FirstGroup seeks new locos for TPE and GWR
Order could range from 15 to 30 bi-mode locomotives for TransPennine Express, and up to five for GWR ‘Night Riviera’ services.
TRANSPENNINE Express is seeking expressions of interest from manufacturers to supply between 15 and 30 new bi-mode locomotives to work with its CAF-built Mk.5a rakes of coaches – a role currently performed by Class 68s subleased from Direct Rail Services.
As well as taking traction current from a 25kV overhead supply, the locomotives are expected to be capable of operating on non-electrified routes using either diesel or battery power, and be approved for use at up to 100mph.
Specifications
Details are subject to change, pending formal publication of documents for the tendering process, but a notice published online by TPE’s parent company FirstGroup states that the reduction of the environmental impact of train services is a primary objective of the proposed procurement.
Diesel engines must comply with Euro V emissions standards as a minimum, and allow a range of up to 1200 miles.
Even when electric train supply (ETS) is active, and subject to worst-case maximum electrical loads, the locomotives must meet all National Technical Specification Notices relating to noise.
Potential bidders will be expected to consider how locomotive emissions will affect on board air quality for passengers.
The new locomotives will need interfaces to support door control and automatic selective door operation (ASDO), as well as for the passenger information systems on the Mk.5a vehicles, which they would work in a fivecar plus driving trailer formation, although capability of a rake of up to seven cars is specified.
Potential routes
Although expected to be able to operate anywhere on its network, TPE says the new locos would primarily see operation from the North West to Sheffield and Cleethorpes, and also to Huddersfield, Leeds, Hull or York then onwards to Scarborough, Redcar and Saltburn and Newcastle.
As part of the procurement, FirstGroup stipulates an option for up to another five locomotives, which would replace Class 57s on Great Western Railway’s ‘Night Riviera’ services between Paddington and Penzance working up to nine-car Mk.3 sleeper rakes.
As well as the significant gradients and curves towards the southern end of the route, bidders are reminded of the additional challenges of operating through the area during leaf fall season and of regular ‘salt water wash’ to trains at Dawlish.
The new locomotives could be leased directly through an existing operator or through a finance agreement with a rolling stock leasing company.
The Great Western locomotives would be maintained by the operator’s own staff at Long Rock (Penzance) and Reading depots, whereas the supplier would make full maintenance provision for the TPE fleet.