Stadler states ambition to suply trains for new franchises
STADLER is targeting more business in the UK, with upcoming franchises providing opportunities for the Swiss train manufacturer. The company is also investigating providing alternative power for its trains.
Speaking in Bussnang on May 3, before the unveiling of the first Class 755/4 bi-mode unit for Greater Anglia (see separate news story and feature), Stadler UK Marketing Director Ralf Warwel said that there were “quite a few activities” the company was looking at, suggesting East Midlands and perhaps the West Coast Partnership.
The company is also keen to supply locomotives (possibly Class 68s) for the CrossCountry and Chiltern Railways franchises, where potential bidders have investigated the Class 68/Mk 5A concept about to be introduced by TransPennine Express ( RAIL 851).
Stadler is also interested in the Invitation to Tender issued by Direct Rail Services last year for ten dieselelectric locomotives, to be delivered next year.
Warwel said that the company was looking at all the products available, adding: “We are looking at alternative energy. It is too early to see technical details. Diesel
is very good, but batteries are probably the furthest advanced for alternative power. Batteries are something that has the potential to be good, but technology moves so fast. Batteries need recharging, so more work is needed.”
He claimed that Stadler’s FLIRT concept is ideal for alternative energy: “The powerpacks fitted allows diesel power to be taken out, so that creates space. We need wires to feed the traction system, but this concept has great advantages.”
He compared the deal with that of a car. “We have different requirements on rail. Look at a car - you throw it away after ten years. Trains need to last or they are replaced.” Stadler Technical Project Manager Martino Celeghini said that hydrogen or fuel cells were also an option, but that to provide this and also source the power was not cost-efficient.
As well as the 38 bi-mode units and 20 electric multiple units for GA, Stadler is building 52 four-car Class 777 EMUs for Merseyrail, 17 four-car fully automated metro trains for Glasgow Subway, and has recently delivered 34 Class 68s and ten Class 88s for Direct Rail Services (these deals were won by Vossloh, which was bought by Stadler in 2016).
It has also supplied seven Class 399 tram-trains to Sheffield Supertram (again, Vossloh won that deal), and 12 London Tramlink trams for Croydon.