01.03.07
Corus unveils new range of British-designed and manufactured locomotives
Corus Northern Engineering Services (CNES) has unveiled its brand new range of British-designed and manufactured locomotives, the first of this type of locomotive to be manufactured in the UK for more than 15 years.
Corus has already commissioned the building of four of these new locomotives for its Port Talbot works. These four robust, 100 tonne, 1000hp, shunting locomotives will be used to transport liquid iron and steel products. The locomotives will be manufactured at Corus’ Transport and Fabrication Workshops at Scunthorpe by CNES, its engineering division. The first locomotive will be delivered at the end of 2007.
The locomotives are suitable for most industrial and heavy haul applications and pan-European orders are expected to come from a diverse range of industries, including mining and quarrying, petrochemicals, paper mills and medium-distance mainline transportation.
They are available in two, three, four or six axle configurations, the latter two being bogie arrangements. The design currently caters for axle loads of up to 25 tonnes to suit track gauges from 610mm to 1,676mm. Frame and superstructure can be manufactured to suit a variety of loading gauges, with a choice of either single or twin cab models.
Customers can choose from a range of heavy duty diesel engines up to 3000hp, with either electric or hydraulic transmissions. Diesel hydraulic models are based on a range of purpose built axle drive gearboxes. All models have a choice of the latest self-steering coil sprung, taper roller bearing axle boxes or a more traditional cast steel axle box with sliding axle guides.
Mark Jones, CNES business development engineer, said: “We’re offering customers a bespoke solution that minimises whole life costs of the vehicle and reduced maintenance costs. The locomotives have many safety features, including a low profile, low height canopy, offering the driver improved all round visibility. Reduced noise and exhaust emissions from the latest engine and transmission systems are additional features along with an option to equip the vehicle with remote radio control. A central microprocessor and ‘drive by wire’ technology manages the traction control and prevents wheel slip and slide.”
The locomotives meet all current and pending Health & Safety legislation, operational and environmental standards. All major components on CNES locomotives carry a two year warranty and the complete vehicle is designed for a service life of more than 30 years.
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