SPAIN: A Stadler electro-diesel rack locomotive is expected to enter service on Catalunya operator FGC’s Vall de Núria line this month.
The metre-gauge route between Ribes-Enllaç and Vall de Núria climbs 1 062 m in 12·5 km to provide access to a car-free tourist destination 1 967 m above sea level in the Pyrenees. The first 5·5 km of the route uses adhesion operation, with the remainder being equipped with the Abt rack system. The line is electrified at 1·5 kV DC.
FGC ordered the HGem 2/2 locomotive in September 2017, along with hauled passenger coaches and two intermediate cars for its Beh 4/8 EMUs.
Stadler has previously supplied similar locomotives to Swiss operators MOB, MVR, TPC, TPF and NStCM.
