RBP and RAILPOOL signed rental agreement for Modula locomotives

On 26 March 2024, RAILPOOL and Rheinische Bahnpersonal- und Verkehrsgesellschaft (RBP) of Giesensdorf signed the long-term full-service leasing contract for five Modula hybrid shunting locomotives. They will be of both BDD (battery-diesel-diesel, two locomotives) and EDD (electric-diesel-diesel, three locomotives) versions and their delivery is scheduled from third quarter of 2026 and until mid-2027.

The BDD Modula delivers 960 kW, while the EDD Modula 2,500 kW under the overhead line and 960 kW in diesel mode. The locomotives are able to negotiate curves of just 75 m radius in sidings, and will also be equipped with the ETCS OBU and radio remote control.

Thomas Schön, Managing Director and shareholder of RBP, says: "Our customers are increasingly looking for solutions that enable rail transportation from the start to the end point with exactly one traction option. This requires locomotives that can handle the first and last mile as well as main line operation. We are convinced that we have found the perfect vehicle for these customer requirements with the Modula platform."

RBP is one of the first companies to use this pioneering technology. RBP is a young operator, which in addition to providing personnel specifically for railway and transport companies currently operates two electric locomotives and a dual-mode locomotive. Since June 2022, RBP  has been in possession of a safety certificate for freight transport, including the transport of dangerous goods. Due to the high demand for reliable and flexible transport services, RBP aims to expand its working range.