GERMAN Rail (DB) subsidiary DB Bahnbau has agreed a contract with Austrian manufacturer Plasser & Theurer for 18 Unimat Express 2X-4x4 Dynamic tampers. The value of the order and delivery schedule have not been disclosed.
"The new tamping machines are an investment in the future and are replacing several outdated machines,” says DB Bahnbau chairman, Markus Egerer.
“Acquiring 18 identical, universally deployable types reduces the variety that is now dominant in our fleet. This allows us to design our maintenance strategy and spare parts management more efficiently. These modern machines run on HVO fuels, allowing us to make an important contribution to sustainability."
The 2X-4x4 tamper is designed for both plain line and turnout maintenance. It combines two specialised work units in one machine. One is flexible and adapted to the complex geometries of turnouts, while the other is wear-optimised and designed for efficient operation on plain-line track. This versatility allows the machine to operate in two-sleeper mode for large parts of a turnout, which increases productivity.
The tamper also incorporates dynamic track stabilisation removing the need for additional machines and resulting in fewer temporary speed restrictions following tamping. In addition, it features digital assistance systems to optimise work processes, lower the workload on operating staff, and, thanks to partially AI-based systems, reduce the potential for human error.
All tampers for DB Bahnbau will be supplied with onboard ETCS equipment, in recognition of the fact that an increasing number of lines are scheduled to be converted to digital signalling in the medium term.
