Bure Valley Railway, in Aylsham and Wroxham of Norfolk, has become one of the first major heritage railways in the country to invest in a zero-emission electric locomotive for passenger use.
Clayton Equipment are to design, build and supply Bure Valley Railway with a new CB12 battery Co-Co locomotive to complement their current fleet of five steam and three diesel locomotives.
Bure Valley Railway is Norfolk’s longest narrow-gauge steam and diesel railway built on the trackbed of part of the former Great Eastern Railway, regularly attracting over 120,000 visitors per year.
As pioneers for sustainability within the locomotive industry, Bure Valley Railway is also spearheading a national development group into bio-coal, alongside the nation’s biggest names. Over the last two decades, the railway has managed to save 79 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year via its steam locomotives through technical innovations and enhancements.
The Clayton CB12 locomotive compliments this drive by the railway to reduce CO2 emissions by addressing the challenges presented by the ageing diesel locomotives whilst at the same time reducing both operating and maintenance costs.
The locomotive will be net carbon zero and a first for Bure Valley Railway.
An added benefit is improved haulage capacity being able to easily cope with the heaviest of trains the railway operates over its 9-mile route with many steep gradients. The CB12 locomotive will also meet the latest technological standards, driver comfort, accessibility and working conditions, yet being in keeping with a traditional railway.
Andrew Barnes, Managing Director at Bure Valley Railway, placed the order as a result of attending an open day tour of Clayton’s facilities saying “We were impressed with the engagement and forward-thinking of Clayton Equipment team in meeting our requirements in providing a passenger locomotive with zero-emissions and we are proud to be working with a UK manufacturer”.
Clive Hannaford, Clayton Equipment Managing Director said, “We are delighted to be part of Bure Valley Railway upgrading and sustainability programme, the CB12 will offer long-term cost-effective benefits, meet operational requirements, improve air quality with sustainable, zero-emission, environmentally-compliant equipment which is in line with meeting the commitment to cleaner, greener railway transport for all”.
About Clayton Equipment Ltd:
Clayton Equipment Ltd has an enviable reputation for its ability to both design and build modern traction of all sizes, incorporating modern technology and meeting the latest emission standards with a long pedigree in the railway industry dating back to its formation. Clayton Equipment is well positioned to take full advantage of the growing demand for new environmentally friendly traction.
About Bure Valley Railway Ltd:
The Bure Valley Railway operates over the 9 mile long route from the market town of Aylsham to Wroxham at the heart of the Norfolk Broads. Carrying over 120,000 visitors a year the railway has established itself as one of the leading attractions in Norfolk and one of the top heritage railways in the country. The railway has applied the latest computer aided technology to reduce the coal and water consumption by its steam locomotives delivering annual savings of 79 tonnes of CO2. This is being further progressed where the railway has taken a leading national role in the development of biocoal to further reduce emissions. In parallel to this attention turned to addressing the emissions from its diesel fleet and the provision of a zero emissions electric locomotive forms a key element of this aim. The railway operates a traditional heritage railway bus is able to embrace the latest technology to take its environmental responsibilities seriously.