Stadler Euro Dual

At Innotrans 2012, Vossloh announced the launch of its range of dual mode locomotives; the company's initial offerings included the Vossloh DM30 concept based on the Vossloh DE 18, and the EuroDual locomotives derived from its diesel Euro 4000 and EuroLight classes. Specifically, the Euro Dual shares the majority of its design, including elements such as the bodyshell, braking systems, bogies, traction equipment and software, with the Eurolight series.{{cite magazine |editor1-last=Harris |editor1-first=Nigel |title=Direct Rail Services' first '88' arrives in UK |magazine=Rail Magazine |date=1 February 2017 |issue=819 |page=15 |publisher=Bauer Media |location=Peterborough |issn=0953-4563}}{{cite web |url = https://www.railengineer.co.uk/sleek-lines/ |title = Sleek lines |first=Mungo |last=Stacy |publisher= Rail Engineer |date = 1 April 2014}} Initial descriptions issued by Vossloh were of a Co'Co' locomotive with 5{{NNBSP}}MW electrical power and {{convert|0.7|to|2.8|MW|abbr=on}} diesel power, with an axle load from {{convert|17|to|22.5|t|abbr=on}}.{{citation| url = http://www.vossloh-innotrans.com/media/downloads/pdfs/pm/Press_information_Dual_mode_locomotives.pdf| title = Smart operating options with dual-mode locomotives| type = press release| publisher = Vossloh| access-date = 31 October 2013| archive-date = 31 October 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131031092812/http://www.vossloh-innotrans.com/media/downloads/pdfs/pm/Press_information_Dual_mode_locomotives.pdf| url-status = dead}} Subsequent orders differed from the initial specifications, with orders from the UK and South Africa being for Bo-Bo locomotives. At Innotrans 2018, the new Eurodual was presented by Stadler; the first two versions are marketed as UKDual and PrasaDual, while a third variant of the EuroDual featured the Co-Co wheel arrangement.{{Cite web |url=https://wwwstadlerrailcom-live-01e96f7.s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/filer_public/7e/04/7e047927-ab8a-4116-a6f6-adb19725f269/leurodualhvle0317e.pdf |title=EURODUAL LOCOMOTIVE |date=17 September 2018 |publisher=Stadler Rail |language= |format=PDF; 2.4 MB |access-date=13 November 2018 |archive-date=14 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114060546/https://wwwstadlerrailcom-live-01e96f7.s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/filer_public/7e/04/7e047927-ab8a-4116-a6f6-adb19725f269/leurodualhvle0317e.pdf |url-status=dead }}

File:J33_722_Eurodual_2159_003.jpg Eurodual II at 2018 InnoTrans railway fair]]

In comparison to historic dual mode locomotives, the Euro Dual series was not designed with a low-powered diesel powerplant intended only for 'last mile' operations with restrictive acceleration, speed, and range; rather, it was a full capable locomotive in either diesel or electric modes. It has been designed for routinely handling heavy freight consists, the series is reportedly expected to function as a dual-mode replacement for the successful Euro 4000, which will soon cease production as the latter is not compliant with European Stage IIIA emission standards. The Euro Dual is suitable for both passenger and freight applications, being able to operate at speeds of up to {{convert|160|km/h|abbr=on}}. The market for dual mode trains is seen to be a growing one in comparison to conventional single mode diesel locomotives; by 2019, relatively few pure diesel locomotives were reportedly achieving sales.{{cite web |url = https://www.railengineer.co.uk/bi-mode-trains-unlocking-opportunity/ |title = Bi-mode trains: Unlocking opportunity |first = Andy |last = Milne |publisher = Rail Engineer |date = 24 October 2017}}

The Euro Dual was designed from the onset as a highly modular platform, allowing it to be offered to customers in various different configurations, covering various gauges and voltage systems. Accordingly, it can be equipped with diesel engines of various power ratings, being determined by the requirements of each specific customer. Despite this customisability, many features such as the bodyshell are capable of accommodating such range with little meaningful modifications.{{cite web |url = http://www.railcolor.net/index.php?nav=1412363&lang=1 |title = Stadler Rail Valencia: EURO DUAL |publisher = railcolor.net |accessdate = 17 July 2020}} Furthermore, some versions of the Euro Dual series are tri modes, which are capable of being powered by either overhead electrification, a diesel engine, or an array of batteries. When fitted with a battery unit, the starting power of the locomotive can be augmented beyond conventional limits, enabling trains to accelerate faster by augmenting the starting tractive effort of the diesel engine to around 500{{nbsp}}kN. Another advantage of such a configuration is the ability to recover energy via regenerative braking, improving operational efficiency.{{cite web |url = https://www.railengineer.co.uk/locos-go-bi-and-tri-mode/ |title = Locos go bi- and tri-mode! |first = Keith |last = Fender |publisher = Rail Engineer |date = 6 November 2019}}

File:BRLL 88003 auf der InnoTrans 2016.jpg 88003 at InnoTrans fair 2016]]

{{main|British Rail Class 88}}

In September 2013, UK rail operator Direct Rail Services announced it had ordered ten Euro Dual locomotives, with a {{convert|700|kW|hp|abbr=on}} engine, and 4{{NNBSP}}MW rating electrical equipment (25{{NNBSP}}kV AC operation)."DRS orders ten dual-mode Class 88s." Rail, Issue 731. 18 September 2013, p. 7. The type was subsequently designated as the Class{{NNBSP}}88. The design is a development of the Class 68 (Stadler UKLight) diesel locomotives that Direct Rail Services introduced in 2014, having the bodyshell, cab, brakes, bogies, traction equipment and control software in common,Sources:

• {{citation| url = http://www.europeanrailwayreview.com/18829/rail-industry-news/vossloh-espana-will-deliver-ten-dual-mode-locomotives-to-drs/| title = Vossloh España will deliver ten Dual Mode Locomotives to DRS| date = 16 September 2013| work = www.europeanrailwayreview.com}}
• {{citation| url = http://www.modern-railways.com/view_article.asp?id=6788| title = Beacon Rail and DRS order dual-mode locos| date = 12 September 2013| work =www.modern-railways.com}} the diesel engine is a {{convert|950|hp|abbr=on}} Caterpillar C27, albeit a model that conforms with the European IIIB emissions standards unlike that of the Class 68.{{citation| url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/drs-orders-10-electro-diesel-locomotives-from-vossloh.html| title = DRS orders 10 electro-diesel locomotives from Vossloh| date = 12 September 2013| work = www.railwaygazette.com| access-date = 18 August 2014| archive-date = 17 October 2014| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141017033402/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/drs-orders-10-electro-diesel-locomotives-from-vossloh.html| url-status = dead}}

In April 2016, one vehicle was transferred to the Velim railway test circuit for testing.{{citation |first = Keith |last = Barrow |date = 15 April 2016 |url = http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/locomotives/first-drs-class-88-electro-diesel-ready-for-testing.html |title = First DRS class 88 electro-diesel ready for testing |work = www.railjournal.com}}

{{main|British Rail Class 93 (Stadler)}}

In January 2021, Rail Operations Group confirmed their order of 30 Class 93 locomotives, with the first ten deliveries scheduled for 2023.{{Cite magazine|last=Clinnick|first=Richard|date=14 January 2021|title=Rail Operations (UK) Ltd orders Class 93 tri-modes|url=https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/rail-operations-uk-ltd-orders-class-93-tri-modes|magazine=Rail Magazine|language=en|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-01-14}} Unlike the earlier Class 88, these shall be tri mode vehicles furnished with a battery pack, enabling operations away from overhead catenary wires without activating the diesel engine.

On 29 April 2022, GB Railfreight announced an order for 30 new Class 99 locomotives, financed by Beacon Rail.{{Cite web |title=Railnews - GBRf orders Stadler bi-mode Class 99 locomotives |url=https://railnews.mobi/news/2022/04/29-stadler-bimode-class-99-locomotives.html |access-date=2022-04-29 |website=railnews.mobi}}

Following its use in manufacturer trials, the prototype Euro Dual was put up for sale. French operator VFLI purchased this locomotive, had it furnished with French-specific safety apparatus, and has put it into use.

In October 2013, Swifambo Rail Leasing placed a €250{{nbsp}}million order for 50 Euro Dual and 20 Euro 4000 diesel locomotives, to be leased to the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) for use on Shosholoza Meyl services. The locomotives were configured as Bo-Bo vehicles with {{convert|2.8|MW|hp|abbr=on}} diesel power and a top speed of {{convert|140|km/h|abbr=on}}.{{cite news |title=Vossloh to supply Euro Dual locomotives to South Africa |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/vossloh-to-supply-euro-dual-locomotives-to-south-africa.html |accessdate=8 April 2016 |work=Railway Gazette |date=10 October 2013}}{{cite news |last1=Briginshaw |first1=David |title=South African leasing company orders Vossloh locomotives |url=http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/africa/south-african-leasing-company-orders-vossloh-locomotives.html |accessdate=8 April 2016 |work=International Railway Journal |publisher=Simmons-Boardman Publishing Inc |date=14 October 2013}}

During late 2015, PRASA began proceedings in the High Court of South Africa to terminate the contract for both the Afro4000 and Euro-Dual locomotives ordered from Vossloh, and to be repaid the R2.65{{nbsp}}billion already expended. A specific problem cited was that the supplied diesel locomotives were substantially out of gauge for parts of the network, being 4.14{{NNBSP}}m high, as opposed to a 3.965{{NNBSP}}m limit specified by the government infrastructure and logistics organisation Transnet. PRASA also claimed that Swifambo lacked the necessary experience, and or certification to be awarded the contract, and that Swifambo had failed to meet the terms of the bidding process, in that it lacked experience in the supply of railway equipment.{{cite journal |title=Prasa seeks termination of Vossloh locomotive contract |journal=International Railway Journal |date=3 December 2015 |url=http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/africa/prasa-seeks-termination-of-vossloh-locomotive-contract.html |accessdate=8 April 2016 |publisher=Simmons-Boardman Publishing Inc}}{{cite news |last1=Jika |first1=Thanduxolo |title=Take back your trains: Prasa seeks refund in dodgy tender debacle |url=http://www.timeslive.co.za/sundaytimes/stnews/2015/11/29/Take-back-your-trains-Prasa-seeks-refund-in-dodgy-tender-debacle |accessdate=8 April 2016|work=Sunday Times |date=29 November 2015}}

In 2017, private German operator {{ill|Havelländische Eisenbahn|de}} (HVLE) ordered ten Euro Dual locomotives, with an option of ordering further ten, becoming the launch customer for the Euro Dual.{{cite web |url = https://railcolornews.com/2017/03/14/de-6-axle-hybrids-hvle-is-launching-customer-for-stadlers-eurodual/ |title = [DE / Expert] 6 axle hybrids: HVLE is launching customer for Stadler's EuroDual [updated] |publisher = railcolornews.com |date = 14 March 2017}} Designated in Germany as the Class 159, these locomotives have six traction axles, a maximum continuous power of {{convert|7|MW|hp|abbr=on}} (electric) and {{convert|3|MW|hp|abbr=on}} (diesel); the starting traction effort can be as much as 500{{NNBSP}}kN and the maximum speed is specified with {{convert|160|km/h|-1|abbr=on}}. The variant features AC traction motors and separate IGBT converters for each axle. The diesel engine is a CAT C175-16 rated at 2800{{NNBSP}}kW (Stage IIIB compliant). The construction is fully TSI compliant. It features the latest ETCS Baseline{{NNBSP}}3 train protection system and legacy PZB for the German network. During 2018, the first three locomotives were delivered and began the homologation process.{{Cite web |url=https://www.eisenbahn-kurier.de/startbeitraege/4733-hvle-erhaelt-erste-eurodual-lokomotiven |title=HVLE: Erste EURODUAL-Lokomotiven unterwegs |date=25 September 2018 |website=Eisenbahn Kurier |language=de |access-date=13 November 2018}} During May 2020, it was announced that commercial use of HVLE's Euro Dual fleet had commenced.{{cite web |url = https://railcolornews.com/2020/05/08/de-hybrid-action-on-six-axles-the-hvle-eurodual-in-regular-service/ |title = [DE] Hybrid action on six axles: The HVLE EuroDual in regular service [updated x5] |publisher = railcolornews.com |date = 8 May 2020}}

Shortly thereafter, a major order for 30 Euro Duals, accompanied by options for 70 more, was placed by the Swiss rolling stock leasing company European Loc Pool (ELP). The first batch of ten locomotives were to be configured for use in Germany and certified for operation only within Germany (with plans to seek approval for operation in other countries, including Norway and Sweden). Their maximum speed was restricted to {{convert|120|km/h|abbr=on}}, although with possibility of re-gearing them for {{convert|160|km/h|-1|abbr=on}} if so desired by the operator.

During late 2018, another operator, {{ill|ITL Eisenbahngesellschaft|de|lt=ITL}}, placed an order for ten Euro Duals configured for use on the German railways.

Bolivian operator, Ferroviaria Andina ordered three Stadler SALi (South American Light Loco) locomotives derived from Euro Dual design and adapted for Bolivian metre-gauge railway, in February 2018.{{cite web | url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/freight/single-view/view/ferroviaria-andina-orders-stadler-locomotives.html | title=Ferroviaria Andina orders Stadler SALi locomotives | publisher=Railway Gazette International | date=19 February 2018 | accessdate=20 February 2018}}

Tanzania Railways Corporation ordered six Euro Dual locomotives for Tanzania Standard Gauge Railway in January 2020.{{Citation needed|date=October 2020}}

In 2019, the Turkish open access operator Körfez Ulaştırma ordered seven locomotives; these are intended for 2,000{{nbsp}}tonne oil trains in Turkey. In addition to supplying the Euro Duals themselves, Stadler is also to contracted perform all maintenance activities upon the fleet.

File:DSC 9523 X903.jpg 257 series transporting potash]]

{{main|FGC 257 Series}}

5 locomotives based on the Bolivian SALi model were delivered to Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya in 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.railvolution.net/news/fgc-takes-delivery-of-new-electro-diesels|title=FGC takes delivery of new electro-diesels|publisher=Railvolution|access-date=2023-09-12}} Built in Stadler's plant in Albuixech, they were designated as the 257 series. The metre-gauge locomotives provide freight service, transporting potash and cars in the Llobregat-Anoia line.{{cite web|url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/traction-and-rolling-stock/metre-gauge-electro-diesel-freight-locos-enter-service/64095.article|title=Metre gauge electro-diesel freight locos enter service|publisher=Railway Gazette|access-date=2023-09-12}}

• Stadler Eurolight - a similar diesel locomotive

{{Reflist}}

• {{citation| title = Euro Dual|url = https://stadlerrail.com/en/products/detail-all/eurodual/40 | publisher = Stadler}}

Category:Macosa/Meinfesa/Vossloh Espana locomotives

Category:Electro-diesel locomotives of South Africa

Category:Electro-diesel locomotives of Great Britain

Category:Standard-gauge railway locomotives

Category:Railway locomotives introduced in 2012

Category:Stadler Rail rolling stock