Vossloh Euro 4000

Infobox Locomotive
name=Vossloh Euro 4000

---

caption=Euro 4000 numbered 335 001 in Vossloh livery
powertype=Diesel
tractionmotors= 6x D43
builddate=2006-
builder=Vossloh flagicon|ESP
enginetype=EMD 16-710 G3C-U2
uicclass=Co-Co
firstrundate=2006
fuelc

7,000 l (freight version)
weight=126 tons (passenger version)
123 tons (freight version)
locale=Spain, Norway, Portugal and others
locobrakes= Electro-pneumatic, Dynamic
totalproduction=10 as of 2008 Verify source|date=August 2008
poweroutput=3,178 kW
multipleworking= ZDS/ZWS (passenger version)
AAR system (freight version)
tractiveeffort=325 kN (passenger version)
400 kN (freight version)
topspeed=160 km/h (passenger version)
120 km/h (freight version)
length=23.02 m
trainheating= Yes, 450 kW/1,000 V AC 22-50 Hz (passenger version)
No (freight version)
safety=ASFA, PZB, ATC and others
gauge=1,435 mm or 1,668 mm
The Vossloh Euro 4000 is a new type of diesel-electric locomotive, based on the Vossloh Euro platform.

History

At the beginning of the 2000s numerous private train operators emerged in mainland Europe, as open-access freight operation was already granted in some European countries before complete liberalization in 2012. These mainly used second-hand diesel locomotives formerly in use with the state railways of the respective country, or new medium-powered diesel locomotives like the Class 66 or Vossloh G2000. With the success of these operators rising and trains getting heavier, the need of a complete new high-powered diesel locomotive series was becoming high.

Primarily due to environmental issues and high costs, developments for such a new locomotive series were pushed back whenever possible. In the mid-2000s development of a new series finally seamed economically viable, with Alstom naming its programme Euro 4000. Development of the programme was started under Alstom supervision, but as the Alstom Valencia plant was bought by Vossloh the series got the Vossloh name.

Technology

The Vossloh Euro platform is a modular platform like the TRAXX and EuroSprinter platforms: this means each customer can customize the locomotive to its needs. The locomotive can be equipped with Bo-Bo or Co-Co axle configuration, different engines, safety systems, and is available in a passenger (max. speed 160 km/h) or freight version (max. speed 120 km/h). The most ordered configuration is the freight version with a Co-Co axle configuration, two cabs , AC/DC traction and EMD's service-proven and fuel efficient 16-710 diesel engine with electronic controls. [ [http://www.emdiesels.com/emdweb/products/euro_4000.jsp EMD: Euro 4000] ] The locomotive will be assembled in Vossloh's Valencia (Albuixech) plant. [ [http://www.vossloh-espana.com/cms/en/products/diesel-electric_locomotives/euro4000/euro4000.html Vossloh España - Euro 4000] ] [ [http://www.vossloh-espana.com/fs_cms/media/downloads/pdfs/flyer/Vossloh_Espana_Euro_4000_us.pdf Vossloh España - Euro 4000 product folder] ]

Career and orders

The demonstrator locomotive was built in 2006 and was exhibited at the InnoTrans 2006 fair. It was then tested on different German main lines before being sold to Angel Trains Cargo. Further locomotives were ordered by leasing companies Allco and Angel Trains Cargo. One of the Allco locomotives was hired to Swedish operator Tågab, which is responsible for the certification of the locomotive in Norway and Sweden. [ [http://www.tagakeriet.se/agentur1.html Tågab - General agent for EMD/Vossloh locomotives in Scandinavia] (Swedish)] It is due to replace CargoNet's Class 66 which could not withstand the harsh Scandinavian conditions.

The order of Angel Trains Cargo consists of different versions for different operating regions: [ [http://www.angeltrains.co.uk/Press/release.aspx?Id=618 Angel Trains press release of its Euro 4000 order] ]
* 18 locomotives for the Spanish market, one of which already is in service with track building firm Comsa, and another which is the former demonstrator loco, also in service for Comsa.
* An option of 12 locomotives for the Central-European market, one of which is to be exhibited at the InnoTrans 2008 fair.

In July 2008 Takargo, the first Portugese private rail operator, ordered 14 locomotives enabling it to pull its 600m-long trains non-stop from Portugal to Spain. [ [http://www.lok-report.de/news/news_europa_portugal.html News on the Takargo order on Lok-report.de] (German)]

References