Plasser & Theurer delivered Colas Rail UK two new tamping machines which will be entering operations in the Western region of British rail network.
DR75016 and DR75017 began fabrication in Plasser & Theurer’s facility in Linz, Austria in February 2023. The Tampers were transported to the UK earlier this year to undergo final commissioning and calibration at P&T UK’s base at West Ealing before traveling to Severn Valley Railway for a rigorous shakedown ahead of going into contract with Network Rail.
Colas Rail UK’s tamping testing and shakedown activity at the Severn Valley Railway will also improve the track quality of the heritage railway for their volunteers and users of their railway network.
Both tampers will be entering operations in the Western region as the company is working with Network Rail to put the passenger first by continuing to ensure track works can be handed back at line speed to avoid delays and provide a safe and reliable service.
“This continued investment in new machines demonstrates Colas Rail’s commitment to having a modern fleet of machines to ensure the best operational performance for the client as well as demonstrating our commitment to carbon reduction by replacing 20+ year old Tampers with machines that have the latest EU Stage 5 emissions compliant engines,” Paul Conway, Head of Engineering and Compliance at Colas Rail said.
The new tamping machines as part of Colas Rail UK’s investment in the latest technology to maintain its position as key suppliers to Network Rail of On Track Machines in the UK.
Colas Rail has continued its investment to improve On Track Plant fleet through innovation, including the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil as well as solid oxide fuel cells as sustainable diesel alternatives, retrofitting older model tampers with system7 technology and the addition of a new ballast regulator entering service last year.
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