HydroShunter demonstrator loco unveiled at Severn Valley Railway

UK: Hydrogen technology specialist Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions unveiled its repowered Class 08 shunting locomotive at the Severn Valley Railway on January 31.

Initially, the former 08635 is operating in electric mode using lead-acid batteries charged from shore supply. This is an interim stage pending installation of an 80 kW fuel cell, which was on display indoors at the heritage railway’s Kidderminster station for guests to inspect. The loco itself made its first runs under electric power in the station sidings.

Vanguard STS has been working on the repowering project for more than four years. The company is a spin-out from the University of Birmingham, whose rail research institute BCRRE is one of the partners in the initiative.

Three-axle shunting locomotive 08635 was built at British Rail’s Derby works in 1959. Its diesel engine and generator are being replaced with a hybrid traction system designed by Vanguard at the company’s base in Birmingham, comprising hydrogen storage cylinders, a fuel cell stack and a battery to provide additional power when needed.