International interest in shunting locomotive design

UK: Railway Support Services reports strong interest in its TP-UK shunting locomotive concept for the UK and European markets, following demonstrations with a Canadian-built TP70 FWDX2 locomotive at the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre.

RSS has partnered with North Vancouver based Tractive Power Corp to adapt its TP70 design to meet UK requirements, including the restricted loading gauge. Locomotives for the European market would be supplied exclusively through RSS, with three, four and six axle configurations and customisation to individual requirements.

‘We are delighted by the interest in this first example of what will be a range of locomotives for the UK market’, said RSS Managing Director Andrew Goodman following the initial demonstrations.

‘Early indications suggest there is a strong demand’, he said. ‘We have taken serious enquiries from clients in the UK and mainland Europe.’

The concept is intended as a ‘versatile upgrade’ from the widespread Class 08 design, offering ‘significant improvements‘ including lower fuel consumption, longer maintenance intervals and the use of off-the-shelf components.

There is provision for the diesel engine to be swapped for battery-electric, hybrid and hydrogen power.

‘As rail operators face a combination of rising running costs, increasing train weights and stricter emissions standards, the TP-UK locomotives offer a long-term solution by providing a robust platform for current low-emission diesel and HVO-ready engines with potential for other propulsion methods as the technologies advance’, said Goodman.

Production of TP-UK locomotives is expected to begin during 2023, with leasing options to be offered in conjunction with Porterbrook.

Meanwhile, RSS has acquired further Class 08 locomotives to add to its fleet of more than 60 shunters, along with Clayton CD40 two-axle low-emission diesel locomotives that were previously used to support the construction of Crossrail.