Class 88 Progress

[E_Reeves]

The new updated version of the class 68, the class 88, was due to arrive in the UK in autumn 2015, but I haven't heard any news or seen any yet. Anybody know any updates?

 

[66103]

I know the first one is pretty-much complete and is due to go to the Czeck Republic for testing in January, unsure about any of the others though

 

[coppercapped]

The new updated version of the class 68, the class 88, was due to arrive in the UK in autumn 2015, but I haven't heard any news or seen any yet. Anybody know any updates?

What do you mean by 'updated version'? The Class 88 will be an electric locomotive taking its power from the 25kV overhead line. It will also be fitted with a 'last mile' diesel engine for low speed work.

The Class 68 is a pure diesel-electric.

Both types will have many parts in common, but by no means is the 88 an 'update' to the 68 - they are two very different locomotives.

 

[WatcherZero]

Its the same cab, bodyshell, bogies, traction package and control electronics, just with a different powerplant.

Just think of it as a Ford Transit with a petrol rather than diesel engine, same commonality.

 

[coppercapped]

Its the same cab, bodyshell, bogies, traction package and control electronics, just with a different powerplant.

Just think of it as a Ford Transit with a petrol rather than diesel engine, same commonality.

Not quite as simple. The big diesel engine has been removed, together with its mountings, exhaust system, cooler group, fuel tank and ancillaries.

It has been replaced with a pantograph, modified roof structure, a circuit breaker, high voltage cabling, transformer, a rectifier, a diesel engine with its exhaust system, a cooler group, a fuel tank and various ancillaries.

The control software, unless written so that it can automatically recognise the presence or absence of 25kV power and a little diesel on the one hand or a big diesel on the other, will probably be a different version and build.

It might look similar from the outside, but it will be a quite different beast inside even if the power schematics look similar.

 

[WatcherZero]

As I said, just replaced the powerplant. They have confirmed the engine control software is the same as on the 68 as well just running a smaller engine.

 

[coppercapped]

As I said, just replaced the powerplant. They have confirmed the engine control software is the same as on the 68 as well just running a smaller engine.

You obviously have a different understanding of the meaning of the word 'updated' than I do.

 

[route:oxford]

As I said, just replaced the powerplant. They have confirmed the engine control software is the same as on the 68 as well just running a smaller engine.

Just like a Golf GT...

It doesn't matter whether it's a GTI, GTD or GTE - they are all Golfs.

So, with the same software, we could technically see them double head (or top 'n tail) with both powered?

 

[coppercapped]

Just like a Golf GT...

It doesn't matter whether it's a GTI, GTD or GTE - they are all Golfs.

So, with the same software, we could technically see them double head (or top 'n tail) with both powered?

What do you mean by 'both powered'? The Class 68 running in multiple with the Class 88 using 25kV or with the Class 88 using its little diesel engine?

 

[RobShipway]

What do you mean by 'both powered'? The Class 68 running in multiple with the Class 88 using 25kV or with the Class 88 using its little diesel engine?

I take it that he means a class 88 at one end of the train with a class 68 at the other end.

 

[Bungle965]

I take it that he means a class 88 at one end of the train with a class 68 at the other end.

With a 442 in the middle.

I will get my coat!
Sam

 

[MarkyT]

I wondered if it will be possible to run a pair (one 68 and one 88) under 25kV connected to each other by power and control cables. Assuming they have the same control equipment and traction motors, such a lash-up might be able to output a combined power equivalent to two of the electric locos (8MW) over all eight axles, and all supplied through the single pantograph and transformer of the 88. Away from the wires, the small engine of the 88 combined with the large one on the 68 could together output a respectable 3.5MW also able to be put down evenly through all eight axles, resulting in great starting and low speed tractive effort under diesel traction as well as impressive higher speed haulage feats under the wire, plus the ability to split a train at the extremities of it's route and use the two locos for different local shunting and portion trip working tasks.

 

[332 > 444]

With a 442 in the middle.

I will get my coat!
Sam

That's old hat, now it's 373 coaches!

 

[RobShipway]

That's old hat, now it's 373 coaches!

With a 442 in the middle.

I will get my coat!
Sam

I would say that it is more likely Mk3 coaches to be honest, rather than being a complete class 442, it might be at least be three of the coaches from a class 442 set that potentially could be used.

I wonder if either Nortrhern or TPE would be interested though?

 

[D365]

I wonder if either Northern or TPE would be interested though?

We've heard that one before...

Just stop. It's going to have to be new-build.

 

[absolutelymilk]

http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/class-88-ukdual-electro-diesel-locomotive-unveiled.html

Testing of the first locomotive 88 001 has now been completed at the Velim circuit in the Czech Republic .... DRS said the testing was completed ahead of schedule with the locomotive performing ‘extremely well’, but could not say when the locomotives are expected to enter service in the UK.

The Class 88s entered testing in July 2016, any news on when they will enter service?

 

[najaB]

The Class 88s entered testing in July 2016, any news on when they will enter service?

I wonder if anything can be read into the fact that the locomotive did 'extremely well' on the tests rather than 'passed with flying colours' or similar?

 

[Mag_seven]

http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/class-88-ukdual-electro-diesel-locomotive-unveiled.html



The Class 88s entered testing in July 2016, any news on when they will enter service?

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