New locomotives will be British designed and built

. Corus has so far commissioned the construction of four of the locomotives for its Port Talbot Works. They are designed by Railcraft Associates in Doncaster and will be produced at Corus’ Transport and Fabrication Workshops in Scunthorpe by Corus Northern Engineering Services. The first locomotive is to be delivered at the end of 2007. According to Mark Jones, business development engineer at CNES, “The new locomotives are modular in design so customers can choose from a range of engine, transmission and safety options. Corus has been repairing and rebuilding locomotives since the early days of steam and is now the largest private operator of industrial rail networks in the UK”. The four on order are 100 tonne, 1000 HP two-axle shunting locomotives and will be used to move molten iron and steel products. Other versions available include three, four and double bogie six-axle types. Axle loads are up to 25 tonnes to suit track gauges from 610mm to 1676mm. Frame and superstructure can be manufactured to suit a variety of loading gauges with a choice of single or twin cab models. Diesel engines are up to 3000HP with either electric or hydraulic transmissions. The range is to be launched at the Railtex event at London’s ExCel from February 20th to 22nd 2007. Software used is AutoCad LT for 2D drafting, SolidEdge for 3D modelling, and COSMOS Design Star for FEA. More information from Railtex