The Class 88 is the latest locomotive type to arrive on British mainline rails and the first electro-diesel since the
Class 73 and
74 in the 1960s (though referred to as bi-mode). The Class 88 is also the first AC electro-diesel. It is a development of the pure diesel
Class 68 and looks very similar, having the same bodyshell, cab and bogies - a major difference of course being the pantograph on top!
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| DRS 88 005 heads through Stafford |
| Information |
| Number built: |
10 |
| Built: |
2015-16 |
| Builder: |
Stadler Rail |
| Motor: |
Four ABB 4FRA6063 traction motors (25kV AC OHLE)
Caterpillar C27 diesel |
| Power: |
(Electric) 5, 364 hp (4, 000kW)
(Diesel) 950hp (710kW) |
| Wheel arrangement: |
Bo-Bo |
The Class 88 uses the same traction equipment and control software in both modes though the diesel engine (a Caterpillar C27) only provides about twenty percent as much power compared to electric mode. Ten Class 88s have been bought by Direct Rail Services with deliveries starting in early 2017 and an introduction into service in the following Summer.
A tri-mode version of the locomotive (with battery power also) known as the
Class 93 is under development.
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| 88 004 heads through Atherstone |
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| 88 005 heads through Rugeley Trent Valley |
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| Also at Rugeley Trent Valley, 88 007 heads in the other direction |
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| 88 006 heads through Stafford |
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| 88 001 heads through Rugeley Trent Valley |
