Proposed Solutions to the RSSB "Low Cost Shift to Rail" Challenge

[Roast Veg]

For those unaware, the RSSB regularly put out challenges for Research and Innovation in the railway sector. Although not present on their latest updates (https://rssb.wavecast.io/), Eversholt seem to have published their "Revolution" Very Light Rail project, which is now doing the rounds in the railway press.

Here is the article

Eversholt Rail, along with Transport Design International, has announced the launch of the Revolution Very Light Rail Demonstrator vehicle.

The RVLR programme was started after a challenge was set by the Department for Transport and the Rail Safety and Standards Board to develop a low-cost solution to encourage a shift to rail, supporting branch lines and helping to reopen disused railway lines.

Harworth Developments has worked with Eversholt Rail to develop the new demonstration site at Ironbridge to allow stakeholders to visit and see the journey the new train has taken.


The demonstrator train is fitted with a hybrid diesel-electric power pack to provide zero-emissions at speeds of up to 20mph. In a railway first, the diesel engine is a 2.8 litre Cummins engine with Euro 6 emissions standards.

It all looks very "21st century pacer" to me, but if the alternative is not to reopen disused lines or connect new communities, then I'm all for it.

Has anyone else seen any other proposals for this challenge?

 

[cjmillsnun]

It’s a modern day class 153 rather than a pacer. It has bogies at least.