Positive Traction

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

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 🫡