Clayton Equipment's CBD90s gain RSL classification

Staffordshire-based locomotive manufacturer, Clayton Equipment Ltd has gained a classification for its forthcoming CBD90 locomotives with the Rolling Stock Library (RSL).

To be known as Class 18, the manufacturer's batch of 15 90T hybrid battery/diesel-electric locomotives, the first of which is expected to run on rails as of this August via leasing company, Beacon Rail, will herald a new era for the manufacturer, and continue the story of its standard gauge Clayton Type 1 (Class 17) Bo-Bo diesel-electrics manufactured by the company between 1961 and 1965.

The Clayton Equipment CBD90 locomotive is a 90T Hybrid+™ Bo-Bo locomotive, the largest locomotive built in the UK in over 20 years. Locomotives carry two battery modules, with onboard battery charging provided by an EU Stage V diesel engine.

The manufacturer claims costs and emissions are significantly reduced by the hybrid technology, with battery charging undertaken from a three-phase supply, providing an emission-free solution, or from the low-emission, diesel engine.

Clive Hannaford, Managing Director at Clayton Equipment, said, “This unique agreement is a significant milestone in the company’s history and provides a major growth opportunity for Clayton Equipment. Beacon has extensive rail asset expertise which will help ensure the two companies maximise the potential to supply our customer base with sustainable, low emission, environmentally compliant equipment”.

Adam Cunliffe, CEO of Beacon, added, “Beacon is focused on supporting its customers in the UK and Europe with flexible rail leasing solutions. In the fast-changing environment we engage with, the increased demand for lower emissions, new technology, more capacity and cost-effective assets, Beacon is pleased to be able to form this new partnership with Clayton Equipment which will serve to meet this demand. We are pleased to align ourselves with Clayton Equipment and its battery-powered equipment which will not only provide for environmental benefits but will allow for our customers to realise costs savings over time in terms of fuel consumption.”

Clayton Equipment Limited has been a UK-based locomotive manufacturer specialising in bespoke locomotives for over 89 years. Known for specialising in narrow-gauge locomotives for UK and export, between 1989 and 2005, it fell under the Rolls-Royce group of companies, though became independent again from 2005. Today, the manufacturer is turning toward more environmentally-friendly forms of traction, of all sizes, using the latest technology to meet emissions standards.