EUROLIGHT Dual at Velim
posted on 23rd Apr 2026 15:58
On 17 April 2026, the first of the dual-power locomotives ordered by Trenitalia arrived at the VUZ test centre. On 20 March 2023, Trenitalia concluded a framework contract for up to 50 locomotives in a combination of 3 kV DC + diesel, of which 13 were fix order. The contract includes ensuring complete maintenance of these locomotives for a period of 10 years by the manufacturer with the possibility of extension for up to another 5 + 5 years. The transport of locomotive 406 001 from the port of Antwerp (Zuidnatie Breakbulk terminal) was provided by Railadventure, as usually.
According to an information from Stadler, it should remain at the VUZ test centre until early July 2026. Traction and brake tests, quasi-static tests against derailment and other dynamic tests are planned. Tests on the Italian network were to start in the 4th quarter of this year and deployment in regular operation is planned for the 4th quarter of 2027. The locomotives are intended both for hauling push-pull trains and for serving as towing locomotives in the event of train breakdowns, including high-speed units. For this purpose, they should therefore be designed to be able to haul two coupled ETR 1000s up a gradient of 21 ‰ (as the most unfavorable scenario considered).
After the deliveries of two- or three-mode UK Dual Class 88 and 93 locomotives, Stadler is thus going on for the first time with a series of dual-power four-axle locomotives for the European continent, where it currently only offers six-axle EURODUAL and EURO9000 machines in this segment.
EUROLIGHT Dual has a Bo’Bo’ axle arrangement and a power of 3,000 kW in electric mode and 1,800 kW in diesel mode. The top speed will be 160 km/h, starting tractive force 300 kN and continuous 280 kN, maximum axle weight 20 t, fuel tank volume 2,000 l. The length over buffers of 20.5 m corresponds to the UK Dual locomotives, but the other main dimensions of the bodyshell - width of 2,912 mm and height of 4,222 mm above TOR - are already different and use the standard UIC profile.
In principle, these locomotives can be considered a design „kick-off" for the EURO DuFour type, presented at last year's transport logistic fair. After all, according to information at the time, the prototype should be completed at the Valencia plant this summer.
