Revolution Very Light Railway, by Darren Smith, 1st March 2022
1st March 2022 Meeting
We welcomed Darren Smith from TDI [Transport Design International] to talk about The Revolution Very Light Railway, a train for the quieter branch lines.
Its launch date was September 2021 and at the moment runs at the old Ironbridge Power Station site.
Revolution VLR has been conceived to provide a modern, attractive and cost-effective vehicle solution that will allow enhanced services on poorly-served branch lines, facilitate the re-opening of disused railway lines, and also encourage rail network extensions that will enhance connectivity, particularly in the context of new residential/business developments.
It has been designed primarily for short routes where operating traditional heavy rail or tram solutions is uneconomic. Combining technology from the automotive and rail sectors has produced a lightweight, energy-efficient vehicle that is straightforward to operate and geared to the needs of communities.
The project combines extensive rail industry expertise with a range of additional, leading edge innovations from other relevant industries. Revolution VLR utilises both automotive sector lightweight composite structure and hybrid power-train technologies combined with railway-proven systems that will ensure robustness and reliability in the operating environment.
The Revolution Very Light Rail demonstrator vehicle stands at the temporary platform on the site of the old Ironbridge Power Station, where testing is taking place. It is a diesel-electric hybrid train, capable of running at 65mph accommodating up to 120 passengers (56 seated). Image Credit: Rob Davidson
This strategy is focused on providing rail scheme sponsors with a high-quality, affordable and sustainable solution that will facilitate achievement of Government commitments to decarbonisation and assist the business cases for line extensions and re-openings.
It is aimed for 65mph and has 2 x 2.8 litre turbocharge Cummins common rail diesel engines compliant with European Standards.
After his presentation there was an incredible 80 minutes of Q&A with 50 Zoomers present.
Rob Davidson, Watford Branch Secretary