The Anonymous Widower

Class 99 Electro-Diesel Locomotive Order Confirmed

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Railway Gazette.

This first paragraph gives details of the order.

GB Railfreight, leasing company Beacon Rail and Stadler have signed an agreement for the supply of 30 Class 99 six-axle electro-diesel locomotives for entry into service from 2025. The operator said they would the first electro-diesel locomotives capable of hauling heavy freight at main line speeds on the UK network.

The article also gives these technical details of the Class 99 locomotives.

• Ability to operate under 25 KVAC overhead electrification.
• Up to 6,000 kW under electrification.
• Maximum speed of 120 km/h (75 mph)
• ‘high-power low-emissions’ Stage V diesel engine.
• Tractive effort of up to 500 kN
• The locomotives will be compatible with British the UK loading gauge and specifications.

This document on the Stadler web site is the specification for the Stadler Euro Dual locomotives, that have been sold to German operator; HVLE.

These are some technical details.

• Ability to operate under 25 KVAC overhead electrification or 15 KVAC  German overhead electrification.
• Up to 6,000 kW under electrification.
• Maximum speed of 120 km/h
• Caterpillar C175-16 Stage IIIB diesel engine.
• Engine output of 2,800 kW
• Tractive effort of up to 500 kN
• A Euro Dual locomotive has a length of 23 metres
• A Euro Dual locomotive has a 3,500 litre fuel tank.

Wikipedia gives details of a Stadler Class 68 locomotive, which is shown in this picture.

These are some details.

• There are 34 Class 68 locomotives in service in the UK.
• Caterpillar C175-16 Stage IIIB diesel engine.
• Engine output of 2,800 kW
• A Class 68 locomotive has a 5,000 litre fuel tank.
• A Class 68 locomotive has a length of 20.5 metres.
• It should be noted, that a Class 66 locomotive has an engine output of 2,500 kW.

These are my thoughts on the design and specification of the Class 99 locomotive.

The Diesel Engine

The Class 68 and the Euro Dual appear to have a diesel engine, with these specifications.

• Caterpillar C175-16 Stage IIIB diesel engine.
• Engine output of 2,800 kW

Whereas the Class 99 locomotive is stated as having a ‘high-power low-emissions’ Stage V diesel engine.

So have Stadler fitted the latest Caterpillar C175-16 Stage V diesel engine into a Class 99 locomotive?

This would surely be likely, as any reputable diesel engine company would strive to reduce the emissions of their engines and make them compatible with the latest regulations.

Will 2,800 kW Be Enough Power On Diesel?

If the Class 99 locomotive has 2,800 kW from the latest Caterpillar diesel engine, this is the same as for a Class 68 and the Euro Dual, so it is likely to be enough power.

It is also more power, than is available from a Class 66 locomotive.

What Will Be The Length Of The Class 99 Locomotive?

It does appear that the Class 68 locomotive is 20.5 metres long and the Euro Dual is 23 metres long.

But this is not really unexpected as the Euro Dual has two larger three-axle bogies.

I suspect to use the equipment layout of the Euro Dual, that the Class 99 locomotive could be 23 metres long.

What About The UK Loading Gauge?

When it came to designing the Class 68, 88 and 93 locomotives, Stadler had no difficulty fitting all the gubbins in a 20.5 metre package.

If I am right in surmising that a Class 99 locomotive will be longer because of its larger bogies, I suspect that modern computer-aided design will enable Stadler to create a locomotive, that will fit the UK loading gauge.

Conclusion

It does appear that a design based around the latest version of a Caterpillar C175-16 will be possible.

April 29, 2022 - Posted by AnonW | Design, Transport/Travel | Class 68 Locomotive, Class 88 Locomotive, Class 93 Locomotive, Class 99 Locomotive, Stadler, Stadler Euro Dual