The Rescue
Shunter 08308 dates back to the 1950s and was last in service for Calendonian Sleeper at Inverness. It has since been dormant in Wolsingham, in need of new pistons and crankshaft. Despite its sorry appearance, the Positive Traction team recognised its potential and it became the prime candidate for re-engineering it and converting into battery power.
The Transportation
Some of the obsolete parts, such as the diesel engine, were stripped from the locomotive prior to transporting it out of Wolsingham. For moving it to Positive Traction HQ in Chesterfield, the number was covered as the project needed to be kept under wraps until significant progress had been made. The covering up of the number did not go unnoticed on social media!
Further Equipment Removal - Fuel & Air Tanks
Although a lot of equipment had been removed at Wolsingham, 08308 was stripped down even further once it had arrived at Positive Traction’s engineering workshops in Chesterfield. This included draining and removing the fuel tank, removing all the air receivers (to be sent for inspection and overhaul), window glass and all redundant electrical wiring.
Vehicle Preparation - Needle Guns & Corrosion Repairs
Prior to any new equipment being installed the 08-e required a fair amount of preparation work. What was left of the body was then thoroughly needle-gunned and all signs of corrosion were remedied, before a fresh coat of primer was applied.
Ready for Rebuild
Once 08308 was back to its bare essentials, Positive Traction were ready to build it back up again, into a innovative version of itself, the 08e. The first thing considered were layers of interlocking metal plates to replace to the lost weight from the removal of the obsolete components. This means that layers (and therefore overall mass) can be adjusted, depending on application required.
New Equipment
Re-engineering the 08 needed to be supported by a lot of new equipment to enable the battery power functionality. A new dryer compressor was required for the conversion and along with a new set of BMAC lights, 08308 was brought firmly into the 21st century.
Overhauled Equipment
Certain parts of the vehicle required overhaul. The old rod bearings were replaced with self-lubricating composite versions. This is a great example of removing the prior issues of old diesel 08s which are known to drip oil from their rod bearings. The air receivers have been tested and updated as required. The rear axle bearing has also been rejuvenated.
Introducing The Magic - PT Powerpod™ & PT Powertrain™
At the heart of the new battery-based prime mover are the PT Powerpod™ and PT Powertrain™. The former contains battery cells, battery management system and battery charger. The 08e can have up to 6 PT Powerpods™. Each PT Powerpod™ delivers 88kWh.
PT Powertrain™ acts as the control centre; managing traction control, battery status, monitoring, driver interface, diagnostics & data control – making it essential for this conversion. It is the ‘brains’ of the system.
Putting it All Together - The New 08-e Emerging
Once PT Powerpod™ and PT Powertrain™ were integrated, a redesigned body shape was custom built to accommodate them. This is when the 08e really started to take shape.
Wheels Turning – The Moment of Truth
Lower Bonnet & Improved Visibility
One of the major changes to the 08 Shunter is the new bonnet that contains the battery pods, the control system, auxiliary converter, air dryer and air compressor. It is considerably lower than the original and this new design (along with updated cab windows) significantly enhances visibility from the locomotive’s cab and improves safety for the driver and anyone else nearby. The redesign of the structure was a great opportunity to consider all aspects of improving interaction quality.
08e Gets Its Gladrags
With the equipment installed and the updated body design in place, the 08e was then painted and dressed in its very own bespoke livery including a new logo and Vehicle ID. New windows were installed to complete the transformation.
Testing & Trials
Looking resplendent in its prototype livery, the 08e begun its trials & testing phase at Barrow Hill Roundhouse. The 08e is due to be launched to industry professionals before being delivered to its first customer for their own testing, trials and ultimately, their acceptance.
Positive Traction are very excited for the future of the 08e and all the opportunities that battery powered trains have to offer.
