British Rail Class 88

British Rail Class 88
A DRS Class 88 at Scout Green
Type and origin
Power typeElectro-diesel
DesignerVossloh
BuilderVossloh España/Stadler Rail Valencia
ModelStadler Euro Dual
Build date2015–2016
Total produced10
Specifications
Configuration:
 • UICBo′Bo′
 • CommonwealthBo-Bo
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge
Wheel diameter1,067 mm (42.0 in)
Axle load21.5 t (21.2 long tons; 23.7 short tons)
Loco weight86 t (85 long tons; 95 short tons)
Fuel typeDiesel
Electric system/s25 kV AC Catenary
Current pickup(s)Brecknell Willis high speed pantograph
Prime moverCaterpillar C27
Engine typeFour-stroke V12
Transmissionelectrical AC/AC type, ABB
MU workingWithin class and with Class 68
Train heatingElectric,
HEP inverter up to 500 kW (ETH index 96)
Train brakeswheel disc, electropneumatic
dynamic (regenerative*)
Performance figures
Maximum speed100 mph (160 km/h)
Power output4 MW (5,400 hp) electrical
0.7 MW (940 hp) diesel
Tractive effort317 kN (71,000 lbf)
Career
OperatorsDirect Rail Services
Numbers88001–88010
Current ownerBeacon Rail

The British Rail Class 88 is a type of mainline mixed traffic electro-diesel locomotive manufactured by Vossloh España/Stadler Rail Valencia for Direct Rail Services (DRS) in the United Kingdom. The locomotive is part of the Stadler Euro Dual family. It is the first dual-mode locomotive in the UK to use the 25 kV AC electrification.

Amid the fulfillment of DRS' order for the Class 68, Vossloh's team proposed the development of a dual-mode locomotive that could be alternatively powered by an onboard diesel engine or via electricity supplied from overhead lines (OHLE). Having been impressed by the concept, DRS opted to place an order for ten Class 88s during September 2013. Having been developed alongside the Class 68, considerable similarities are shared between the two locomotives, amounting to roughly 70 per cent of all components being shared.

Testing of the first Class 88 was undertaken at the Velim Test Centre in the Czech Republic during 2016; these trials proved to be relatively smooth.[1] During July 2016, 88001 made the type's first official public appearance. During January 2017, 88002 Prometheus was the first Class 88 to be delivered to the UK. All ten Class 88 locomotives were delivered by March 2017. During June 2017, the type entered regular service with DRS; examples have been typically used to haul freight trains, although they are also fitted for hauling passenger services as well.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference rail 88 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).