Line speed tests for GBRf’s hitech hybrid

UK rail freight operator GBRf is eagerly anticipating the delivery of its fleet of “Class 99” designated hybrid locomotives. After a static display of the Stadler-built machine last year in Berlin, the first of the marque is moving on to the test track. 99001 is on the way from Valencia to Velim.

GBRf is proud of its new baby. So much so that the rail freight operator has shared pictures of the locomotive leaving the Stadler works in Valencia, Spain. The unit, based on Stadler’s Eurodual design and customised for the UK, is the first of a fleet of thirty locomotives on order.

Alternative traction capability

The remarkably powerful units, delivering 8000bhp (6000kw) under electric traction, also have a secondary diesel engine on board. That alternati…