Modernising Trojan Locos

Modernising Trojans
Four locomotives were built by Corus, Northern Engineering Services between 2008 and 2011. The first “Trojan” locomotive, No.920, was supplied in October 2009, followed by No.921 in February and No.922 in May 2010. The fourth locomotive No. 923 remained at Scunthorpe under construction. 

Inherent problems
From new, it was reported that these locomotives were found to have numerous inherent design issues which made them unsuitable for the original planned duties due to unreliability, poor accessibility, maintainability and poor cab ergonomics.   Following a number of discussions between Tata Steel & Hunslet, No.923 was delivered to Hunslet’s manufacturing works in April 2011 and Hunslet were tasked by Tata Steel Port Talbot to carry out a fault evaluation of the locomotive and propose recommendations for improvement.

Cab and controls
A new, ergonomically designed cab/driving arrangement was installed with a fore-and-aft driving position that improves the drivers visibility, comfort and accessibility. New heating and insulation was installed, and the whole cab refinished to a higher standard.
The electrical control system was completely replaced with a Hunslet-proven IQAN-based electronic system to provide a locomotive that is safe, reliable and easy to operate. The IQAN controls all functions allowing programming to suit site conditions

Finishing touches
The whole locomotive was then repainted in Tata Steel livery, giving it a much smarter appearance.
On completion, the locomotive was static tested in Hunslet’s works at Barton under Needwood, prior to undergoing dynamic testing at Chasewater Railway. It then began commissioning and field trials on 16 April 2012 at its designated site of Port Talbot.
Hunslet are now hard at work on two more Trojan locomotives, No’s 921 and 922, which should be completed in June and July 2012. The fourth locomotive is expected to arrive at Barton under Needwood in July and should be ready for service by September.  All four of Tata Steel’s smart new Trojan locos will then be fit to do what was originally intended, be the backbone of the locomotive fleet at Tata Steel Port Talbot.

Hunslet Engine Company Awarded Contract

Hunslet Engine Company was recently awarded a contract by Cementos Cosmos of Toral de los Vados, Spain, to undertake a full refurbishment of a diesel locomotive it employs for shunting duties. The locomotive, which was built 20 years ago by Arbel Fauvet Rail, moves trains of cement from the works along a 2km to exchange sidings at Toral de los Vados. As pictured above, the locomotive has arrived at Hunslet's Barton under Needwood facility and the refurbishment is now underway with completion due in August. The original diesel engine, hydraulic transmission and electrical control system are to be removed, to be replaced with new items. In addition, numerous other jobs are to be undertaken to bring the locomotive back to a reliable condition, hopefully enabling it to continue to work for a further 20 years. Once the refurbishment is completed, the shunter will be re-painted in the Cementos Cosmos livery.

For further information, please contact: Sarah Millington – Marketing Manager

LH Group Services Ltd.
Phone: 01283 722600
Email: Sarah Millington

Web: www.lh-group.co.uk

Update on Hunslet DH60C Locomotive

After the initial launch of the next generation of Hunslet locomotives designated the DH60C series, the prototype locomotive is now under going extensive field trials at the Daventry International Railfreight Terminal, courtesy of Malcolm Rail, as pictured above.The locomotive is in regular use six days a week, 12 hours per day, hauling and shunting up sixty container trains, each weighing up to 1,500 tonnes.This initial period has shown that the locomotive is fulfilling all the design expectations and is carrying out its designated work load, easily and competently, with significant fuel savings compared to existing locomotive types. For further information about the DH60C locomotive please contact Derek Webb as below.
DH60C series locomotives A multi-purpose diesel-hydraulic locomotive developed for heavy shunting and short trip operations. It offers a cost effective, fuel efficient and environmentally friendly solution for managing your rolling stock. Hunslet Engine Company’s new DH60C series of locomotives’ features include:

• Fuel efficient clean burn diesel engine technology
• Fully integrated PLC system incorporating fault diagnosis capabilities
• Hydrodynamic transmission with turbo reversing
• Ergonomic cab layout with improved driver visibility
• Easy, low cost maintenance
• Maximum tractive effort of 194 kN
• Capable of hauling up to 2,000 tonnes
• Available for sale or hire 

Hunslet launch new locomotive on open days 6th & 7th and 8th July

Hunslet Engine Company are pleased to announce that the new DH60C Series Locomotive has been unveiled at open days held at Chasewater Railway on the 6th, 7th & 8th July.
The new locomotive incorporates the latest engine and transmission technology controlled by a fully integrated PLC Control System.

The latest manufacturing methods were used to ensure the highest quality was achieved.
Its design, is the first of a new range of locomotives, which are available in 4, 6 or B-B wheel arrangements up to a maximum weight of 100 tonne.

Each locomotive built will be in line with particular individual customer requirements.
After exhaustive testing, the locomotive will be placed into service at one of the companies contract operating sites. This will allow future customers to see the locomotive in full daily operation.

For further information, please contact: Sarah Millington – Marketing Manager
LH Group Services Ltd.
Phone: 01283 722600
Email: Sarah Millington

Hunslet Engine Company Receive award at RFG Awards Dinner

At the recent RFG Awards dinner, Hunslet Engine Company were runners up in the Technology Development category.

The award was given for the development and construction of the 60 tonne DH60C series of multi purpose, 3 axle diesel hydraulic locomotive.
 
The award highlighted the innovative design in reducing fuel consumption and environmental impact. Couple with the very latest PLC Controls and monitoring system.

Pictured above receiving the award from First GBRf’s John Smith (left) is Hunslet Engine Company’s Derek Webb (right), with Richard Walfod of Burges Slamon LLP in the background.

Hunslet receive order from Lafarge Cement UK

Hunslet - continues to build its reputation as the UK's leading supplier of industrial shunting locomotives having received an order from Lafarge Cement UK, to supply two modernised locomotives to operate at their Dunbar Works replacing their ageing locomotives.


Work has already commenced to rebuild and upgrade two 50 Tonne diesel hydraulic locomotives for delivery in mid 2009. The donor locomotives date back to the early 1980s, making them an ideal choice for a refurbishment exercise, which will incorporate an engine repower to maximise performance.

The locomotives are currently used to transport cement wagons to the shunting area ready for main line collection. On completion, the rebuilt 'driverless' cement trains will haul up to 32 loaded wagons – a total weight of 1625 tonnes at controlled speeds - without a locomotive driver. Using wireless technology, the locomotives are controlled via a site operator using a transmitter. Locomotive control is simply executed with a joystick - a little like driving a model train only for real.

During the project repower, HUNSLET will comply with latest environmental legislation. Principally comprising of modernisation of the power-train – diesel engine, cooling system, torque converter, forward / reverse gearbox and driveline.

Through the exercise, the existing diesel engine will be replaced by the new generation Caterpillar C15 diesel engine rated at 298 kW (400 hp) at 2100 rpm. As a result, the locomotives operators can anticipate an improvement in fuel economy, lower emissions, reduced noise and significantly extended lifetime for the entire locomotive.

The project upgrade will also see HUNSLET modernise the locomotives in other areas. The integration of a new computerised electronic control system will incorporate fault diagnosis capability, alerting the driver of potential faults.

By combining identical and proven components with new modern assemblies, the demand for improved environmental protection has been fulfilled, while high reliability and availability are ensured for the operator.

Hunslet commences manufacture of new range of multi-purpose locomotives

Hunslet Engine Company, fully supported by its parent company LH Group Services Ltd, has now begun production on the first of a range of multi-purpose, diesel hydraulic, shunting locomotives ranging from 40 to 100 tonnes, and suitable for light, medium and heavy haul of industrial rolling stock.
The standard range will be modular in design making them highly flexible in terms of operation, area of application, performance and equipment specification. Designed to meet the latest environmental protection and safety standards, the range will be fuel-efficient by introducing clean burn diesel engine technology. The on board 'user friendly' computerised electronic systems will incorporate fault diagnosis capability, alerting the driver of potential faults or failures.

Furthermore, modern design trends will ensure simple maintenance and repair, and the use of technologically advanced components will reduce life cycle costs.

The first locomotive to be built is a three-axle, 60 tonne type and initial production has started on the mainframe, transmission and final drive assemblies. All other areas of the locomotive are at an advanced stage of the design.

Subsequent to exhaustive testing the first unit will be placed into service at an appropriate site for field trials. Prospective customers will then be invited to evaluate the locomotive under normal operating conditions.

For further information contact Hunslet Engine Company
on 0113 2774007 or alternatively info@hunsletengine.com

Hunslet Engine Company Supplies Shunter To Hitachi Ashford

Hunslet Engine Company have supplied a fully refurbished "Sentinel" shunting locomotive to Hitachi Europe Limited for operation at their new high-tech depot in Ashford, Kent.
The locomotive has been purchased primarily to move Class 395 Javelins around the Ashford site, although it is anticipated that other types of rolling stock will be introduced from time to time.

The 1962 37 Ton 0-4-0 "Sentinel" locomotive build No: 10089 was fully stripped at Hunslet's parent company L H Group Services Limited in Staffordshire, before undergoing a complete refurbishment programme.
A new control system incorporating a state of the art PLC system has been installed to give the locomotive a more modern feel of equipment produced for the 21st century.

 

Hunslet Developing New Shunter

Hunslet Engine Company is developing a new shunter for the UK and export markets.
With Hunslet's continuing expansion of its hire fleet, and the high expectations of availability by its customers, the company has realised that operating and maintaining existing, outdated locomotives is no longer the way forward. With this in mind, Hunslet is to produce a new, cost effective, and environmentally friendly shunting locomotive.
The new locomotive will incorporate the latest engine and transmission technology controlled by a fully integrated PLC control system. The latest manufacturing methods will be used to ensure the highest quality is achieved.

After exhaustive type testing the first locomotive will be placed into service at one of the companies contract operating sites. This will also allow future customers to see the locomotive in full daily operation.

The design of the locomotive will be the first of a new family of locomotives up to a maximum weight of 100 tonne. This new design will meet the requirements of current industrial applications.
For further information contact Hunslet Engine Company on 0113 2774007 or alternatively info@hunsletengine.com

Hunslet Builds New 50 tonne Locomotive for Korea

Hunslet Engine Company have proved they can carry on the tradition of building specialist locomotives.
This new locomotive has been designed, manufactured and assembled as part of a package of equipment for a new coke plant at the POSCO Steelworks in Pohang, South Korea. The complete package is being supplied by John M Henderson of Arbroath, Scotland.

In order to win the project Henderson's had to agree to supply the locomotive as part of the contract. They were then faced with finding a locomotive company within the UK to work with. Henderson's had previously worked with Greenwood & Batley of Leeds who had supplied most of the coke works locomotives in the UK and to sites around the world. What Henderson's were not aware of is that Hunslet had bought Greenwood & Batley in 1980 when the company had gone into receivership.
With this direct link to coke works locomotive manufacture, Henderson's made its original approach to Hunslet for the design of the locomotive. After discussions with Henderson's and the Koreans it was agreed that the locomotive would be manufactured in the UK.

One of the reasons for the unconventional shape was that Henderson's requested that they supplied all the electrical equipment for both the drives of the locomotive and the equipment required on the locomotive to operate the bucket car that transferred the coke from the oven to the quenching equipment. This was to ensure that all the systems involved would integrate with each other. Obviously Hunslet agreed to this request and this led to the two companies working very closely together to ensure the best possible interface between the mechanical and electrical equipment. Hunslet also based the design of operator's cabin, the pneumatic cabin and the electrical cabin on Henderson's designs, again to ensure commonality across the package of equipment. 

The result of the co-operation was to produce a 50 tonne locomotive in excess of 5m high, 3m wide and 10.5 m long. Fitted with two 105kW traction motors the locomotive is designed to work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week within a fully automatic manless operation.
In addition to the complete locomotive, Henderson's also had an order for two more locomotives for a project to rebuild a coke plant within the same steel works. Although Henderson's and Hunslet had hoped to manufacture these locomotives in the UK, POSCO insisted that the mechanical works was carried out in Korea. Although both companies were disappointed there was still a sufficient supply of equipment from the UK to ensure this was a viable project.

The design, procurement and project management were all controlled from the Hunslet office in Leeds. The assembly was carried out at Hunslet's manufacturing facility within the LH Group Services site at Barton-Under-Needwood.

This was the first new locomotive build under LH Group ownership and has involved several divisions of the group which have all assisted in making this project a success.

For further information contact Hunslet Engine Company on 0113 2774007 or alternatively info@hunsletengine.com

Railtex Exhibition

This years Railtex proved to be successful for Hunslet.

We took along our Quarry Class 0-4-0 Saddle tank locomotive (No 3904 - Jack Lane) which was extremely popular with visitors throughout the show.

Jack Lane is currently for sale.

For more information please call 0113 2774007

Hunslet to the Summit

The Snowdonia National Park Authority has for several years been planning and raising money for the redevelopment of the building on Snowdon Summit. The current building was built in 1935 and is in very poor condition.

With the generous support of the Welsh Assembly Government and a public appeal, the work on re-developing the Summit of Snowdon has begun.

Demolition of the old building will start in September 2006 and the building of the new Visitors Centre will take place during 2007.

As part of this prestigious project Snowdon Mountain Railway have recently taken delivery of the Summit Truck from the Hunslet Engine Company. This Summit Truck will be used throughout the project, initially to remove the spoil from the demolished building and then to transport the materials and pre-fabricated sections of the new building to the summit.

Although in appearance this looks to the casual observer as a flat truck, this vehicle is fitted with all the safety systems needed to operate on this unique and challenging railway. Hunslet engineers have taken proven braking systems and combined them with the latest electronic control and monitoring systems, giving the railways operator’s full awareness of the status of the system. The summit truck will be operated in conjunction with any one of the four Hunslet Diesel Locomotives currently working on the mountain. All four locomotives will be modified to accommodate the monitoring system for the summit truck, giving full flexibility to the operation of the railway.

Once the summit project is complete the truck will be used as a permanent way vehicle. A personal accommodation module will be fitted to one end of the vehicle and provision will be made for the fitting of modular units i.e. cranes, hydraulic power packs etc.

Full details of the Summit project, Snowdon Mountain Railway and Hunslet Engine Company can be found at: www.snowdon-summit.co.uk and www.snowdonrailway.co.uk  

Hunslet Supplies Loco to EMR

Hunslet Engine Company has recently supplied a 56 tonne 0-6-0 diesel hydraulic locomotive to European Metal Recycling Limited, at their Sheffield site. Originally manufactured by English Electric Vulcan Foundry as D1137 in 1966, the locomotive was recently acquired from Castle Cement’s Clitheroe site.
The locomotive has been through a minor refurbishment program at Hunslet’s parent company’s LH Group Services, Barton site.

As with all Hunslet products, the locomotive was supplied with a warranty and driver training package. 

Hunslet Engine Company is back underground

After almost 10 years, Hunslet Engine Company is supplying locomotives to Tunnelling contractors across Europe; including recent orders for two 25 tonne diesel hydraulic locomotives to Gama Nurol in Turkey and three 12 tonne diesel locomotives on hire to J Murphy and Sons Limited for the tunnelling phase of the Lower Lea Valley regeneration project.

Originally manufactured for the Jubilee Line extension, the two 25 tonne locomotives will be refurbished at the company’s LH Group Services manufacturing facility in Staffordshire. The three 12 tonne locomotives are on hire from preservation societies and private individuals and will be refurbished to their original condition to meet the requirements of operating within a tunnelling environment.

Both comissions are possible with the full backing of parent company, LH Group Services and allow Hunslet to re-enter this very competitive market and establish itself as a key supplier of tunnelling locomotives.

Hunslet Adds 08 to Fleet

After a long and well-established history of supplying industrial locomotives to various locomotive operators Hunslet Engine Company is pleased to announce the addition of the first class 08 locomotive to the companies hire and lease fleet.

08-873 is working for Manchester Ship Canal Company between P & O Roadways Containerbase and Trafford Park exchange sidings.


The Locomotives duties include, marshalling container trains within the container base and hauling the 24 bogie vehicles approximately 2 miles to the national network exchange sidings. The locomotive is operated 24 hours a day and usually handles 10 full round trips in this period. As with many other Hunslet contracts this locomotive has been supplied with full service and after sales support including 24 hour call out and guaranteed attendance of engineers in the case of a breakdown. In support of the class 08 an additional locomotive is provided on site as a standby, which in this case is a 350 HP 0-6-0 Barclay 660 (Emily) of 1982.

Hunslet Engine Company is actively seeking to expand its current fleet of hire locomotives, acknowledging that to do this we must move away from solely supplying Industrial type locomotives in order to meet the requirements of several potential clients. With the backing of its parent company LH Group Services Limited, Hunslet Engine Company has purchased this first 08 and we are currently establishing a support facility for this and future locomotives. LH Groups Engine Overhaul division has a wealth of experience overhauling the 08’s English Electric Engines and with the other companies within the group such as LH Group Wheelsets the main of the support is already in place.

In setting up the support facility for our own locomotive we will also be able to provide existing users of the Class 08 an alternative supplier for procuring spare parts and the overhaul of major component.