Alstom's Prima 2 locomotive visits the UK

[anthony263]

Seen this photo on twitter showing one of Alstoms new Prima 2 electric locomotives being used on test's through the channel tunnel:


https://twitter.com/AlstomTransport/status/252329133625982978/photo/1

A article has also been published by the Railway Gazette:

Prima II tested in the Channel Tunnel

"EUROPE: An Alstom Prima II electric locomotive was tested in the Channel Tunnel on the night of September 29-30, with a view to enabling standard locomotives to be used on freight trains through the Tunnel.

Freight trains are currently hauled by Class 92 locomotives built specifically for use through the Tunnel, however these are not approved for use on the RFF network. Eurotunnel is seeking to encourage open access, and in July obtained agreement from the Intergovernmental Commission safety authority that Technical Specifications for Interoperability should be applied to freight trains, rather than the Channel Tunnel-specific rules which predate TSIs.

The TSI-compliant Prima II locomotive was used in its standard configuration for the tests, and hauled a 950 tonne train. It entered the Tunnel via the French portal at 22.20, and a series of traction, brake and pantograph tests were undertaken before it emerged at the UK portal at around 03.00. A second series of tests were carried out on the return journey, ending at 06:00.

'Gaining authorisation for new rolling stock is an essential part in the development of the open access approach implemented by Eurotunnel', said Jacques Gounon, Chairman & CEO of Groupe Eurotunnel."

http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/...ew/prima-ii-tested-in-the-channel-tunnel.html

I wonder if we could possibly see these loco's being used by open acess freight operators using the channel tunnel

 

[Goldfish62]

Excellent!

 

[Monty]

A rather handsome looking loco in my opinion, I wonder if there is any danger of these locos displacing the Class 92s on Chunnel freight workings?

 

[fgwrich]

Prima II tested in the Channel Tunnel

01 October 2012






EUROPE: An Alstom Prima II electric locomotive was tested in the Channel Tunnel on the night of September 29-30, with a view to enabling standard locomotives to be used on freight trains through the Tunnel.

Freight trains are currently hauled by Class 92 locomotives built specifically for use through the Tunnel, however these are not approved for use on the RFF network. Eurotunnel is seeking to encourage open access, and in July obtained agreement from the Intergovernmental Commission safety authority that Technical Specifications for Interoperability should be applied to freight trains, rather than the Channel Tunnel-specific rules which predate TSIs.

The TSI-compliant Prima II locomotive was used in its standard configuration for the tests, and hauled a 950 tonne train. It entered the Tunnel via the French portal at 22.20, and a series of traction, brake and pantograph tests were undertaken before it emerged at the UK portal at around 03.00. A second series of tests were carried out on the return journey, ending at 06:00.

'Gaining authorisation for new rolling stock is an essential part in the development of the open access approach implemented by Eurotunnel', said Jacques Gounon, Chairman & CEO of Groupe Eurotunnel.

http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/...ew/prima-ii-tested-in-the-channel-tunnel.html

Interestingly, i gather they were actually placed under evaluation / order from the then Veola Cargo, before that was sold to Europorte - This would then give Europorte a trans european High Speed freight loco. But, i do wonder though if this could be the start of a UK Launch for the Prima II? What with Siemens's reccent talks about a UK Spec Vectron loco, and Bombardiers 2 year hint at a UK Spec Traxx.

And yes, i think the Prima 2 does look a pretty handsome loco.

 

[jopsuk]

that's certainly what Alstom hope, though obviously it is contingent on someone buying suitably equipped locos and winning contracts to haul freight through.

 

[whhistle]

I wonder if it'll vibrate like their passenger stock?

 

[dstrat]

Well if mountains and oceans have moved maybe not, but otherwise I'm sure it'll be business as usual...

 

[Photohunter71]

Nice Loco! Be great to have some UK spec ones running here! Although I don't think we'll see much in the way of new loco's after the Vossloh class 68 and the remainder of the GE class 70's (not unless there's a massive increase of railfreight!)

 

[jopsuk]

Aye, if cleared, purchased and run these will only make it as far as Dollands Moor, or possibly Dagenham if "freight up HS1" ever actually happens. After all, never mind clearence, from Dollands moor the only line they COULD run on is HS1, having no 3rd rail/750V capability (though no doubt Alstom could build a module for that if requested)

 

[Photohunter71]

Don't know why they can't build a UK spec one to haul from Dollands Moor to Coatbridge?
A fleet of those,Vectrons and Traxx will be ace!

 

[greysleuth]

Will it fit ? Even inside the W9 loading guage. Would look good in GBRF colours IMHO.
Be lucky
David

 

[jopsuk]

a smaller bodied one would have to be fully tested (similar programme to this test) seperately. The tests they've performed are to get THAT version certified for tunnel use.

 

[D365]

We have too many locos :P Not one of the worst looking for sure, this. How would it perform...