Positive Traction

28/07/2026

Last week, we attended the opening of the Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) at Barrow Hill Roundhouse Railway Centre. This development demonstrates what can be achieved when industry, education and public investment come together with a shared vision for the future of rail.

Innovation isn't driven by individuals alone. It depends on an ecosystem that gives businesses access to the skills, facilities and collaborative opportunities needed to develop new ideas, improve capabilities and bring innovation to market. Investment in infrastructure creates opportunities for SMEs to innovate alongside larger organisations, and strengthens the resilience and competitiveness of the UK's rail supply chain. Challenges like decarbonisation and obsolescence management cannot be solved in isolation. They require collaboration, investment and commitment.

We look forward to seeing what DRIIVe can bring to the local area and beyond.

You can read more about it here: https://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/latest-news/new-rail-innovation-centre-opens-its-doors/

Destination Chesterfield

02/07/2026

02/07/2026

What a great time we had at Rail Live 2026 a couple of weeks ago. We loved chatting to so many of you and giving cab tours to whoever was interested.

Here are some amazing photos by the one and only Jack Boskett . It's safe to say 08308 has never looked so suave! Not bad for 69 years old eh? 😅

Did you have a photo taken with the prototype? We'd love to see it if you did!

17/06/2026

Fantastic first day at 🚆 🔋

We had so many great conversations with our existing network and made loads of new connections too. It certainly is an exciting time to be in the rail industry and battery tech space!

If you’re attending tomorrow, come and see us, have a peek in the cab and we’d love to have a chat. We are at stand C1, right next to our prototype in its shiny new Loram livery. You might even get one of our signature ‘I’ve been converted’ badges or stickers. It’s what all the coolest kids at Rail Live are wearing these days don’tcha know 😎

12/06/2026

Turns out you can teach an old locomotive new tricks!

According to The Railway Magazine, it is thought that #08308 (our prototype) is the most ever-present locomotive in 'ABCs' and Combined Volumes. It first appeared as 'D3378' at Royston Shed in August 1957, meaning it is soon to be 70 years in service. A testament to one of the most robust platforms ever built and there's plenty of life in ol' dog yet! 💪

08308 has just a makeover into Loram UK livery in preparation for as a result of a 5 year agreement, striving towards decarbonising operations at the Railway Technical Centre in Derby.

We will be at stand C1, if you fancy a chat and you won't be able to miss the loco as you walk into the event! See you there 👋

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