Class 68 Eurolight

[RobShipway]

In the latest Rail magazine there is an article on the Class 68 which shows that it is going to be a diesel-electric locomotive, which I presume means that it can either run on Diesel power or run from a pantograph under the elctric wires, would this be correct?

The details in the Rail Magazine article or under http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vossloh_Eurolight are not too clear on this point.

 

[Crossforth]

In the latest Rail magazine there is an article on the Class 68 which shows that it is going to be a diesel-electric locomotive, which I presume means that it can either run on Diesel power or run from a pantograph under the elctric wires, would this be correct?

The details in the Rail Magazine article or under http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vossloh_Eurolight are not too clear on this point.

I think diesel electric means that it has a diesel engine with electric traction motors, like Voyagers, compared to a 73 which is electro diesel meaning it has a diesel engine and can run off the third rail

 

[deltic1989]

In the latest Rail magazine there is an article on the Class 68 which shows that it is going to be a diesel-electric locomotive, which I presume means that it can either run on Diesel power or run from a pantograph under the elctric wires, would this be correct?

The details in the Rail Magazine article or under http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vossloh_Eurolight are not too clear on this point.

I think diesel electric means that it has a diesel engine with electric traction motors, like Voyagers, compared to a 73 which is electro diesel meaning it has a diesel engine and can run off the third rail

Yes, by the sounds of it it will be a diesel engine feeding a genorator or similar device to power electric transmission.
The OP seems to have this confused with bi mode i think. But an easy mistake to make.

 

[mbonwick]

Firstly, its called the UKLight now.

Secondly, Crossforth is right. It has a diesel prime mover with electic transmission - no pantograph or provision for ome.

 

[RobShipway]

Okay, thanks that is what I though was the case. It seems silly to me that DRS are just getting a lighter less powerful version of a Class 67 when they is more of a need for more Electro Diesel locomotives, especially with the likes of the GW being electrified soon and other lines sooner?

 

[junglejames]

Its not a less powerful version of the 67. It has more horses, and is geared for only 100mph. End result is a much more mixed traffic loco. Unlike the 67 which is rubbish if hauling anymore than a handful of passenger coaches

 

[ainsworth74]

It seems silly to me that DRS are just getting a lighter less powerful version of a Class 67 when they is more of a need for more Electro Diesel locomotives, especially with the likes of the GW being electrified soon and other lines sooner?

More expensive to procure something like that (and more complex to operate and maintain). The FOCs on the whole are less than convinced by the wiring that's being done and are unlikely to change their minds until they can run trains from yard to yard without any need of changing traction. They also seem to be less than convinced by 'final mile' diesel engines unless that final mile is quite literally a mile or less.

 

[RobShipway]

More expensive to procure something like that (and more complex to operate and maintain). The FOCs on the whole are less than convinced by the wiring that's being done and are unlikely to change their minds until they can run trains from yard to yard without any need of changing traction. They also seem to be less than convinced by 'final mile' diesel engines unless that final mile is quite literally a mile or less.

But that will mean that we have diesel engines running under the wires for years to come and diesel passenger trains on that basis. The FOCs need to start be realistic about having mixed power now, in the same way that the Hybrid IEP trains are going to be when they are introduced.

 

[ainsworth74]

But that will mean that we have diesel engines running under the wires for years to come and diesel passenger trains on that basis. The FOCs need to start be realistic about having mixed power now, in the same way that the Hybrid IEP trains are going to be when they are introduced.

They will do what is best for their bottom line and currently that's using diesels throughout. The only way your going to get them to change is to hurt them financially, but the margins are very tight on freight so I'd be hesitant in manipulating the market in that way. Once it's possible for them to run a freight train using electric haulage from the reception road of one yard to the reception road of the destination yard I imagine will start to see electric freight take off. Until then they're going to stick with whatever is most cost effective and to be honest I can't blame them.

 

[captainbigun]

Firstly, its called the UKLight now.

Secondly, Crossforth is right. It has a diesel prime mover with electic transmission - no pantograph or provision for ome.

The irony being that, at 84t, it's far from light!

It's an oddity, neither an outright freight loco and not a highspeed passenger loco. One wonders why you'd want a compromise given the pressure on pathing or how many 100mph passenger trains there are that require a diesel loco.

As for new build AC locos....times are changing and it IS actively being looked at.

The cost argument is now pretty buggered, anyone considered why FL are so resolute on getting 90042 fixed? Fact, AC is now considerably cheaper than diesel, like >30% cheaper. Cheaper to run, cheaper to maintain and can move more, more quickly than any diesel. Then there is the carbon footprint, again savings over 30% over diesel.

 

[Jonny]

The irony being that, at 84t, it's far from light!.

Versus 88-90 tonnes for the Class 67?
It's lighter than the alternative, and a lower axle weight that a Class 66 (even with two axles less).

 

[captainbigun]

Versus 88-90 tonnes for the Class 67?
It's lighter than the alternative, and a lower axle weight that a Class 66 (even with two axles less).

Against the original spec mooted (<80t), it's been on a pork out.

Still going to be RA7 at best.

 

[greysleuth]

First one will be tested here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velim_railway_test_circuit
Hope the locals have got their cameras ready.
Be lucky
David

 

[yummy125]

The front of it looks like a Gatwick / Heathrow express unit,

http://www.vossloh-innotrans.com/media/downloads/pdfs/vrv/Vossloh_UKLIGHT_us.pdf