Freight Tracks #45

FREIGHT tracks ISSUE #45

NOV 13 2023

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR RAIL FREIGHT

A SOLUTION LOOKING FOR A PROBLEM?

AUSTRALIA: NO 'LUCKY COUNTRY' FOR RAILFREIGHT

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CONTENTS NOVEMBER 13 2023 ISSUE 45

IN THIS ISSUE COVER STORY Talking Point Top News News On This Day

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COVER STORY

no 'lucky country' rail freight Future of rail freight will make or break Australia’s freight

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rgent action is needed to increase rail’s share of freight in Australia to meet future transport needs, reduce emissions and foster economic growth, a landmark research project has concluded.

Australian Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communities, Catherine King,

together with the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) and key industry representatives, released the research at Pacific National’s intermodal terminal in Melbourne.

The rail industry also launched the Future of Freight campaign in response to the research, which makes several key recommendations for industry and

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COVER STORY

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task government to enable rail to play a far greater role in Australia’s growing freight task.

The campaign is centred on the comprehensive research, which was led by the Australasian Centre for Rail Innovation (ACRI), with input from the ARA and Freight on Rail Group (FORG), and supported by the Department of Infra-

structure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.

ARA CEO Caroline Wilkie said the research found the underutilisation of rail freight is a missed opportunity that is costing the Australian economy and stands in the way of reaching net zero targets.

“Our freight task is significant and

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COVER STORY growing and we need a resilient, reliable and efficient national rail freight network to support the economy and community,” Wilkie said.

“Road and shipping cannot alone meet this demand, and new policies and more strategic investment is needed to support greater use of rail.”

Previous ARA research shows that a 10% mode shift away from road to rail between major capital cities in Australia will reduce the social costs created through emissions, crashes and accidents and health costs from emissions, with total estimated benefits of more than $700 million per year.

tial role of a strong national supply chain and the importance of rail as part of our national network, but more investment is urgently needed to increase the resilience and productivity of the network,” Harding said.

“Melbourne-Sydney-Brisbane is a corridor where rail can do the heavy lifting for customers and the economy, while significantly reducing carbon emissions for the transport sector.

"Rail freight is up to 16 times less carbon intensive than road freight.”

Some of the constraints identified as hampering rail’s share of freight include: • A lack of a ‘level playing field’ between modes, making it harder to compete with road; • Lack of interoperability between jurisdictions – rail operators using multiple networks to have to manage seven different regulatory frameworks; • Poor harmonisation of safety standards, operating rules and processes and regulations; • Rail infrastructure gaps impacting transit time, reliability and availability; • No national body to mandate harmonised principles, standards and processes; • Lack of transparent freight data and accurate cost benefit analysis in determining private and public investments infrastructure.

ARTC’s Acting CEO Wayne Johnson said rail is a vital link in the national supply chain and an effective mechanism for Government and industry to work

Inter-capital rail freight Rail’s share of inter-capital freight is only 11% across the Eastern seaboard, and as little as two percent on Australia’s busiest freight corridor between Melbourne and Sydney, the research showed.

Less than a third of freight (28%) is on rail between Melbourne and Brisbane, the future service area for the Inland Rail project.

FORG Chairman and Aurizon Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Harding said boosting the role of rail freight on key interstate freight routes, particularly between Melbourne-Sydney-Brisbane, should be a key focus for governments and the rail industry.

“The pandemic illustrated the essen-

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COVER STORY towards contributing to the Net Zero targets by 2050.

“This report highlights that a robust and effective rail network can only strengthen our supply chains and enable growth of our markets to compete in the global economy,” Johnson said: “To this end, investment is continuing to improve the resilience and reliability of the freight rail network on the back of unprecedented flooding events. However, there is more to do so that rail operators, customers and businesses have confidence in the reliability of rail services, aligning to their expectations.”

The CEO of the National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO), Michael Caltabiano, said the transition of ACRI into NTRO offers the ideal opportunity to deliver a more integrated transport system with freight delivery on rail a key consideration.

“Increased use of freight rail could bring great economic and environmental benefits but a lack of reliable infrastructure, inadequate focus on productivity and inconsistent standards and regulations across the continent are preventing this,” Caltabiano said.

The research suggests several practical steps to increasing mode share of rail, including establishing a national rail regulator to enable mandatory, consistent standards, investments in infrastructure with a focus on resilience and reliability initiatives, enhanced collection of road and rail use and train service re-

liability data and a review of cost-benefit analyses to ensure economic, social and environmental benefits are fully considered in rail/road investment decisions.

The research suggests several practical steps to increasing mode share of rail, including investments in infrastructure with a focus on resilience and reliability initiatives, enhanced collection of road and rail use and train service reliability data and a review of cost-benefit analyses to ensure economic, social and environmental benefits are fully considered in rail/road investment decisions.

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TALKING POINT

THE 08E – A SOLUTION LOOK L

enthusiasm – of which Positive Traction has in abundance – can sometimes lead the heart to rule the head.

One only has to look at the recent liquidation of Vivarail, which thought that there would be queues of customers ready to buy its refurbished Tube trains, to realise that enthusiasm doesn't always translate into sales. Vivarail even had to sell 100 vehicles for scrap to try and stave off the debts – all in vain. The hard fact that Vivarail had to face was that customers preferred new, over old and refurbished trains. Could Positive Traction be about to fall into the same trap? Then there was the Parry People Mover company – again a company with over optimistic belief that customers would be queuing up to buy its trains.

In the end it sold two.

So, let's first look at the positives of the 08e.

Well, according to the company: “I think for us, we are filling a gap in the market where budgets might not allow for a new build, but with looming 2040/50 net zero targets, some effort has to be made. The cost of converting a pre-existing vehicle is a fraction of starting from scratch, plus you have 'grandfather rights' in regards to certification. We have upgraded several components on the 08e, not just how it's powered, so it is designed to work efficiently for while”.

While admitting that there are currently no orders for the 08e, the company said that sourcing class 08s for conversion should prove no immediate problems, stating: “Well, one of our Directors is also an owner of RMS Locotec, so we have a direct link to 08s, should we need another

aunched amid fanfare at Barrow Hill depot, not so far from the great railway city of Derby, Positive Traction's battery powered class 08e – in reality a converted diesel class 08 dating back 70 years – gleamed on the turntable, but is it a solution to an old problem or a solution looking for a problem?

With Net zero targets looming on the horizon, thoughts within the rail industry are turning to ways of how to tackle it and it was from this that the company Positive Traction was born, along with its pioneering 08e locomotive. Based on a design of locomotive that dates from the 1930s,

Enthusiasm – of which Positive Traction has in abundance – can sometimes lead the heart to rule the head Positive Traction has taken donor locomotive 08308 and removed the diesel engine – replacing it with plug-in lithium-ferro-phosphate traction batteries supplied by Lithion Battery Inc. These are housed in a ‘PT Powerpod’, which contains the batteries, battery management system, charger and ancillaries. The prototype is rated at 450 hp, but it is designed to be scalable with two to six of the 88 kWh battery pods which can be exchanged using a forklift truck. In addition, visibilty has been dramatically improved thanks to the height reduction of the 'bonnet'.

While all this may sound like a sure winner,

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TALKING POINT

KING FOR A PROBLEM?

Jonathan Webb

Photo: Shan Liu

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TALKING POINT immediate donor. We are in talks with another supplier, however we probably won't be purchasing any more yet unless we have a purchase order for a conversion and the customer doesn't already have their own.” It's not unknown for the rail industry to purchase previously preserved locomotives, when the supply of withdrawn example dry up, so could we see some currently preserved class 08s end up being converted to battery power?

In the meantime the 08e will remain at Barrow Hill until December, after which it will be leased for shunting duties at a port, for approximately two months.

much more modern parts etc.”

Clayton also has a proven track record when it comes to battery hybrids (battery with a small Diesel genset for battery recharging on the go and which can be recharged from the mains when stationary) with many satisfied customers, such as Tata Steel (seven locomotives), Sellafield (two locomotives) and [right] Beacon Rail (15 locomotives).

As can be seen, beneath the green angle it's very much a 'price war' between buying new or buying secondhand.

Business leaders will often caution over a company positioning itself in the marketplace based purely on price: “If price was all that mattered, the high street would be full of Poundland stores” is one comment I've heard on more than one occasion – or to adapt the saying for rail 'we would all be traveling in Vivarail Tube trains and Parry People Movers'.

Purpose-built loco The fly in Positive Traction's ointment could well be established battery loco builder, Clayton – located at Burton-on-Trent, also relatively near Derby.

The company told Freight Tracks magazine: “A Clayton loco is a purpose-built battery locomotive rather than a battery refurbishment and has a modern cab layout. The whole=life cost for a new Clayton battery loco will be lower in the long run and operationally longer as we are using

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FROM ANALOG TO DIGIT JOURNEY TO REVOLUTI ON NOVEMBER 27 2023, THE ESA COMMERCIALISATION DAYS: TRANSPORTATION EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE. KEY ACTORS FROM THE TRANSPORTATION AND SPACE SECTORS WILL COME TOGETHER TO DEVELOP NEW SYNERGIES. RAIL-FLOW, ONE OF THE START-UPS, WILL PITCH DURING THE EVENT. RAIL-FLOW IS ASSOCIATED WITH NAVISP

resources, and limited digital access. The lack of transparency in shipment statuses and outdated methods limit the potential growth of rail, even though it is an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient mode of transport. Rail-Flow sees this as an opportunity to transform the industry and make it competitive with road transport.

Fulfilling expectations for rail freight With policymakers advocating for a transport revolution to combat climate change, rail freight’s potential cannot continue to be ignored.

With the Rail-Flow digital platform, the start-up has created a key solution to this challenge. In doing so, Rail-Flow is supporting the industry to create more transparency.

The birth of Rail-Flow platform

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ave you ever imagined booking a hotel using the Yellow Pages and faxing your reservation? In the digital era, it seems almost unimaginable. But in the world of rail freight, outdated practices are still the norm.

That’s where Rail-Flow steps in. The start-up brings rail freight into the digital age and significantly reduces costs by eliminating manual tasks.

Rail-Flow’s vision came to life in the form of their innovative digital platform. This intelligent platform, consisting of marketplace and SaaS solutions, simplifies access to rail. At the same time, it seamlessly connects all market participants and improves efficiency as well as transparency in execution. The platform addresses all players in rail freight transport from shippers to forwarders and railway undertakings.

Embracing the digital revolution

Propelling rail freight to the digital age

For decades, rail freight has been stuck in the past, with manual processes, underutilised

Rail-Flow developed a Rail Transport Man-

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TALKING POINT

TAL: RAIL-FLOW’S IONISE RAIL FREIGHT

agement System (TMS) that is tailored to rail transport but corresponds to the functionality of the TMS for road transport. At the same time, the system takes into account the complexity of

rail transport. As part of the RaiSu project, RailFlow uses various data sources, from GNSS on locomotives to tracking apps, and transformed the Rail TMS into a precise real-time system.

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TALKING POINT

A LITTLE RAIL TOUR O

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arnród Éireann Rail Freight presents more images of North Wall Freight Yard in Dublin which has a significant history in Dublin city's transportation infrastructure. It was established in the 19th century as part of the railway system's expansion across Ireland.

The yard served as a vital hub for goods transportation, particularly for the Dublin Port, a crucial point for trade and commerce. The depot facilitated the movement of goods, enabling efficient transfer between ships and trains, contributing significantly to the economic activities of Dublin and the surround-

ing areas.

The development of this yard was part of a broader expansion of rail networks in Ireland during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The railway infrastructure allowed for the transportation of various goods, supporting industries, and connecting different regions across the country.

Over the years, the North Wall Rail Freight Yard evolved to meet changing demands and technologies.

It continues to play a key role in intermodal transport as well as moving goods by rail in bulk, especially aggregates, mineral ore.

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TALKING POINT

OF DUBLIN'S FAIR CITY

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THE WEMBLEY DC R PIT STOP "

A great Friday at our Wembley hub with the team working our new services," writes David Fletcher, Director Rail at Cappagh Group of Companies.

He writes: "First a train to the Mendips to collect concrete aggregates left, then the two Quainton services supplying #hs2 arrive, run round, change locos, crew change trains and fuel.

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TALKING POINT

RAIL

"Not Formula One but very impressive in less than an hour.

"On the left Class 60 'William Wilberforce' arrives with a loaded train from Tytherington and on

the right 'Ben Nevis' waits on a set of empties to Tytherington.

"Well done everyone!"

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TALKING POINT

ALIGNED FOR SAFETY: UP'S SWITCH MODERNISATION

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new visual aid is being standardised across Union Pacific Railroad’s 23-state system, supporting the railroad’s goal to be the best in safety and ensure all employees go home safe.

Switch targets – indicators that tell train crews whether trains will be guided, or switched, from one track to another – are being modernised with new color-based, arrowed targets to help reduce the potential for human-factor train derailments.

“Through our travels around the network, we noticed many yards used different switch targets,”

said Kevin Andersen, senior director, Safety. “While employees should always look at switch points to verify the route is properly lined, standardizing this visual cue will help employees – whether seasoned or new – see the same target in all locations.”

Human-factor derailments Safety enhancements include clearly marking switch targets to help reduce the potential for human-factor derailments.

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TALKING POINT

Rollout began at yards with critical leads, where derailments could potentially severely impact operations and delay cars from processing through that location.

“This visual aid, along with other changes underway, will help reduce potential injuries and rail equipment incidents like derailments,” Andersen said. “It will be a continuous effort over the next couple years to standardize these switch targets.”

In Salem, Illinois, the yard’s 34 new switch targets are receiving positive feedback. The green-red tar-

gets are mounted on switch stands within the yard’s 14 tracks, the longest of which is about 10,000 feet.

“Our train crews like them a lot better, as they’re bigger and more visible,” said Joshua Cooper, manager-Train Operations, who notes Salem is the home terminal for approximately 150 Transportation team members, including conductors and locomotive engineers.

“They serve as a great visual cue, helping crews easily identify if they’re lined up for their current route or if their switch is lined against them.”

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TOP NEWS

Losses dErail Christmas cheer for DB Cargo UK Jonathan Webb

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B Cargo is on course for “yet another significant loss this year”, according to management at the freight company. This follows a number of efficiency measures that have proved ineffective.

According to DB Cargo, it's running 25% fewer trains – having lost work to competitors and not renewing unprofitable contracts – but still having to fund near the same amount of fixed costs. It also blames the Ukraine conflict on rising energy bills – something that has seen it abandon its electric fleet

in favour of diesel traction – and the need to meet “challenging new financial targets”.

Drivers are expected to bear the brunt of the job cuts – with 95 driving positions expected to be eliminated. DB Cargo says that there are just too many drivers for the work available in some areas, but other grades will also come under the spotlight for redundancies.

Of the 95, approximately 75 are expected to be via voluntary redundancy. The total equates to around 10% of the company's drivers. A DB Car-

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go driver contacted Freight Tracks magazine to say: “DBC did originally want compulsory redundancies but drivers' union ASLEF threatened to remove the rest day working agreement.”

He continued by saying:“As it’s VR , it will be done on seniority and each hub has different amounts that need to go. What will happen over the next year will be a lot of drivers at DB being fearful of the future, so theyll probably depart for pastures new.”

Rumours are already spreading around some DBC mess rooms, that this is just phase 1 of a plan that

will end with the sale of the freight company.

One rival freight company, with additional services expected to commence later this year or in early 2024, is hoping that it can tempt some redundant drivers to join it.

The first meeting with drivers' union ASLEF took place on 1 November, with a view to exploring ways of mitigating redundancies. T he company has however stated that no decisions have been made regarding the details of how to take the company forward.

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TOP NEWS

AS ONE DOOR CLOSES, CAN ANOT

Since the news broke that DB Cargo UK planned to shed driving roles, FREIGHT TRACK readers have suggested Australia might be an ideal location for drivers friom the UK to return to the cab.

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t is a mixed bag with rail freight at present in Australia, considers Gary Fields, Regional Rail Advisor and Advocate in South Australia. On the bright side a number of rail companies are looking for train drivers, mainly bulk in various States.

A number of new mines, return of livestock on rail in Queensland, a new intermodal service from Melbourne - Perth have all helped.

In other news rail freight is said to be losing market share according to Australasian Railway Associa-

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THER ONE OPEN DOWN UNDER?

tion but don't give any information.

My own opinion is directed at the Australian Government owned ARTC (Australian Rail Track Corporation) responsible for the national rail track network.

Transport shippers have said that rail is too slow, which when you look at the ARTC network it;s not hard to see why. I can only comment in my own State and parts of Victoria.

In 1995 the Australian Government converted the Melbourne -ference Adelaide rail line from broad gauge to standard gauge down the centre of the States isolating the broad gauge network. Some lines have gradually been converted to standard gauge.

Overall much of the alignment hasn't changed since the steam train days with tight curves. Since 1995 ARTC have made little difference, the rail line

for most part is single track with a few rail loops and no change at all to the rail alignment through the Adelaide Hills, the steepest in Australia and adds to the cost of rail transport.

The attitude of ARTC is to wait for the line to reach capacity then they'll act, originally meant to be 2030 but due to market share loss now raised to 2050.

The time frame for rail freight is 10 - 11 hrs whereas trucks can cover a shorter distance in 9 hrs and the introduction of B Doubles.

Thousands of trucks travel from Sydney - Perth travelling a lot further but competing with rail, again on a single track.

These trucks at the least should be on the rail network using a system like Cargo-Beamer.

Hope this explains some of the issues with rail freight in Australia.

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TOP NEWS

IN THE PINK AS Wabtec, Roy Hill un W

abtec and its launch customer, Roy Hill, a leading iron ore miner majority owned by Australia’s most successful private company, Hancock Prospecting, have celebrated the debut of the FLXdrive battery locomotive, the world’s first 100% battery-powered, heavy-haul locomotive for mainline service. The ceremony unveiled the unique, striking pink-colored locomotive at Wabtec’s design and development center in Pennsylvania.

“This FLXdrive locomotive represents a major step in the journey to a low-to-zero-emission future in the rail industry,” said Rafael Santana, President & CEO of Wabtec.

Roy Hill’s FLXdrive battery-electric locomotive will feature an energy capacity of 7 megawatt hours (MWh). Based on the route and company’s rail operations, the FLXdrive is anticipated to provide a double-digit percentage reduction in fuel costs and emissions per train. Once Wabtec completes the final battery installations and track testing, the locomotive will begin its 17,000-kilometer (10,500mile) journey in 2024 for delivery to its new home in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, one of the world’s premier mining precincts.

“The foresight of our Executive Chairman, Gina Rinehart AO, has been instrumental in establishing an environment in which we can successfully leverage the ingenuity of our people alongside key partners like Wabtec to transform our rail and mining operations through next-generation technologies,” said Gerhard Veldsman, Chief Executive Officer, Hancock Prospecting Group Operations.

“The FLXdrive locomotive represents not only a first for the Pilbara, but a first for the mining industry. By using regenerative braking, it will charge its battery on the 344km (214 mile) downhill run from our mine to port and use that stored energy to return to the mine, starting the cycle all over again.”

Today, Roy Hill uses four Wabtec ES44ACi “Evolution Series” diesel-electric locomotives in a consist to pull trains that are typically 2,700 meters

(1.6 miles) in length carrying more than 33,000 tonnes of iron ore. The addition of the FLXdrive will form a hybrid locomotive consist with Wabtec diesel-electric locomotives, and recharge during the trip through regenerative braking. The FLXdrive manages the overall train energy flow and distribu-

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nveil first FLXdrive battery loco

tion through its state-of-the-art energy management software. It is also designed with a unique battery thermal management system using liquid cooling to withstand the Pilbara heat, where temperatures can reach 55°C (130°F).

Roy Hill’s iconic pink livery symbolises the com-

pany’s commitment to assisting research and those suffering from breast cancer. To mark the FLXdrive’s premiere, Roy Hill, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Wabtec donated $50,000 to Linked By Pink, aNorganisation consisting of Erie area survivors diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 45.

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TOP NEWS

THERE was an exciting event in Chiasso, Switzerland when SBB Cargo ceremoniously dropped the curtain on its brand new workshop.

The highlight of this inauguration?

The state-of-the-art and only underfloor lathe in the region. The expansion of SBB Cargo's maintenance services south of the Alps with the reprofiling of SBB locomotives, freight wagons and multiple units and third-party customers is a significant milestone, says the company.

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More muscle for In T

he development of the Twin WAG9Hi locomotive with 12,000 HP power at Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) in India represents a significant advancement in locomotive technology.

This locomotive is designed to meet the demands of heavy-haul freight operations on the Indian Railways network. Key features of the Twin WAG9Hi locomotive: With a power output of 12,000 HP, the locomotive provides the necessary muscle for hauling extremely heavy freight trains.

It offers a remarkable starting tractive effort of 1,020 kN, making it capable of handling heavy loads on steep gradients.

The locomotive can pull trains weighing up to 6,400 tons on a 1:150 gradient at a speed of 60 km/h, making it suitable for the transportation of bulk goods.

The Twin WAG9Hi locomotive is distinct in its paired locomotive configuration, which offers the advantage of access to the second locomotive through a vestibule. This feature proves particularly useful in challenging areas such as over bridges, embankments, and during nighttime operations.

Toilets in the cab The locomotive features facilities like toilets in the cab and fully functional rear cabs, providing comfort and convenience for the locomotive crew during long journeys.

In comparison to existing 1,200 HP locomotives

with a starting tractive effort of 725 kN, the Twin WAG9Hi represents a substantial leap in terms of power and performance, making it a

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ndian Railways

valuable addition to the Indian Railways' fleet.

The development of the Twin WAG9Hi locomotive at CLW signifies a major step forward in mod-

ernizing the locomotive fleet, enabling the efficient and reliable transportation of heavy loads across the diverse terrains of the Indian railway network.

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TOP NEWS

XPO Logistics expands inte

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PO, a leading provider of innovative and sustainable end-to-end logistics solutions across Europe, has launched a new multimodal route between Italy and Germany by combining road and rail.

This daily route offers XPO Logistics' customers a more sustainable transport alternative by traveling 900 km by rail from Domodossola in Italy to Duisburg in Germany. The new route mainly transports retail, food, and automotive components. In addition, the company saves about 1 ton of CO2 for each load carried, which is equivalent to the emissions saved by more than 14,600 trees in one day.

Technology also plays a role in XPO's multimodal services. On the Italy-Germany route, the company uses P400 semi-trailers, which are linked

by GPS to a control tower that monitors operations in real time.Thanks to

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this system, the company improves th greater precision and security to the the status and location of the product Massimo Marsili, Managing Directo XPO Logistics, highlighted the work an to continue to innovate and grow, and modal route between Italy and Germ vide operational excellence to all our commitment to sustainability and red communication and capillarity are esse Thanks to the collaboration of the X countries, we can ensure the excellen

TOP NEWS

ermodal services in Europe

he efficiency of the service and offers customer, who is always informed of t. or - Southern Europe and Morocco, nd constant efforts of all XPO teams d that "the launch of this new multimany is the result of our aim to pror customers while maintaining a clear ducing their carbon footprint". XPO's ential to provide this type of solution.

XPO teams involved in the different nt operation of this multimodal route

from beginning to end. " In recent months, XPO Logistics has been providing its customers with transport alternatives that meet sustainability goals while maintaining operational efficiency. The company currently operates multimodal routes combining rail and road between Barcelona - Bettembourg (Luxembourg); Barcelona - Duisburg (Germany); Perpignan - Valenton (south of Paris); Le Boulou - Calais (France), and Novara (Italy) - Duisburg (Germany), as well as others using short sea shipping, such as those linking the ports of Santander and Liverpool and the ports of Barcelona and Valencia with Savona, in Italy.

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TOP NEWS

SALUTE UKRAINE'S RAIL HEROES

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B Cargo UK stands in solidarity with its railway family in Ukraine as they celebrate their annual professional holiday, Ukrainian Railway Day. It was on this day in 1861 that the first train arrived at Lviv Railway Station in Ukraine from Vienna, having travelled via Krakow and Przemysl. The day is regarded as the beginning of the history of railways in Ukraine.

However, this year's anniversary celebrations

will take a more sombre tone, with a train car bearing the scars of shelling by Russian forces in Irpin, Ukraine, being placed on display on Mykhailivska Square in central Kyiv.

"We're proud of the role we've played in conjunction with UK Rail for Ukraine in transporting humanitarian aid to the war-torn country and send our best wishes to the railway workers and their families during this difficult time." says the FOC.

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FREIGHT tracks THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR RAIL FREIGHT

'Tis the season to thank your customers!

R

emember those sales you made this year? Already looking forward to your sales activity in 2024? Connect with your old customers in the festive season and New Year by taking out a seasonal spot in FREIGHT TRACKS to remind them how important they are to you.

F

REIGHT TRACKS is only distributed to businesses and individuals invoved in rail freight. That is why an advertisement placed in the publication is so cost-effective: 100% freight, 0% passenger.

W G

e have three issues in December, the perfect platforms to reach out to your current and future customiers.

et in touch for a personal advertising offer to bring your seasonal message to your clients.

reighttracks@gmail.com f

TOP NEWS

Quantum leap for BNSF B

and resolve issues before they affect final delivery.

Customers who choose the Quantum option can anticipate service approximately a day faster than traditional intermodal service, with up to 95% ontime performance.

“We are excited to bring this innovative vision to life by creating Quantum with JB Hunt,” said Tom Williams, group vice president of Consumer Products at BNSF. “Built on a long-standing strategic partnership foundation and decades of intermodal capacity expansion investments, Quantum will provide a faster and more consistent intermodal solution to customers.

"Our new Intermodal Innovation Center will foster continued collaboration between our companies to continue evolving with our customers’ supply chain needs and create the intermodal solution of the future.”

NSF has announced the latest breakthrough in intermodal shipping: Quantum. A premium service operated jointly with JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc., Quantum provides the efficiency and speed needed to accommodate the service-sensitive highway freight needs of customer supply chains with rail solutions customised to each customer’s unique needs.

The Quantum team is made up of operators from both JB Hunt and BNSF, housed together at a new Intermodal Innovation Center at BNSF headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas. Their workflow is integrated at every step of the intermodal shipping process - from planning to execution and oversight to exception management. Priority drayage and rail movement are incorporated to provide faster, more consistent transits. With 24/7 oversight of every Quantum load, the team can quickly detect

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TOP NEWS

102 new intermodal wagons for Mercitalia Logistics E

rmewa and Mercitalia Logistics (Gruppo FS Italiane) strengthen their co-operation with a long-term lease agreement Ermewa has delivered 102 brand new intermodal wagons to Mercitalia Logistics, a subsidiary of the Italian state railway, since July this year.

The 4-axle intermodal wagons - type Sgmmnss 40' - were built by Tatravagonka in Poprad (Slovakia) and are suitable for ISO 20', 30' and 40' containers as well as swap bodies. In the meantime, all newly rented wagons have arrived in Turin at Mercitalia Logistics and are in operation.

Already in July, the 67 wagons of the first batch could be used in local traffic in Florence, where they transport gravel from a tunnel construction site.

With the quick provision of the wagons and their rapid deployment, Ermewa meets the requirements of Mercitalia Logistics and, in particular, Mercitalia Rail, a company of the FS Group logistics hub.

"We are pleased to further develop our successful cooperation with Mercitalia and expand our services to meet their challenges," says Cyrille Guyon, Deputy Managing Director of Ermewa. "Mercitalia is more than just a customer, it's our growth partner and the trust they place in us is a

testament to the value we bring," emphasises Barbara Recli, Sales Manager at Ermewa's Milan, Italy office. Mercitalia Logistics CEO, Sabrina De Filippis points out: “This is a further step towards the renewal of our fleet to serve our customers, and the realisation of new infrastructure green transportation in line with the best European standards.”

Ermewa has maintained a strong presence in Italy for more than 20 years and the Italian state railroad is one of its major customers.

Mercitalia Rail Srl is 100% owned by Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane and is the main Italian railway company in the freight sector. With over 340 electric locomotives and 130 diesel mainline locomotives, it operates nationally and internationally with up to 100,000 trains a year.

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G&W partners CN over CBNS

NOTHING SCARY F

GENESEE & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) has entered into a partnership with CN involving G&W’s Cape Breton & Central Nova Scotia Railway (CBNS). Under this partnership, CN will acquire a stake in CBNS and manage interline movements for customers, while a G&W subsidiary will continue to operate the CBNS line from Truro to Point Tupper, Nova Scotia.

“This partnership fully leverages the expertise of both a local, first- and last-mile railroad and a Class I railway that is part of the broader North American freight-rail network,” says Rick McLellan, president of G&W’s Canadian operations. “As G&W and CN work together to enhance service for rail-served industries in the Nova Scotia region, customers can continue to rely on the safe and efficient transportation service they have received for more than a decade.”

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

ON Halloween 2023, Team MxV Rail celebrated the first run on its new Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST) Loop.

For decades, FAST has helped the

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industry test c ogies in a cont axle load freigh loop will proud "We are so

FOR MXV RAIL ON HALLOWEEN

components and technoltrolled, real-world, heavy ht setting.The newly-built dly carry on that legacy. thankful for everyone in-

volved in completing this milestone in MxV rail history," says the company.

RJ Corman Railroad Group is proud to have been part of the build of MxV Rail's FAST Loop.

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"We extend our congratulations to the entire MxV Rail team for this first run!" says RJ Corman.

STADLER PREPARING LOCOMOT WAY FOR A FASTER ROLL-OUT I DEUTSCHE Bahn (DB), Stadler and its engineering joint venture AngelStar have prepared locomotives for the European Train Control System (ETCS) for the first time without the involvement of the locomotive manufacturer. Manufacturers’ capacities are considered likely to be one of the potential bottlenecks when around 13,000 locomotives and multiple units in Germany have to be retrofitted for ETCS in the coming years. The retrofits are necessary because more and more railway lines can only be used with the new, pan-European standardised technology. ETCS represents the basis for the further digitalisation of railway operations. The successful completion of an ETCS retrofit without the involvement of the vehicle manufacturer makes new capacities available in this area, and will therefore make a significant contribution to ensuring a faster ETCS roll-out in Germany.

Following successful retrofitting, two DB Cargo locomotives are now back on the tracks with the GUARDIA Baseline 3.4.0 ETCS automatic train protection system. This is the first retrofitting of DB locomotives from the 185.2 series with the ETCS system from Stadler. The pilot project

by Stadler, DB and AngelStar therefore required particularly complex pioneering work before the first locomotive received its re-approval as “First of Class”. Official approval was much simpler for the second locomotive converted in the same way: since it was deemed to be structurally identical, it was awarded “Conformity to Type” status. All future retrofits performed in this manner can now refer back to this model.

“Stadler has deliberately broken new ground with this retrofit project in order to simplify the retrofitting of modern signalling technology in existing vehicles. With this innovation, we can create

the urgently needed capacity in the rail industry to transport the large number of existing vehicles in Europe into the digital future,” says Ansgar Brockmeyer, Head of the Sales & Marketing Division and Deputy Group CEO of Stadler.

Hans Peter Lang, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at DB Group and Chairman of the Management Board of DB Systemtechnik, explains: “Equipping lines and vehicles with ETCS technology that is standardised across Europe is the basis for the further digitalisation of railway operations.This will create more capacity for travel and freight transport by rail. The fact that Stadler and AngelStar, DB Cargo and DB Systemtechnik have now together succeeded in retrofitting ETCS without the involvement of the vehicle manufacturer opens up

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TIVES FOR ETCS, PAVING THE IN GERMANY new paths and strengthens competition. This will significantly facilitate the ETCS roll-out for the entire industry in Germany.”

with the agile organisation, these are the best possible prerequisites for further retrofit projects.”

Until now, Stadler had mainly been accustomed to carrying out retrofit orders for its own vehicles.

Stadler received its first retrofit order for GUARDIA in 2020 from the Dutch rail operator Arriva.

Some of its 34 FLIRT vehicles are also used for cross-border transport in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.

The ETCS automatic train protection system GUARDIA from AngelStar, a joint venture between Stadler and the MERMEC Group, has already been approved in several European countries and is in operation in Germany, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Switzerland and the Netherlands. GUARDIA consists of both hardware and software components that are used in the trains. The system allows the train driver to visualise the position of the train, its speed and other data. All this data is also transmitted to a control centre. Data such as track warrants can be collected at the same time.

Innovation partnership Manuel Ayala, Project Manager at Stadler Signalling, says: “This innovation partnership means that Stadler is now able to equip vehicles made by other manufacturers with its own system without their involvement. This is not only of great importance for rail transport in Germany, but will also smooth the way for new opportunities in other market regions. We would like to thank Deutsche Bahn for the trust they have placed in us and look forward to continuing our successful collaboration.”

Oliver Kaiser, COO of AngelStar, is delighted: “In the course of this challenging retrofit project, we were once again able to demonstrate the quality and flexibility of the GUARDIA system. Along

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Brand new Vectron for Holzlogistik und Güterbahn

HOLZLOGISTIK und Güterbahn GmbH (HLG) has just welcomed a brand new Vectron Dual Mode locomotive (248 052) into their fleet from Alpha Trains Group.

This is another step to a partnership with this valued customer, following the announcement of the long-term lease agreement at this year's Transport

Logistic exhibition, says Alpha Trains.

The Siemens Mobility Vectron Dual Mode's dual drive capability combines the advantages of full-featured diesel locomotives with those of electric ones, thus increasing transport flexibility and efficiency.

Photo Credit: Stefan Hirschman

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NSSR dedicates locomotive in memory of longest serving employee NEWBURGH & South Shore Railroad (NSR), an affiliate of the comprehensive supply-chain and logistics solutions provider OmniTRAX, has deployed its first all-battery electric locomotive with a ceremony that included dignitaries from Ohio's Environmental Agency, the Port of Cleveland, AMPS Traction, and NSR customers. The new AMPS Traction G9, the first electric locomotive deployed by a shortline railroad in Ohio, will service its northern Ohio rail lines. The battery electric switching locomotive is a 250,000 lb. FRA compliant unit with technology to reduce fuel consumption by half and cut NOx emissions and particulate matter 77%.

Newburgh & Southshore Railroad deploys Ohio’s first electric locomotive. NSR Locomotive 1234, the new all-battery switching locomotive, was dedicated in the memory of OmniTRAX’s longest serving employee, Divisional Track Engineer Steve Ward. Steve’s widow Alice Ward and children Jonathan, Bobbi, and Traci joined OmniTRAX President Sergio Sabatini and NSR General Manager Nate Mazo for the ceremony.

"Electric locomotives play an important role in our industry and AMPS Traction's innovative technology is the perfect addition to our fleet," said OmniTRAX President and COO Sergio Sabatini.

"We will continue to invest in technologies that help keep our communities clean and safe, and we are thankful to Governor DeWine and Ohio EPA for the grant program that has made this emission-saving equipment upgrade possible."

NSR Locomotive 1234, the newly deployed all-battery locomotive, was then dedicated in the memory of beloved OmniTRAX Divisional Track Engineer Steve Ward. As the company's longest

serving employee, Ward oversaw the safety and maintenance of track throughout the OmniTRAX network for 27 years until his passing in 2021.

OmniTRAX President and COO Sergio Sabatini performed the dedication and honored Ward's family in attendance.

NSR was selected as a grantee from the $75M Diesel Mitigation Trust Fund, overseen by Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. The Fund awards eligible applicants with grants that support the demonstratable improvement of air quality.

Based in Cuyahoga County, NSR serves rail customers in the greater Cleveland area. The NSR was one of seven grantees awarded for projects that reduce emissions from diesel vehicles and equipment.

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1960's diesel veteran saves the day!

UNDER the management of ecco-rail Kft. Hungary, the company's service for customer Routier European Transport has been running on an alternative route since October 27 2023 because of the current track closure between Budapest and Hegyeshalom.

For this purpose, ecco-rail's intermodal train and the Vectron loco are equipped with a diesel locomotive on the line towards Komárom from Székesfehérvár and Budapest.

Despite a diversion route between the Curtici Terminal in Romania and the Samskip Terminal Duisburg in Germany, traction can thus be maintained regularly and without major delays for the customer. The diesel locomotive is the M61.001 of the Hungarian State Railways, which was first used in the early 60s. But the diesel locomotive 646.001 has also already been used for traction on the replacement line.The image was taken on October 30 2023 by Dancsi Jácint in Mór.

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MXV Rail and RJ Corman join f

MXV Rail and RJ Corman have joined forces to perform some final touch-ups to an OWLS diamond.

The entire project has shown how working together can enhance the quality to the rail industry. By dialling in the quality and efficiency of the OWLS diamond, RJ Corman has "elevated safety and reli-

ability" in the rail operations.

The construction of the FAST loop is a significant step forward. The new addition holds the potential to revolutionise rail transportation, and ensuring testing capabilities within the industry continue on a progress pace.

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forces for final touches

"I applaud MxV Rail and RJ Corman for their dedication to innovation and progress in the rail industry. The collaboration on this project demonstrates commitment to pushing the boundaries and setting new standards of excellence," says Shawn Veccilo, Senior AVP Operations-MxV Rail.

"I am excited to witness the positive impact of these efforts on the rail industry as a whole."

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ON THIS DAY: RAILFREIGHT HISTORY NOVEMBER 14

1989 CP Rail commences cabooseless train operations.

NOVEMBER 15

1965 The first commercial Freightliner service operates on the West Coast Main Line between London and Glasgow.

NOVEMBER 16

1860 In the small hours, a special cattle train from Holyhead to London via Peterborough is shunting just south of Atherstone station to let the Scottish mail train pass. Before the cattle train can clear the main line, the mail train strikes it. The four rear carriages of the cattle train are smashed, killing all nine Irish drovers who are asleep in the brake van and the fireman of the mail train.

Twenty-nine cattle are killed or have to be slaughtered soon afterwards. The driver of the mail train is not aware that a cattle train is ahead of him when they leave the preceding station Tamworth and claims he has not seen the advance signal at all approaching Atherstone station but does not worry as he is not aware of there being a train ahead of him. By the time he sees a red signal just before the station he immediately applies the brakes but it is too late to avoid the collision.

1967 Canadian Pacific begins testing Canada’s first remote-controlled midtrain diesel locomotives in regular freight service, using new “Robot” radio-command system.

NOVEMBER 17

1966 Durham Gilesgate station closes completely. It has been goods-only since 1857.

NOVEMBER 24

1906 An accident sees an express passenger train of engine, tender, and four vehicles overrunning a signal at Ulleskelf station, Yorkshire and hitting the rear of a York to Gascoigne Wood goods train consisting of an engine, tender, 60 wagons and a brake van.

The passenger train is moving at 40 mph (64.4 km/h) and the shock is severe. The brake van and four wagons of the coal train are completely destroyed, whilst three others are seriously damaged. The driver and fireman of the passenger train are bath killed, whilst the guard and seven passengers are slightly injured.

NOVEMBER 18

1883 Railways in the United States and Canada adopt four standard time zones in a standardised system of keeping time that uses hour-wide time zones on what became known as “The Day of Two Noons,” when railroads and many cities adopt Standard Railway Time; the basis for North American time zones today.

NOVEMBER 25

1935 The 01:45 Up freight train from Toton to Bedford is running between Oakham Level Crossing and Egleton signal boxes.

It collides with 36 stationary wagons and a brake van, the rear portion of the 01:20 up freight train from Derby to Peterborough which had become divided as a result of the failure of a three-link coupling. There were no personnel injuries, the guard of the first train having left his van to carry out the necessary protection, which has slowed the speed of the second train to 15 mph (24.1 km/h) at the moment of impact.

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