Positive Traction US (PTUS) LLC’s British affiliate, Positive Traction Ltd., has converted a former British Rail Class 08 switcher from diesel-electric to 100% battery-electric propulsion, with another currently undergoing conversion.
All work was accomplished at PTUK’s shop in Chesterfield. Initial testing was done nearby at Barrow Hill, home of the last surviving roundhouse in the U.K. with an operational turntable. Following this trial period, the unit was moved to Whatley Quarry, owned and operated by Heidelberg Materials, for field trials.
PTUK removed the diesel prime-mover and main generator (traction alternator), replacing the assembly with modular PT Powerpods, lithium-ferro phosphate battery pods. The pods can be configured for a customer’s specific duty cycles but are also easily replaceable by forklift should the site workload require it. PTUK added 14 tons of steel plate ballast to match the original Class 08 weight on rail. The traction motor arrangement, with only the outer axles powered, remains the same. All three axles are joined by connecting rods, which have been overhauled, the bearings replaced with self-lubricating Vesconite units to avoid workshop oil leakage.
“Alongside the major change to the power source, PTUK took the opportunity to improve overall safety and operational functionality,” the company said. “The hood height has been reduced for 360-degree visibility and allows space for walkways and handrails. The cab is more comfortable, with HVAC and numerous on-board features added such as automatic tail/marker lights depending on direction of movement, and cameras for security and safe, accurate operation.”
Whatley Quarry, PTUK said, “is notorious for being demanding on its switchers. The 08e replaced the conventional 08 switcher, easily handling 10 car cuts of stone on 1% grades. Despite the power source change, user controls are barely altered, making engineer retraining minimal. All involved agreed that the 08e outperformed its diesel counterpart. Since then, the 08e has been at multiple other sites for customer trials.
08308 (the original 08e prototype) has been sold to Heidelberg Materials UK and another donor is currently being converted and will be ready for use in summer 2025.
PTUS said it expects to begin production of a BE switcher in the U.S. by early 2026. The locomotive “will employ the features and advantages of its U.K. counterparts but will be built and tested to North American standards.”
