Network North Electrification Projects

[Bald Rick]

I thought we'd established their diesel/battery modes were only good for last-mile journeys?

We hadn‘t established that.

The Class 99 will be hauling intermodals from Felixstowe via Ely to the WCML on diesel.

 

[ac6000cw]

That definitely hasn't been the impression I've gotten from discussions on this forum!

The common 'last mile' capability e.g. as available as an option on Vectron and Traxx locos for the last decade or so, has been provided by a diesel engine of around 180-300kW (240-400hp) - about the same as small/medium shunter.

A cl. 88 has 700kW on diesel (about the same as a cl. 20) and the original version of a cl. 73 has 450kW (which isn't great by modern standards but rather more than needed for 'last mile' work).

 

[eldomtom2]

A cl. 88 has 700kW on diesel (about the same as a cl. 20)

I mean that doesn't prove it's not "last mile" capability, especially when you consider that under the wires it's got 4000kW.

 

[Bald Rick]

I mean that doesn't prove it's not "last mile" capability, especially when you consider that under the wires it's got 4000kW.

Typically the 88s are used on diesel in last mile capability.

But the 99s wont be. On diesel they will have roughly the same power at the rail as a Class 47, which as we know was the mainstay of intermodal trains off (and sometimes under) the wires for several decades.

 

[ac6000cw]

I mean that doesn't prove it's not "last mile" capability, especially when you consider that under the wires it's got 4000kW.

Depends on large the fuel tank is... (and you haven't proved it is only 'last mile' capability either).

 

[HSTEd]

ROG with the cl. 93 and GBRf with the cl. 99 are being pragmatic about what's possible to fit in a UK size and weight loco at present, to get locos that can do what they need for their business in the near future (at a cost that's affordable) while making it 'greener'. Perfection can be the enemy of progress...

The Class 93 is unfortunately hamstrung by being Bo-Bo.

It clings to the idea of the mixed traffic locomotive that simply refuses to die in the UK. Atleast the Class 99 is a return to sanity in that regard.

 

[eldomtom2]

Depends on large the fuel tank is...

Yes, a locomotive with low horsepower can theoretically drag a heavy load a long way with sufficient fuel. I don't see what your point is.

 

[ac6000cw]

Yes, a locomotive with low horsepower can theoretically drag a heavy load a long way with sufficient fuel. I don't see what your point is.

I'm having a bit of fun with the the "last mile" expression/euphemism, on the assumption that "a long way" implies rather more than a mile...

The Class 93 is unfortunately hamstrung by being Bo-Bo.

It clings to the idea of the mixed traffic locomotive that simply refuses to die in the UK. At least the Class 99 is a return to sanity in that regard.

But from what ROG have said, a 'mixed traffic' loco appears to be exactly what they wanted (and they have been promoting the idea of running freight at passenger train speeds).

 

[73128]

Would need to electrify the destination though. Some of them are not wired either. So the freight just continues as diesel all the way.

Not necessarily. A small "last mile" diesel (or battery) in an electric freight loco is a different matter to one that can accelerate a train to 70mph or whatever and keep it there up hills.