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Class 19[1] is the name given to an experimentalrailway locomotive that was constructed using aMark 3DVT. The locomotive is part of a project funded by theRail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) to test the viability of combininghydrostatic transmission with a form ofregenerative braking that can reduce engine emissions.[2]
Hydrostatic transmissions have been used previously for rail vehicles, but only for slow-speed track maintenance vehicles and similar, not for mainline locomotives.Diesel-hydraulic locomotives instead use a hydrodynamic, i.e.torque converter, transmission.
In 2017, the RSSB announced that it planned to fund the development of an experimental rail vehicle in conjunction withArtemis Intelligent Power, a developmental company specialising inhydraulic machines.[3] The intention of the project was to develop a rail vehicle that could store braking energy, which could then be released during acceleration. It would be powered bydiesel engines as theprime mover, drivinghydraulic pumps and thenhydraulic motors mounted on the axles. These motors could also act as pumps, storing braking energy inhydraulic accumulators.[1] This type of system is being offered as a potential solution for use in areas that are not economical to electrify.[4]
The RSSB and Artemis entered into a collaboration withChiltern Railways to obtain a suitable vehicle, with one of Chiltern's DVTs chosen as the donor vehicle.[5] The vehicle, 82113, was moved for conversion to theBo'ness and Kinneil Railway in July 2017, where work began. This involved the installation of the JCB diesel engines, the Artemis E-dyn 96 Digital Displacement Hydraulic Pump and the axle mounted motors. The vehicle was also fitted with a secondcab by the removal of the guard's compartment, allowing it to be driven from either end.[1] The vehicle was started for the first time on 20 July 2018. Commissioning trials began on 1 August 2018 jointly between Artemis and theSRPS Diesel Group.