Battery-powered Class 08e locomotive, No. 08308, has had a successful two weeks with Mendip Rail at Heidelberg Materials’ Whatley Quarry in Somerset.

Positive Traction built the prototype locomotive and the trials began with training for drivers and shunters and this was followed by calibration of the traction equipment.

A number of trials were carried out, including pushing and pulling more than 1000 tonnes from the bottom of the yard up through curves, crossovers and gradients, which are deemed to be one of the most punishing locations in the UK for internal rail movements.

08308 has now returned to its base ready for testing with other train operating companies.

“The ability to put the locomotive through its paces in one of the harshest aggregate sites has confirmed our expectations. The fact that it outperforms a standard 08 shunter whilst having the added benefits of all round visibility, modern heating and air conditioning, negation of working at height, modern quiet compressors, air drying equipment and improved lighting really shows that this design is well placed to support any industrial setting. These great results are a testament to Engineering Director Paul Riley and his team for their efforts from drawing board to real life application.”

Alistair Gregory, Director of Positive Traction