Positive Traction

30/04/2026

Lovely article from BBC Somerset about 08787.

Congrats to Cillian! We are sure that there will be a 'Battery Ben' someday too 👀

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2k3enl5wj4o

BBC News
Heidelberg Materials UK

A five-year-old boy wins a competition to name a Frome quarry's new electric shunting locomotive.

20/04/2026

18/04/2026

Introducing ‘Battery Bill’! 🔋

08787 has been named as part of a local community initiative to run a competition amongst schools in the area. We are honoured to be a part of this lovely gesture to connect to the local community.

Thanks to Heidelberg Materials UK and Mendip Rail Ltd. for organising the naming ceremony and for including us in the event.

The custom nameplate has been designed and made by Newton Castings Ltd

01/04/2026

🚂 🔋 Austerit-e 🔋 🚂

You asked - we answered.

Rising coal and boiler maintenance costs are becoming the most pressing issue in the world of railway preservation, with cash demands pushing some operators from break-even to prohibitive.

Whilst working on a battery powered tender booster design for one of the UK’s leading steam railways, we were approached to undertake the design work for what has become the Austerit-e. These donor locomotives have been a staple of small to mid size preserved railways and provide the perfect platform for modification.

Maintaining the classic, legacy outline of the original steam design, the new version will go unnoticed by most that visit for a ride behind a steam engine. With high battery capacity, three phase drive and a modern cab environment it offers a safer and more compliant option whilst the smoke generator and classic look ticks the boxes for the family day out.

Largely funded by the UK Government “Hope for Heritage” scheme, it shows that the commitment to offering value for money for the taxpayer remains at the forefront of innovation funding.

31/03/2026

Fancy a go? 👀 doesn’t happen very often!

All proceeds go to Peak Rail and the fantastic work they do.

🚨Twin Peaks Diesel Gala - Friday 10th & Saturday 11th April🚨

We are delighted to announce Driver for a Fiver will be operated by the 08e 08308 at our Twin Peaks Diesel Gala.

This promises to be a great event, including an intensive timetable, with passenger and freight workings, driver for a fiver and an on train bar.

The 08e has been with us recently for testing & inspection by various companies.

The working timetable & connecting bus service timetable is available and allocations will be available once final locomotives are confirmed.

🎟️ Tickets are still available online and remember you can save money by buying in advance: https://www.peakrail.co.uk/events/twin-peaks-diesel-gala/

Keep an eye out on our socials over the next few days & weeks, as we announce the rest of the locomotive line up and the working timetable.

*All locomotives are subject to availability and fitness to run.

08308 courtesy of Positive Traction

26/02/2026

We were excited to join our fellow innovators Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions at severnvalleyrailwayofficial with the launch of their Hydro Harrier 08 shunter.

It’s not easy being green, and it’s even harder being the first - but the hard work has paid off. Congratulations to all involved 👏🏼 and thank you for the invite! It’s important to us to support others who are fighting the good fight. 💪🏼

20/02/2026

Get your high vis mate, you’ve pulled…twice the tractive effort. 👀

🔋13e: The Battery Supremacy 🔋
Coming soon to a track near you.

04/02/2026

Always happy to help 🫡

23/12/2025

Not sure how Santa got this one down the chimney but what an excellent Christmas present for Heidelberg Materials UK! 🎁

Massive thanks to everyone involved. We are excited for what 2026 has in store. 🔋

Heidelberg Materials UK

27/11/2025

Another successful site trial for the prototype at Arriva Traincare 🔋

With Net Zero targets looming and engineering challenges on the network that electrification can’t fix, our conversions are a solution.

💰 19% reduction in direct power costs
💪🏼 50% more tractive effort
🔧 43% less maintenance
📖 Half a day of retraining

It just makes sense.

If you’d like more information or to arrange your own site trial, send us a message. We’d love to hear from you. 📧

#08308

29/10/2025

Great to see our apprentice Jacob Allsop and our workshop featured in this post.

Being an SME can be really challenging at times, but we love being based in Chesterfield and welcome all support that can be provided to businesses like ours.

Destination Chesterfield

Exciting times for the East Midlands 🧑‍🏭

Once the heart of the first industrial revolution, the region is now aspiring to be at the centre of the UK’s clean industries revolution.

The East Midlands Investment Zone is set to offer a range of incentives to businesses located within its area, including grants, business rates retention and tax incentives. All aimed at driving economic growth and generating thousands of high-quality jobs

Join us at the Chesterfield Investment Summit on 5th November to meet Mayor Claire Ward, council leaders, and local developers, and discover investment opportunities in clean energy and advanced manufacturing: https://f.mtr.cool/eqbzblnftb