Six of these trams were ordered from Stadler to augment the existing fleet of Flexity Swift CR4000s on what was at the time called Croydon Tramlink (now called London Trams). These trams entered service in 2012. Four more trams were ordered in 2015 and the final two in 2016 [1]. The Variobahn trams are slightly longer than the CR4000s (with a slightly higher capacity) and have five sections instead of three.
2564 at Morden Road
Information
Number built:
12
Built:
2011-16
Builder:
Stadler
Motor:
8 Stadler traction motors
Power:
480 hp (360 kW)
Wheel arrangement:
Bo-2-Bo
Although the Variobahn trams can be seen through the London Tram network, the preference is to use them on the longer Line 2 route.
2562 departs Morden Road
2562 arrives at Mitcham
Both types of tram operated by London Trams meet at Morden Road
[1] Robert Prichard & Alan Yearsley, UK Metro & Light Rail Systems (Platform 5, 2019) p. 130
The Class 777 is an electric multiple unit for the Merseyrail network replacing Classes 507 and 508. The Class 777 is part of Stadler's Metro family and is designed for high capacity and rapid acceleration on the busy Merseyrail network. The first Class 777s were delivered in 2020, with the official hand over and public unveiling at Birkenhead North in September 2021 [1] though the type did not enter service until January 2023.
Merseyrail 777 142 in battery mode at Headbolt Lane
Information
Number built:
212 (53 4-car sets)
Built:
2018-2021
Builder:
Stadler Rail
Motor:
Stadler traction system (750v DC third rail or battery)
Power:
2, 800 hp (2, 100 kW)
The Class 777 is designed to work with the Merseyrail 750v DC third rail network, though can be fitted for AC overhead operation if required in the future. Seven of the units have been fitted with batteries for operation to the new station at Headbolt Lane which openedin 2023, the line at the station not being third rail electrified. Merseyside could order a further fifty nine trains in future for future service enhancements and extensions.
The Class 777 has all of the usual features of a modern multiple unit, including walk-through wide gangways, electronic information screens and seats of questionable comfort! The Class 777 was phased into operation on the Merseyrail network, starting with the branches to Kirkby and Ormskirk in early 2023 but by late 2023 has largely taken over from the 507s and 508s.
777 018 at Orrell Park
777 009 at Moorfields
777 018 at Sandhills
Aboard a Class 777 showing the cab end
777 011 arrives at Bidston
[1] "First Class 777s handed over", Modern Railways (October 2021) p. 72
The Class 745, part of Stadler Rail's Flirt family of electric multiple units, has been built for Greater Anglia intercity services and the Stansted Express. It has replaced Class 379 and Class 90 hauled services.
Greater Anglia 745 001 at Stratford
Information
Number built:
240 (20 12-car sets)
Built:
2018-20
Builder:
Stadler Rail
The Class 745 is a part of a fleet replacement programme alongside it's bi-mode cousin the Class 755. The Class 745 entered service in early 2020 following a few months delay. The EMU has two sub-classes, 745/0 for Greater Anglia and 745/1 for the Stansted Express.
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!
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.
88 004 heads through Atherstone
88 005 heads through Rugeley Trent Valley
Also at Rugeley Trent Valley, 88 007 heads in the other direction
The latest diesel locomotives built for the UK mainline, the Class 68 is designed for mixed traffic work being capable of 100mp/h. The Class 68 is a UK version of the Stadler / Vossloh Eurolight family (known as the UKLight) built to fit within the UK loading gauge.
Chiltern 68 010 at Banbury
Information
Number built:
34
Built:
2013-17
Builder:
Vossloh / Stadler Rail
Engine:
Caterpillar C175-16 diesel
Power:
3, 800 hp (2, 800 kW)
Wheel arrangement:
Bo-Bo
The initial order by Direct Rail Services was for fifteen locomotives with deliveries beginning in 2014. Since then there have been follow-on orders to take the total up to thirty four.
The Class 68 spends a lot of its time on passenger services with the Chiltern Main Line express being a major task for the type. Some have been painted in Chiltern colours, with others in DRS livery. The Class 68 also haul (and pushes) passenger trains for Trans Pennine Express. The Class 68 is a true mixed-traffic locomotive and can also be found on freight trains and engineering trains.
The Class 68 has been joined by an electro-diesel bi-mode version of the UKLight known as the Class 88.
TPE 68 023 heads through Winsford
DRS 68 009 at Birmingham Moor Street
Chiltern 68 015 at Marylebone
DRS 68 009 propelling a Chiltern express at Leamington Spa
