GBRf ‘no comment’ on reported new locomotive plan

GB RAILFREIGHT has declined to comment on claims in the rail industry media that it is in an advanced stage of negotiations with Stadler for the supply of a fleet of bi-mode electro-diesel locomotives. Reports suggested that a framework agreement would cover the production of up to 50 machines with a Co-Co wheel arrangement, which would consist of a firm order for 20 and an option to purchase 30 more. It is claimed that they would be designated as Class 99s and be fitted initially with a diesel engine to allow use on non-electrified routes, although their modular design would potentially allow the power unit to be replaced in the future with a battery or hydrogen fuel cell module. Unlike the Vossloh/Stadler Class 88s built for Direct Rail Services (which can maintain the same tractive effort in diesel mode, but have less than 20% of the horsepower that would be available if running in electric mode) it is reported that the Class 99 would be capable of hauling heavy freight on nonelectrified routes to timings similar to those achieved by Class 66 locomotives.