Testing programme in place for first Class 88

Direct Rail Services’ first dual-mode Class 88 is expected to undergo a testing programme that will last six to eight weeks.

The locomotive (88002 Prometheus) was delivered to Carlisle Kingmoor on January 24, having arrived in the UK at Southampton and been taken north by road (RAIL 819). DRS says the rest of the dual-mode locomotives (88001/003-010) will arrive at Port of Workington by mid-spring.

Stadler built the locomotive in Valencia. Leased by DRS from Beacon Rail, the ‘88s’ will have both 25kV electric and diesel modes and are a development of Direct Rail Services’ Class 68 platform.