Hydrail switcher

A hydrail switcher is a hydrail locomotive power-assisted by an electric motor that gets its electricity from a fuel cell. Its intended not for moving trains over long distances but rather for assembling trains ready for a road locomotive to take over, disassembling a train that has been brought in, and generally moving railroad cars around - a process usually known as switching (UK: shunting). They do this in classification yards. Switchers may also make short transfer runs and even be the only motive power on branch lines.

Advantage of the hydrogen fueled switcher is the dual role, it can also serve as a mobile backup power unit.

Research

*2008 - A 127 tonne fuelcell-hybrid switcher wil be tested at the Hill Air Force Base, Utah [ [http://www.fuelcellpropulsion.org/Rail/Websites/Switcher.htm Hydrail switcher - Los Angeles basin] ] . a fuel cell hybrid road switcher is proposed [ [http://www.fuelcellpropulsion.org/Rail/Websites/RoadSwitcher.htm Roadswitcher] ]

ee also

*Hydrogen vehicle

References

External links

* [http://www.bnsf.com/media/news/articles/2008/01/2008-01-09a.html BNSF Press release]
* [http://www.fuelcellpropulsion.org/Rail/Websites/RailProg.htm Fuelcell propulsion Railprogram]