Almost a Cargosprinter

[icn]

The latest European attempt at a cargo-multiple-unit is a bit different: it's arguably not an actual multiple unit (even if it reuses Flirt/GTW electronics), instead there are two very short locos that you'd be forgiven for thinking are just shunters sandwiching some wagons you'd be forgiven for thinking are just normal wagons:

https://blog.sbbcargo.com/42416/sbb-cargo-und-schweizerische-post-testen-innovativen-pendelzug/

 

The more interesting parts are: it's hybrid, it's using the new automatic coupling internally (although judging by the photos they don't have the electrics installed on the coupler yet and are relying on permanently attached cables for now, and it's not clear whether the locos are fitted at all), and seems to be fitted with automatic brake tests and the like. I suspect they'd be using it to validate some of the work around the "digital automatic coupling" that's going on, although I wonder how much testing they'd really be doing if it's staying in the same formation all the time.

 

Although it's not a true EMU, it's arguably more flexible, perhaps cheaper since it reused existing locos, and doesn't appear to be much worse than the Japanese M250 (120km/h vs 130km/h, similar power output despite shorter length).

[Gordonwis]

IMHO this is not an attempt at a 'Cargosprinter' concept. This is not a cargo multiple unit. Nor is it hybrid. It is just a shuttle concept using two class 923 locos top and tail of normal post container wagons. Its just a way of avoiding shunting. SBB is converting to automatic couplings on other locos and rolling stock.

 

Something similar was started years ago north of Luzern using former passenger motor coaches top and tail of aggregates wagons 

 

 

It is probably mainly aimed at removing further the need for ageing Re4/4II which currently haul most Cargo workings - as seen here by me on a snowy day in December 2022

 

 

Edited March 2, 2023 by Gordonwis

[jjb1970]

Freight EMU/DMU trains seem to be one of those things that can be a good solution for parcels/mail applications but questionable for other freight application. The Cargosprinter found a niche with infrastructure operators but seems to have been an evolutionary dead end for commercial freight use, ditto the Japanese M250. Though they can make nice models, such as the Kato M250 in N (image from the Kato website (katomodels.com):