Vossloh Euro
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Euro 4000 numbered 335 001 in Vossloh livery | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Vossloh Euro is a class of diesel-electric locomotives built by Vossloh for the European market. It is available in two basic variants, the four-axle Euro 3000,[note 1] and the six-axle Euro 4000.
History and background
At the beginning of the 2000s numerous private train operators emerged in mainland Europe, as open-access freight operation was already granted in some European countries before complete liberalization in 2012. These mainly used second-hand diesel locomotives formerly in use with the state railways of the respective country, or new medium-powered diesel locomotives like the Class 66 or Vossloh G2000. With the success of these operators rising and trains getting heavier, the need of a complete new high-powered diesel locomotive series was becoming high, especially for cross-border freight traffic where absence of, or changes in electrification voltage made electric traction impossible or problematic.
Primarily due to environmental issues and high costs, developments for such a new locomotive series were pushed back whenever possible. In the mid-2000s development of a new series finally seemed economically viable; becoming part of Alstom's locomotive programme Prima. Development of the programme was started under Alstom supervision, but as the Alstom Valencia plant was bought by Vossloh this series got the Vossloh name: Vossloh Euro.[6]
The family can be traced back to the Electro-Motive Diesel engined, Valencia built JT 42BW, JT 42CW and JT 42HW-HS family which were built in various configurations (including 4 and 6 axle variants) for both Israel Railways and English, Welsh and Scottish Railway (as the Class 67); these locomotives used the same GM-EMD engines and traction motors and had similar body shells to the products later built at the Valencia plant under Vossloh's ownership.
In 2004 the Valencia plant left Alstom ownership and was bought by Vossloh; because of this change of ownership there are many similarities between the Vossloh Euro locomotives, the Alsthom/GM-EMD JT42 locomotives.
After the change of ownership the next product to roll off the lines at Valencia was the RENFE 334 class of locomotives which are (excluding minor differences) Iberian gauge versions of the later Vossloh Euro locomotives.
Technology
The common factor between this class of locomotives and its predecessors is the General Motors Electro-motive (now Electro-Motive Diesel, since 2010 a subsidiary of Caterpillar) EMD 710 engine and EMD D43 electric motors with associated electronic controls (except for the Euro 3000 AC introduced in 2011, which uses EMD AC electric motors). Thus EMD supplies the entire engine (see also prime mover) and power transmission system for these locomotives including the generator.
The rigid bodyshell show technical similarities with the predecessors (RENFE 334, EWS class 67). The design is modular allowing easy access and change of internal components.[7]
Vossloh suggests that the locomotives could be supplied with alternative engines subject to the customers demands.
The twin cabs have a central driving position with the controls arranged around the drivers seat, the cab is air-conditioned and temperature controlled and designed to minimise noise.
Cold weather variants are available - with additional devices to prevent snow causing problems.[8]
As the locomotives are designed specifically with the European rail network in mind, they can be fitted a variety of different safety systems[9] and are prepared for the ETCS (European Train Control System).
Both versions are available in passenger and freight versions, and also in 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) or 1,668 mm (5 ft 5 21⁄32 in) gauge.
While there have been several orders for the Euro 4000 model, there have only been two orders for the Euro 3000 model, in 2004 and 2011. The Euro 3000 AC units ordered by Israel Railways in 2011 differ considerably from the earlier Euro 3000 model. Their chassis will resemble that of Vossloh's new Eurolight locomotive, they will utilize a newer and more advanced variant of the EMD710 12-cylinder 3,300 hp engine, will use newer computerized control systems and employ EMD/Siemens AC traction motors (rather than DC engines on the original Euro 3000 model) which will be mounted in a Bo'Bo' bogie of a different design than the earlier Euro 3000 model.
Career and orders
The passenger version Euro 3000 locomotives are essentially the same as RENFE class 334 ordered prior to the change of ownership of the Valencia plant; they continued production under Vossloh ownership. (The RENFE 334's can be considered members of both the Alstom Prima and Vossloh Euro locomotive families). There have only been two orders for the Euro 3000 model, in 2004 and 2011, with these two Euro 3000 variants differing significantly technically (see 'Technology' section above).
The Euro 4000 demonstrator locomotive was built in 2006 and was exhibited at the InnoTrans 2006 fair. It was then tested on different German main lines before being sold to Angel Trains Cargo.
Afro 4000
The South African Class Afro 4000 is a 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) Cape gauge version of the Euro 4000. In late November 2014 the first of twenty new Afro 4000 diesel-electric locomotives for the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) came ashore in Table Bay Harbour. The locomotive, the first new engine to be acquired by PRASA since its establishment, was officially unveiled at Cape Town Station on 1 December 2014.[10][11][12]
The twenty Afro 4000 diesel-electric locomotives, to be followed by fifty Vossloh-built AfroDual electro-diesel locomotives, were acquired by Swifambo Rail Leasing, a rolling stock operating company, and will be operated by PRASA on lease.[12][13]
In late 2015 Prasa began proceedings at the South African high court to terminate the contract for both the Afro4000 and other dual mode locomotives ordered from Vossolh - specific issues included the supplied diesel locomotives being substantially out of gauge for parts of the network (4.140m high versus a 3.695m limit specified by Transnet).[14]
| Company | Gauge | Type | Number | Date ordered | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RENFE | 1,668 mm (5 ft 5 21⁄32 in) | Euro 3000 passenger (RENFE 334) | 28 | 2004 | Ordered before the company was part of Vossloh - the RENFE class 334 is effectively a 1,668 mm Euro 3000 passenger version.[8] |
| Comsa | 1,668 mm | Euro 4000 freight | 2 | Second unit was used to get the device certified in Spain and Portugal. Named "Comsa 335 series"[8] | |
| Allco/Railcare | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) | Euro 4000 freight | 2 | 2005 | Allco bought two locomotives in 2005 for their leasing operation, one was sent of to the Swedish operator Tågab for winterization and certification in Norway and Sweden. The other was used for various tests and certification in Germany. Shortly after Allco decided to divest from Europe and focus on Australia and the US and subsequently turned the engines back to Vossloh. In late 2008 the engines were certified for operation in Scandinavia and about the same time the German loco was shipped to Sweden for the same winterization treatment. Since 2009, both locomotives have been owned by the Swedish rail maintenance and haulage company Railcare.[8][15] |
| CargoNet via Beacon Rail | 1,435 mm | Euro 4000 freight | 6 | 2009 | Allco group's European operations were bought by Bank of Tokyo and Mitsubishi to form Beacon Rail. As mentioned above, Allco had previously owned Euro 4000 locomotives, but they were turned back to Vossloh, who in turn sold them to Railcare through Tågab.[8] Starting all over again, Beacon Rail ordered six locomotives for a lease to CargoNet of Norway. |
| Angel Trains (now Alpha Trains) | 1,668 mm (5 ft 5 21⁄32 in) | Euro 4000 freight | 24 | 2006[16] | "Angel trains cargo 335 series" with signaling for both Spain and Portugal[8] |
| Continental Rail S.A. | 1,668 mm | Euro 4000 | 4 | 2007 | For open access operations in Spain[8] |
| Takargo (Cargo Rail) | 1,668 mm | Euro 4000 freight | 7 | 2008 | For use in Iberian Peninsula, Takargo is a subsidiary of Portuguese company MOTA-ENGIL. Probably total of 14 ordered.[8][17] |
| MBTA | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) | Euro 4000 passenger | 0 | 2007 | Order has not been placed due to denied waiver of 'buy American' law[18] |
| Ferrovial Agroman | 1,668 mm (5 ft 5 21⁄32 in) | Euro 4000 freight | 1 | 2009 | For use in Iberian Peninsula.[8] |
| Israel Railways | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) | Euro 3000 AC passenger | 24 | 2011/2 | Israel Railways already operates diesel locomotives from Alstom/GM-EMD (JT42BW). The locomotives will be used in push-pull mode with Bombardier Double-deck Coaches as well as the Viaggio Light coaches. First deliveries for the Euro 3000 locos are planned for September 2012.[19] A further 9 locomotives ordered in 2012.[20] |
| Israel Railways | 1,435 mm | Euro 4000 freight/passenger | 14 | 2011 | Israel Railways already operates diesel locomotives from Alstom/GM-EMD (JT42CW). The locomotives will first be used for passenger services, later on also for freight services. First deliveries for the Euro 4000 locos are planned for November 2011.[19][20] |
| Europorte via Beacon Rail | 1,435 mm | Euro 4000 freight | 4 | 2010 | Configured for France/Belgium/Germany[8] |
| VFLI via Beacon Rail | 1,435 mm | Euro 4000 | 6 | 2011 | Sources:[8][21] |
| Europorte via Beacon Rail | 1,435 mm | Euro 4000 | 12 | 2011 | Sources:[8] |
| PRASA | 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) Cape gauge | Afro 4000 | 20 | 2013 | Owned by Swifambo Rail Leasing for lease to the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa. Also 50 Euro Dual locomotives, for delivery 2014-2016.[22] |
| ETF | 1,435 mm | Euro 4000 | 2 | 2013 | Initially for LGV construction trains.[23] |
| VFLI | 1435 | Euro 4000 | 8 | 2015 | 6 to be leased via Beacon Rail Leasing, 2 direct purchase.[24] |
| Europorte | Euro 4000 | 4 | 2015 |
See also
- South African Class Afro 4000
- Voith Maxima, GE PowerHaul and EMD Series 66, competitors to the Euro 4000 in 1435mm gauge.
Notes
- ↑ As of 2012 the Euro 3000 DC motor version is unbuilt, except in the 1668mm gauge RENFE 334 equivalent - some of the figures quoted here may be considered speculative.
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 EURO 3000 Freight Diesel-Electric Locomotives (PDF), Vossloh Transportation Systems, retrieved August 2012
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 EURO 3000 Passengers - Diesel-Electric Locomotives (PDF), Vossloh Transportation Systems, retrieved August 2012
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 EURO 4000 Freight - Diesel-Electric Locomotives (PDF), Vossloh, retrieved August 2012
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 EURO 4000 Passengers - Diesel-Electric Locomotives (PDF), Vossloh, retrieved August 2012
- ↑ Euro3000 AC - Diesel-Electric Locomotives (PDF), Vossloh Rail Vehicles, retrieved August 2012
- ↑ Diesel heavy haul across Europe eurotrib.com
- ↑ Vossloh Espania Euro locomotives
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Vossloh Euro series: Railcolor.net
- ↑ Vossloh Euro 4000 fact sheet
- ↑ SA gets high powered locomotives - fin24, 1 December 2014 (Accessed 30 April 2015)
- ↑ Vossloh Rail Vehicles Press Release, 10 October 2013 - Vossloh gains large order in South Africa (Accessed 30 April 2015)
- 1 2 Railways Africa, 2 Dec 2014 - New PRASA Locos Arrive (Accessed 1 May 2015)
- ↑ Swifambo Holdings - Our Company's History (Accessed 1 May 2015)
- ↑ "Prasa seeks termination of Vossloh locomotive contract", www.railjournal.com, 3 Dec 2015
- ↑ Tågab - General agent for EMD/Vossloh locomotives in Scandinavia (Swedish)
- ↑ Angel Trains press release of its Euro 4000 order
- ↑ News on the Takargo order on Lok-report.de (German)
- ↑ Waivers and Decision Letters - Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
- 1 2 "Israel Railways orders 29 locomotives of the EURO family from Vossloh España" (Press release). Vossloh España. 2011-03-02. Retrieved 2011-03-04.
- 1 2 "Vossloh Extends Israel Contract by €30 Million". El País (in Spanish). 10 September 2012. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
- ↑ "Vossloh liefert EUROLIGHT nach Großbritannien, erhält weiteren Auftrag über sechs EURO 4000", www.morgenpost.de (in German) (Berliner Morgenpost), 12 January 2012
- ↑ "Vossloh to supply Euro Dual locomotives to South Africa", www.railwaygazette.com, 10 Oct 2013
- ↑ "ETF orders Euro 4000 locomotives", www.railwaygazette.com
- ↑ Barrow, Keith (29 Jan 2015), "Vossloh secures Euro 4000 orders", www.railjournal.com
External links
Media related to Vossloh Euro locomotives at Wikimedia Commons
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