The Eurotunnel Class 0001 Bo-Bo diesel-electric locomotives were built by Maschinenbau Kiel (manufacturers designation DE 1004) between 1991 and 1992.[2] They are very similar to the NS Class 6400. When operating in the United Kingdom, the locomotives are assigned a TOPS classification as Class 21.[5]

Eurotunnel Class 0001
Railion unit.
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderMaK, Kiel, Germany[1]
ModelDE1004[1]
Build date1991–1992[1]
Total produced5[2] (+5 ex-NS 6400 acquired November 2010/September 2016)[3][4]
Specifications
Configuration:
 • UICBo′Bo′[1]
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge
Wheel diameter1,000 mm (39.37 in)
Length14.4 m (47 ft 2+78 in)
Loco weight90 tonnes (89 long tons; 99 short tons)
Prime moverMTU 12V 396TC13
TransmissionDiesel electric / three phase electrical by ABB
Performance figures
Maximum speed100 km/h (62 mph)
Power output950 kW (1,270 hp)
Career
OperatorsGetlink
Numbers0001–0005
0006–0010 (ex-NS 6400)[4]
21901-21910 (TOPS Numbers)
Sources:[2] except where noted
Details refer to original 5 locomotives acquired, for more information on the five units added in 2010 & 2016 see NS Class 6400

History and design

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Five locomotives were built, numbered 0001–0005. They carry a yellow and grey livery and are used by Getlink for rescuing trains in the Channel Tunnel, and for propelling service trains in the channel tunnel. They are cleared to travel to Calais, Ashford, or St. Pancras; since 2007 they have been authorised to rescue trains on High Speed 1 in the event of a power failure.[6] They have also been used to haul the SNCF TGV Iris 320 test train through the Channel Tunnel.[7]

In 2007 the locomotives were fitted with diesel particulate filters for the exhaust gases,[8] which replaced the exhaust scrubber wagons that were previously coupled to the engines.[9]

Following a series of tunnel breakdowns due to snow during winter 2009/10, during which the locomotives were extensively used,[10] in November 2010 Eurotunnel announced it was to acquire two more Krupp rescue locomotives[note 1] with co-financing from Eurostar, at a cost of €1.3 million.[3][note 2] The locomotives acquired were similar NS 6400 locomotives bought second hand from DB Schenker Nederland,[11] which were renumbered as 0006-0007.[4] Eurotunnel acquired a further three in September 2016. One of these three will be retained as a shunter to work at the goods yard at Calais-Fréthun, and has received the silver and blue Europorte livery, while the other two have the grey and yellow Eurotunnel livery identical to the remainder of the fleet.

Class Operator No. Built (Year) Number Range Notes
0001 Eurotunnel 1991–1992 0001–0005
0006–0010 Purchased from DB Schenker Nederland
List of locomotives
Current Number Previous Number Current Livery Status Notes
Eurotunnel TOPS
0001 21901 Eurotunnel Yellow/Grey Operational
0002 21902 Eurotunnel Yellow/Grey Operational
0003 21903 Eurotunnel Yellow/Grey Operational
0004 21904 Eurotunnel Yellow/Grey Operational
0005 21905 Eurotunnel Yellow/Grey Operational
0006 21906 NS6456 Eurotunnel Yellow/Grey Operational
0007 21907 NS6457 Eurotunnel Yellow/Grey Operational
0008 21908 NS6450 Eurotunnel Yellow/Grey Operational
0009 21909 NS6451 Eurotunnel Yellow/Grey Operational
0010 21910 NS6447 Europorte Silver/Blue Operational Shunter at Calais-Frethun

Notes

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  1. ^ The MaK plant where the locomotives were built was part of the Krupp group in the 1990s
  2. ^ See 16–21 December European snowfall

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "loks-aus-kiel.de - MaK - DE 1004". www.loks-aus-kiel.de.
  2. ^ a b c "MaK - DE 1004", www.loks-aus-kiel.de (in German)
  3. ^ a b Sources:
  4. ^ a b c Sources:
  5. ^ "Eurotunnel locos on TOPS". EBSCO. Railways Illustrated. April 2010. Retrieved 8 February 2017.[dead link]
  6. ^ Jeff Baker (28 April 2009), "Exhaust Emission Control" (PDF), www.uic.org, Eurotunnel, The Krupp Locomotive, p.3[permanent dead link]
  7. ^ "Maintenance" (PDF). Inspecting the infrastructure at 100 km/h. Annual Report (Report). Eurotunnel Group. 2010. p. 24. Retrieved 7 June 2011. IRIS 320 measuring train … since December 2010, … inspecting the Channel Tunnel, pulled by a Eurotunnel diesel locomotive at 100 km/h … every two months
  8. ^ "MaK - DE 1004", www.loks-aus-kiel.de (in German), see individual locomotive history sections
  9. ^ A breath of fresh air for Eurotunnel maintenance crews Roberto Chellini, Diesel & Gas Turbine worldwide, July–August 2007, www.hug-eng.ch
  10. ^ "Eurostar Independent Review" (PDF), www.railwaysarchive,co.uk, 12 February 2010
  11. ^ "Eurotunnel buys more rescue locomotives". Railway Gazette International. 3 November 2010. Archived from the original on 15 June 2011. Retrieved 6 January 2011.
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