20.034.01

Porterbrook Leasing Company Limited ("Porterbrook"), a subsidiary of Abbey National Treasury Services plc, and a primary supplier of leased passenger trains to the UK train operators, has announced the launch of its first Class 57 locomotive with ETS (Electric Train Supply).

The Class 57 has been designed by Brush Traction in Loughborough, by taking an existing Porterbrook Class 47 locomotive, number 47825, and using the bodyshell and bogies as the basis of the new design. The core work in the conversion includes an engine re-power using a well-proven General Motors 645 power unit. This two-stroke diesel engine is a variation on the engines fitted to the highly successful Class 59 locomotives; the engine fitted in the Class 66 locomotives is also derived from the 645 design. The previous main traction generator has been replaced with an alternator which is similar to that used on the Class 56 locomotives. A new rectifier bank is fitted (this is located in the space previously occupied by a steam heating boiler), and this rectifier assembly is derived from the unit used on the 100 Brush Class 60 locomotives.

The donor locomotive bodyshell and bogies, with their associated wheelsets, traction motors etc. have been fully overhauled in line with current best practice.

The ETS system has been enhanced to meet the demands of modern passenger vehicles. The locomotive has had all current safety equipment fitted, including Train Protection and Warning System and OTMR (Data Recorders).
The locomotive cab has been upgraded to provide a significantly enhanced environment for drivers, and new headlight clusters provided to increase visibility for on-track staff.

The resulting locomotive combines proven technology from the donor locomotive, married with new components; the result is a locomotive which offers the advantages of a new locomotive whilst avoiding the significant risks which can be associated with unproven technology.

57601 will be initially trialled for a period with First Great Western, which will then have the opportunity to retain it long term, for operation on its sleeper services.

Porterbrook believes that the ETS Class 57 locomotive offers a highly cost-effective solution to those passenger train operators which require locomotives to either haul regular timetabled trains, or to offer a "Thunderbird" rescue provision to maintain the integrity of public service in the event of failure of other vehicles. It will also be of interest to Freight operators which recognise that the provision of the ETS facility in no way degrades the locomotive’s ability to haul freight trains, but may allow the locomotive to be provided to passenger operators on a spot-hire basis.

With a route clearance derived from the Class 47, an RA of 6 and a 95mph top speed, the locomotive has access to virtually the entire Railtrack network; six powered axles, combined with a state of the art wheelslip control system ensure that the locomotive’s performance in low adhesion situations is excellent.

Keith Howard, Porterbrook’s Commercial Director said

"This is a great opportunity for Porterbrook to convert existing locomotives and extend their serviceable life. This once again emphasises that existing stock can be converted and modernised to today’s standards successfully and provide an economical option to new equipment."

Note to Editors
Porterbrook Leasing Company Limited ("Porterbrook") is a leading player in the UK rail leasing market. Porterbrook has a rolling stock fleet of about 3,885 vehicles on lease periods up to 2011, which includes about 3,200 passenger vehicles. These are supplied under operating leases to 18 of the 25 operating companies (TOCs) within the UK. Porterbrook also provides on-going train and tram maintenance services, most of which are outsourced. Porterbrook has been highly successful in winning new train orders since privatisation, with £800 million in new business won since its acquisition by Stagecoach in 1996 – investing in over 600 new vehicles and in the refurbishment of much of its in fleet equipment. Porterbrook is a subsidiary of Abbey National Treasury Services plc (ANTS).

Brush Traction part of the FKI Group of companies, offer a wide range of sophisticated products for the rail traction market. The Brush name has been synonymous with quality engineering and the supply of railway equipment since 1865. The company has produced state-of-the-art locomotives and propulsion systems for passenger carrying vehicles worldwide for many years. In harmony with the above, Brush Traction is also highly experienced and equipped in refurbishment and re-engineering with expertise geared towards revitalising and improving older assets.

First Great Western operates High Speed Trains between London Paddington and South Wales, the Cotswolds and the West of England. It is part of FirstGroup plc, a leading UK-based international passenger transport group. First Great Western is committed to improving trains, products and services. Following a £50m investment in upgrading the existing fleet, a further £80m is being invested in a fleet of new high speed trains.