being powered by a rechargeable battery pack, as well as by traditional electric and diesel modes, making it the first-ever tri-mode locomotive.
The diesel-battery hybrid mode will significantly reduce exhaust gas emissions for both freight and passenger services while supporting UK net zero targets once the class becomes operational.
Built by Swiss manufacturer Stadler Rail at its facility in Valencia, Spain the class 93 weighs 86 tonnes and has a maximum speed of 110mph, with 93001 being from an initial batch of ten ordered by the Derby-based company Rail Operations Group.
