[IMAGE]BombardierLastMileDieselMay112011-2.jpg[/IMAGE] At this year’s Transport Logistic Trade Fair, taking place in Munich, Germany from May 10 to 13, Bombardier Transportation premiered a Bombardier TRAXX AC locomotive with a supplementary diesel motor.

Known as "Last Mile Diesel," this innovation removes the need to change locomotives in shunting areas of a rail network. The new technology offers increased flexibility, for example, at stations where a system change takes place, such as at terminals, ports or on construction sites.

The so-called "last mile" of rail is generally not electrified. Until now, shunting locomotives have had to replace electric locomotives in these areas to close the gap. The new TRAXX AC Locomotive with Last Mile Diesel enables the seamless transport of goods by rail.

The first five locomotives of this type were already ordered by the leasing firm Railpool at the end of last year. Three of these five locomotives will be leased by the Swiss private rail firm BLS Cargo.

The TRAXX AC locomotive with Last Mile Diesel is a further development of the tried and tested TRAXX platform that has been developed in close cooperation with the supplier’s customers. Furthermore, the development of the Last Mile Diesel is based on the positive experiences with the two-system Bombardier ALP 45 Dual Power locomotive in the North American market.

As a next step, the development of a TRAXX DC locomotive with a Last Mile Diesel engine is planned.

The TRAXX product family is designed for both the transport of freight as well as passengers on national and international routes on all networks. It is available in three electrical variants (for multi-system, AC and DC locomotives), as well as in a diesel-electric variant.

All TRAXX locomotives are distinguished by their modular design and their highly efficient Bombardier MITRAC drive and control systems. In total, the supplier has sold more than 1,500 TRAXX locomotives.