Hybrid technology for Bahnbau Wels

The Austrian company Bahnbau Wels (BBW) aimed to be among the early adopters of Plasser & Theurer’s innovative, new E3 technology. In mid-2019, the new MDZ mechanised maintenance train in the E3 design was put on track to be prepared for full operation. A part of the Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group (see info box), Bahnbau Wels has been using Plasser & Theurer’s MDZ technology for many years. Now it has opted for the hybrid drive technology.

In November 2017, Bahnbau Wels and Plasser & Theurer entered into an “innovation partnership”. For several years already, the company has been using an MDZ 300, composed of an 09-4X Dynamic Tamping Express and a BDS 2000-4, as well as an MDZ comprising an 09-3X Tamping Express and a BDS 2000-4. BBW had also been operating an MDZ including a Unimat 09-32/4S universal tamping machine, which has been replaced by the two new E3 machines. These machines - all powered with diesel engines - have proven their efficiency in operation and the crew have become well versed in operating and servicing them.

The new machines are both equipped with electric and/or diesel-electric drives. The new BDS 2000-4 E³ is our sophisticated system for cost-efficient ballast maintenance on tracks and turnouts. The Unimat 09-8x4/4S Dynamic E³ is a track and turnout tamping machine with an integrated stabilization trailer. It combines the features of a continuous action plain line tamping machine, a state-of-the-art turnout tamping machine and a dynamic track stabilizer.

Bahnbau Wels GmbH

In 2012, the Austrian Rhomberg Rail Holding and the Swiss Sersa Group merged to become Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group. This merger formed one of the most comprehensive rail technology companies in Europe, with more than 2,500 members of staff. Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group employs a great number of specialists with many years of experience in railway technology. Bahnbau Wels GmbH, including its subsidiaries Bittner Bahn- und Gleisbau GmbH, Rhomberg Gleisbau GmbH, Universale Bau GmbH and Rhomberg Fahrleitungsbau GmbH have been fully integrated into Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group. Rhomberg Sersa Vermietung GmbH is responsible for purchasing track maintenance machines.