Voith Maxima

Summary

The Voith Maxima locomotives are a family of diesel-hydraulic locomotives built by Voith Turbo Lokomotivtechnik GmbH & Co. KG., a subsidiary of Voith.

Voith Maxima family
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel
Designerma design / Voith Turbo[1]
BuilderVoith Turbo
Legios[2]
Build date2006–2010[3]
Total produced13 (Maxima 40CC)
6 (Maxima 30CC)[3]
Specifications
Configuration:
 • UIC(C')(C')
Gauge1,435 mm
Length30CC and 40CC: 23.2 m (76 ft 1 in)
20BB: 16.5 to 19.5 m (54 ft 2 in to 64 ft 0 in)
Loco weight30CC and 40CC: 126–135 t (124–133 long tons; 139–149 short tons)
20BB: 72–90 t (71–89 long tons; 79–99 short tons)
Fuel typeDiesel
Fuel capacity40CC: up to 9,000 L (2,000 imp gal; 2,400 US gal)
30CC: up to 10,000 L (2,200 imp gal; 2,600 US gal)
20BB: 2,000–5,000 L (440–1,100 imp gal; 530–1,320 US gal)
Engine type40CC: ABC 16VDZC[3]
30CC: ABC 12VDZC[3]
Transmission30CC and 40CC: Voith LS 640 reU2 ("Turbosplit")[3]
20CC : ?
Loco brakeElectro-pneumatic[citation needed] and Hydro-dynamic
Safety systemsPZB, ATB, TBL and others[citation needed]
Performance figures
Maximum speed30CC and 40CC: 120 km/h (75 mph)
20BB: 140 km/h (87 mph)
Power output40CC: 3,600 kW (4,800 hp) @ 1,000 rpm
30CC: 2,750 kW (3,690 hp) @ 1,000 rpm
20BB: 1,500–3,000 kW (2,000–4,000 hp) @ 1,800 rpm
Tractive effort30CC and 40CC: 408 kN (92,000 lbf) @ μ = 0.33
20BB: 233–290 kN (52,000–65,000 lbf) @ μ = 0.33
Career
LocaleGermany, Poland, Benelux and others[citation needed]
DispositionIn service
Sources :[4] except where other given
V500.06 of SGL climbing the Schiefe Ebene

Initially, two versions of a 6-axle C'C' machine were offered with medium speed engines from the Anglo-Belgian Corporation: the Maxima 30CC and Maxima 40CC (the most powerful single-engined diesel-hydraulic locomotive in the world, rated at 3,600 kW (4,800 hp)).[5] In 2008 a third model, the four-axle Maxima 20 BB, was added to the range. In January 2010, Czech company Lostr (after September 2010 renamed Legios) signed an agreement to manufacture under license the Voith Maxima locomotives. The Czech built locomotives were marketed as Legios General.[2]

History edit

Background edit

Voith had supplied components to the railway industry since the 1930s - in particular its hydraulic transmissions.[6]

Merger of the Deutsche Reichsbahn and Deutsche Bundesbahn in the 1994 resulted in the German state railways acquiring many high-powered diesel locomotives of the DR Class 130 family, which reduced any opportunities for sale of a high power transmission to the Deutsche Bahn in the medium term.[6]

However, in 2004 Nord-Ostsee-Bahn acquired a contract to operate the Marschbahn from December 2005,[7][8] and contracted Vossloh to build new locomotives ("R3000 CC") to operate it; the locomotive's design specifications were a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph) and power of over 3 MW.[8][9] Initially the service was to be operated by the MaK DE 2700 type, before the new 'R3000' locomotives were built.[10] The LS 640 reU2 transmission (input power 4.2 MW.[11]) was a result of development work by Voith for the "R3000" locomotive's transmission.[12] The 'Turbo Split' LS 640 transmission was first exhibited at Innotrans in 2004 - a key feature of the new transmission was the ability to separately control two outputs from the input - enabling wheelslip control per bogie.[12]

In 2005, Vossloh acquired Alstom's Meinfesa plant (Valencia, Spain), and with it a license to manufacturer GM-EMD based diesel electric locomotives - as a result Vossloh abandoned the 'R3000' development, instead offering the Vossloh Euro and Vossloh G2000 designs for mainline work.[12][13][14] The Euro 4000 was offered to the Marschbahn instead of the 'R3000'.[15]

Because it lost an outlet for its new transmission, Voith began development of a new high-powered mainline locomotive - the Voith Maxima.[13][15]

Maxima and Gravita development edit

Voith then developed in house new high-powered diesel locomotive series along with single cab shunting and trip freight locomotives, the Voith Gravita series. With a development period of just 500 days, the first locomotive was ready in 2006 and presented at the InnoTrans 2006 fair.[16] The locomotive design won a red dot design award in 2007.[1] A new factory in Kiel was established in 2006 by Voith to manufacture the new locomotives.[6][17][18]

At Innotrans in 2008, Voith added a third potential model to its Maxima range, the 4 axle Maxima 20BB.[19] The type was expected to be a competitor for a 200 locomotive order from Deutsche Bahn for diesel locomotives for passenger and freight services to replace the "DB V 160 family" of locomotives;[20][21][note 1] in 2011 the Deutsche Bahn AG order was won by Bombardier Transportation with a new multi-engine type of its TRAXX platform.[22][23]

Career and orders edit

After the exhibition of the demonstrator locomotive at the InnoTrans 2006 fair, it was tested on several German main lines to receive German certification. It was also tested on the Velim test ring and also went to Norway and Sweden for thermal testing. Final German certification was granted on 23 December 2008 by the German rail authority EBA.[24][25]

A second demonstrator locomotive was built and equipped with Dutch and Belgian safety systems for obtaining Dutch and Belgian certification. It was tested in the first and second quarter of 2008 in the Netherlands, and in Belgium in the fourth quarter. After Dutch and Belgian certification, the locomotive will be passed on to HGK for testing.[citation needed]

A third and last demonstrator locomotive is being built and will be used to obtain certification in Poland, Sweden and Norway.[citation needed]

As of 2008, 32 locomotives have been ordered, with options for a further 29:

  • Ox-traction, a Dutch leasing company in which Voith held a 44% stake, was to order 15 Maxima 40CC and 15 Maxima 30CC locomotives, with a potential option of a further 23 Maxima locomotives.[26][27] Its first Maxima 40CC locomotive was delivered in April 2009 and was immediately leased to LOCON.[28][29]
    In August 2010 Ox-traction ended its business activities. Locomotives previously leased and marketed over Ox-traction are now leased directly from Voith.[30]
  • HVLE ordered 2 Maxima 40CC locomotives. The first was delivered in April 2009, the second in April 2010.[31][32] HVLE took an option on a further 6 locomotives.[33]

Technology edit

The locomotive's body consists entirely of steel. Both cabins have two seats (one for the train driver and one for a relief driver or supervisor) and have a standardised and ergonomical control desk. The cabins also have air conditioning and are equipped with all modern needs of today's operating conditions.[34]

Powered by either an 16VDZC or 12VDZC engine by Belgian engine manufacturer Anglo-Belgian Corporation, rated at respectively 3,600 kW or 2,750 kW, the locomotive can reach a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) (160 km/h optionally) and has a maximal tractive effort of 519 kN (117,000 lbf). The normal tractive effort is 408 kN. The LS 640 reU2 "Turbosplit" transmission allows for a separated traction and wheelslip control of each bogie. This is the first locomotive series equipped with this new technology. Brake equipment consists of electro-pneumatic and engine compression brakes. The smallest drivable curve radius is 80 m (260 ft). The locomotive can take up to 9,000 or 10,000 L (2,000 or 2,200 imp gal; 2,400 or 2,600 US gal) of fuel, depending on the configuration.[35]

The locomotives are assembled at a new plant next to the Nord-Ostsee-Kanal in Kiel. Large maintenance and overhauls will be carried out in a new central workshop in Cologne, to be operated jointly by Voith Turbo and HGK.[36]

Variants edit

Voith initially offered two variants of this locomotive: the most powerful version is the Maxima 40CC with 3,600 kW (4,800 hp) power, intended for freight operators with heavy trains of up to 3,000 metric tons (3,000 long tons; 3,300 short tons). A less powerful version is the Maxima 30CC with 2,750 kW (3,690 hp) power, primarily intended for freight operators with trains of up to 2,500 t (2,500 long tons; 2,800 short tons) or passenger operators.[5] A third version the Maxima 20BB was added to the range in 2007.

Models edit

Voith signed an exclusive contract with Saxon model building company Sächsische Waggonfabrik Stollberg to build a H0-model of both Maxima variants. All parts of the locomotive will be engineered and made in Germany.[37]

See also edit

Notes edit

  1. ^ The specifications of the order included: a locomotive capable of hauling a 6 car double decker train at 140 km/h with surplus force of 30kN, a train power supply rated at 300kW, and tractive effort of at least 236kN[21]

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Voith Locomotive Maxima Receives Prestigious Design Award" (Press release). Voith Turbo. 10 April 2007.
  2. ^ a b "Germans gave preference to the Czech LOSTR". legios.eu. 12 January 2010. Archived from the original on 13 February 2013. Retrieved 21 September 2011.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Voith Maxima". loks-aus-kiel.de (in German). Retrieved 16 March 2016.
  4. ^ "The Maxima Locomotive family". voithturbo.com. Voith Turbo. Retrieved 1 July 2011.
  5. ^ a b "Voith Maxima product folder". Voith Turbo Lokomotivtechnik. August 2010. Retrieved 18 January 2011.
  6. ^ a b c "Südlich des Nord-Ostsee-Kanals - Kiel-Wik". loks-aus-kiel.de (in German).
  7. ^ "Connex wins Germany's biggest ever rail tender to be awarded to a private operator", finance.veolia.com, 12 January 2004
  8. ^ a b "Marschbahn Hamburg–Westerland geht an NOB", eisenbahn-webkatalogd.de (in German), 6 December 2003, archived from the original on 14 November 2011, retrieved 18 March 2012
  9. ^ "Wettbewerb: Frischer Wind an der Küste : Nord-Ostsee-Bahn gewinnt Ausschreibung" (PDF), DerFahrgast (in German), 3 (5): 34, 2003
  10. ^ "Vossloh: Auftrag über R 3000 erhalten" (PDF), Matschbahn-Courier (in German) (1), Freunde der Marschbahn Glückstadt / BSW e.V.: 9, May 2004, archived from the original (PDF) on 16 October 2013, retrieved 18 March 2012
  11. ^ "The world's most powerful locomotive transmission - The LS 640 reU2", voithturbo.com, Voith, retrieved 18 March 2012
  12. ^ a b c "Voith Turbo wagt den Einstieg : Bau von dieselhydraulischen Großloks" (PDF), Innotrans 2006 Report (in German) (1), Messe Berlin: 7, April 2005, archived from the original (PDF) on 12 October 2007, retrieved 12 October 2007, English version[permanent dead link]
  13. ^ a b "Nye diesellokomotiver" (PDF), Lokomotivmands Tidende (in Norwegian) (10), NORSK LOKOMOTIVMANDSFORBUND, "Vossloh", pp. 10–11; "Voith", pp. 14–15, 2005, archived from the original (PDF) on 30 October 2013, retrieved 18 March 2012
  14. ^ "DE 2700-09 bei der Nord-Ostsee-Bahn (NOB) im Einsatz", regionalverkehr.de, 10 February 2005
  15. ^ a b Sources:
    • "Выход Voith Turbo на рынок подвижного состава", Железные дороги мира (in Russian) (9), 2005, archived from the original on 24 September 2006, retrieved 18 March 2012
    • J. Perniska (2005), "Voith Maxima 40 C'C'", Railvolution (3): 63
  16. ^ "Baptism of worldwide innovation - The Voith Maxima 40 CC is the world's most powerful diesel-hydraulic locomotive". voith.de (Press release). Voith Turbo. 20 September 2006.
  17. ^ "Diesel Heavy Haul across Europe". eurotrib.com. 5 July 2009.
  18. ^ "Voith Turbo Lokomotivtechnik in Kiel". voith.com (Press release). Voith Turbo. 30 May 2006.
  19. ^ "Maxima 20BB – die kleine Große". eurailpress.de (in German). 23 September 2008.[permanent dead link]
  20. ^ "DB Cargo schreibt 200 Streckendiesellokomotiven aus". eurailpress.de (in German). 18 November 2002. Archived from the original on 30 July 2012.
  21. ^ a b "DB AG: Beschaffung von 200 Strecken-Diesellokomotiven". eurailpress.de (in German). 29 December 2009.[permanent dead link]
  22. ^ "Bombardier Transportation Signs Frame Contract with DB Regio AG for 200 Innovative TRAXX Diesel Multi-Engine Locomotives" (Press release). Bombardier Transportation. 18 April 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
  23. ^ "Deutsche Bahn vergibt Millionenauftrag für neue Dieselstreckenlokomotiven" (Press release). Deutsche Bahn. 18 April 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
  24. ^ "The Maxima tests at Velim: how to achieve optimal reliability, safety, comfort and environment friendliness". ox-traction.com (Press release). Ox traction. 2008. Archived from the original on 16 June 2008. Retrieved 1 September 2008.
  25. ^ "Voith Maxima hat EBA-Zulassung bekommen". eurailpress.de (in German). 30 December 2008. Archived from the original on 26 July 2011. Retrieved 2 January 2009.
  26. ^ "Ownership of Ox-traction". x-rail.net. July 2008. Archived from the original on 22 March 2012. Retrieved 2 April 2011.
  27. ^ "Voith: Maxima und Gravita verkauft - Testfahrten vor Abschluss". eurailpress (in German). 15 November 2007. Archived from the original on 26 July 2011. Retrieved 1 September 2008.
  28. ^ "Fahrzeugportrait Voith 40005". loks-aus-kiel.de (in German). Retrieved 1 July 2011.
  29. ^ "Erste Maxima für Ox-traction". eurailpress (in German). 6 May 2009. Archived from the original on 14 November 2009. Retrieved 4 June 2009.
  30. ^ Ox-traction (August 2010). "Ox-traction N.V. are ending their business activities". Archived from the original on 7 September 2011. Retrieved 19 August 2011.
  31. ^ "Fahrzeugportrait Voith L06-40004". loks-aus-kiel.de (in German). Retrieved 21 August 2011.
  32. ^ "Fahrzeugportrait Voith L06-40040". loks-aus-kiel.de (in German). Retrieved 21 August 2011.
  33. ^ "Private Railway Relies on Powerful Voith Diesel Hydraulic Locomotives". voith.de (Press release). Voith Turbo. 14 December 2007.
  34. ^ Eisenbahn Kurier. EK-Verlag, Freiburg: 34. February 2007. ISSN 0170-5288. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  35. ^ Eisenbahn Kurier. EK-Verlag, Freiburg: 36. February 2007. ISSN 0170-5288. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  36. ^ "Central Workshop for Voith Locomotives in Europe". voith.com (Press release). Voith Turbo. 26 September 2007.
  37. ^ "Voith Maxima: Das Modell - Saechsische Waggonfabrik Stollberg". waggonfabrik.eu (in German). Sächsische Waggonfabrik Stollberg. Retrieved 1 July 2011.

External links edit

  • "Diesel-hydraulic Locomotive LEGIOS GENERAL" (PDF). legios.eu. Legios a.s. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  • "European diesel rivals revive electric versus hydraulic contest", railwaygazette.com, 1 July 2006
  • Keith Barrow (September 2006), "Voith Maxima set for InnoTrans debut: the unveiling of Voith's first ever complete locomotive at InnoTrans this month looks set to re-ignite the long-running debate over the relative merits of hydraulic and electric transmission", International Railway Journal