Stale Pre-tender

NEX26/18 Battery Locomotives Refurbishment

Details

Topic
Railway and tramway locomotives and rolling stock and associated parts
Published
24 April 2026
Submission
10 July 2026

Tender description

Nexus will be tendering for the detailed design and associated works to refurbish three battery locomotives, bespoke to the Nexus Metro network, which have become unreliable and not fit for purpose. The locomotives were originally supplied by Hunslet-GMT in the early 1990's and are a key asset in the emergency recovery of Nexus rolling stock and movement of the rail head treatment train across the Metro railway. Currently network operates from a 1500V DC overhead line system, the battery locos are approved to operate on Network Rail assets, although is not necessarily required to maintain this approval. The refurbishment will encompass: Traction and Solid‑State Power Systems Modernisation of the traction equipment (motor alternator and motor generator set) using solid‑state power technology and power electronics. Mechanical Systems & Running Gear Overhaul of structural components, suspension, wheelsets, and key mechanical assemblies. Electrical & Control Systems Renewal of high voltage and auxiliary electrical systems upgraded control equipment, and readiness for future signalling integration. Braking Systems Refurbishment and commissioning of brake discs and brake system. Cab and Operator Environment Improvements to the cab environment (sealing, comfort, ergonomics) and general enhancements Potential suppliers will be given an opportunity to view the vehicles as part of the market engagement exercise, prior to a formal procurement. Design Requirements The design requirements for the battery locomotives are: - Maximum speed 55kph - Pantograph height above rail when lowered - 3555mm - Pantograph height when fully raised - 5666mm - Vehicle width - 2600mm - Wheel diameter - 838mm - Cab height above rail - 3160mm - Wheelbase - 2500mm - Length over buffers - 7500mm - Length over extended coupler - 9000mm - Tare / gross weight - 26.25t - Couplers are Bergische Stahl Industrie (BSI) with a standard screw coupling - Wheel arrangement is 0-4-0 - Continuous power rating of 180hp - High voltage circuit - supply from 1500V DC overhead line system - Indusi track brake equipment - Lead Acid traction battery - 540V, 116kWh at 5-hour discharge - Low voltage circuits, - 110V, 24V - Traction motor (one) - 180hp, 540V DC force ventilated. Estimated value: £1,000,000 - £2,000,000

Timeline

  1. Completed: Pre-tender published24 April 2026
    Current notice

About the buyer

Nexus is the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive and runs the Tyne and Wear Metro, a regional bus network and the Shields Ferry. The Nexus Procurement Team appoints suppliers and manages each tender. Subsidised local bus services are contracted for terms from three months to five years. A small works framework was announced for civil engineering and Metro lineside works. A supplier incentive programme with Oxygen Finance offers early payment before the standard 30 days.

Over the past 5 years, most of Nexus's contract awards have been in transport services, transport equipment and construction work.

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