The locomotives will be commissioned and ready for service for the start of the railway’s 2020 season in spring next year.
The new 800mm-gauge locomotives will be driven by high torque, maintenance-free electric motors, powered by battery traction and a diesel generator.
The line uses the Abt rack and pinion system for traction and braking. On descent, the diesel generator will be switched off while regenerative braking will recharge the battery.
Snowdon Mountain Railway says this configuration will lead to significant maintenance and fuel savings as the engines are lower power units than the existing diesel locomotives, European Stage 5 compliant, quieter than the conventional diesel locomotives and will deliver significant fuel and carbon emission savings.
The new locomotives will also enable the trains to carry an additional 12 passengers.
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