New Hybrid locos for Snowdon Mountain line

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SNOWDON Mountain Railway (SMR) has named Clayton Equipment Limited, specialists in bespoke hybrid battery-diesel locomotives, as preferred supplier of replacements for its Hunslet 0-4-0DH locomotives. 

Two new locos will be supplied next spring to enter service for the start of the 2020 season.

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The new hybrid 800mm-gauge loco for SMR is currently in the design stages. It will be driven by high torque electric motors and powered by both traction batteries and a diesel generator. 

Snowdon Mountain Railway’s 1922-built No. 6 Padarn and heritage-style coach The Snowdon Lily descend between Summit and Clogwyn stations on July 29. ALISDAIR ANDERSON

SMR is an Abt rack and pinion line, and traction and braking will be via the pinions. During the descent from the summit the diesel generator will be switched off while service braking recharges the battery ready for the next ascent. 

Read more in the October 2019 issue of The RM – on sale now!

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