British Rail Class 99 (locomotive)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

British Rail Class 99
Type and origin
Power typeElectro-diesel
BuilderStadler Rail Valencia
Total produced30
Specifications
Configuration:
 • UICCo′Co′
 • CommonwealthCo-Co
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in)
Electric system/s25 kV 50 Hz AC
Current pickup(s)Pantograph
Performance figures
Maximum speed120 km/h (75 mph)
Power output6,000 kW (8,050 hp) (electric) 1,600 kW (2,150 hp) (diesel)
Tractive effort500 kN (110,000 lbf)
Career
OperatorsGB Railfreight
Numbers99001–99030
Delivered2025 (scheduled)
Current ownerBeacon Rail
DispositionPlanned

The British Rail Class 99 is a planned class of dual-mode electro-diesel Co-Co locomotives that will haul freight trains on both electrified and non-electrified lines. It will be based on the Stadler Euro Dual platform.

Specification[edit]

The 75 mph (120 km/h) locomotive will have a maximum tractive effort of "up to" 500 kN, and a power output of 6,000 kW (8,000 hp) at the wheel in electric mode.[1] These figures exceed those of the diesel-powered BR Class 66.

Peter Dearman, an expert in traction electrification,[2] reports in Rail Engineer that the Class 99 may only be able to deliver 1,600 kW (2,100 hp) at the rail in diesel mode.[3]

History[edit]

In April 2022 Beacon Rail and GB Railfreight signed an agreement for the supply of 30 locomotives to replace Class 66s.[4][1] Introduction to service is expected in 2025.[5] They will be maintained by Stadler at a new facility in Leicester.[6]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b GBRf orders 30 Stadler Class 99 bi-mode locos Modern Railways 29 April 2022
  2. ^ "Our people: Leadership Teams: President". THE INSTITUTION FOR RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  3. ^ Peter Dearman (21 December 2022). "The Future role of rail: A strategic freight network". RailEngineer. Rail Engineer Magazine. Retrieved 26 February 2023. Bi-mode locomotives have the flexibility to take power from the wires or diesel fuel. Yet they have limited spaced for an engine due to their electric traction equipment. It is understood that the recently ordered Class 99 bi-mode locomotives will only be able to deliver 1,600kW at the rail.
  4. ^ "GBRf orders Stadler bi-mode Class 99 locomotives". Railnews. Retrieved 29 April 2022.
  5. ^ "Stadler Class 99 bi-mode Co'Co' locomotive being introduced to UK in deal with Beacon Rail and GBRf". RailBusinessDaily. 29 April 2022. Retrieved 29 April 2022.
  6. ^ Clinnick, R. (June 2023). "Stadler to maintain Class 99s at Leicester". Headline News. Rail Express. No. 325. Horncastle: Mortons Media Group. p. 12. ISSN 1362-234X.