Installation of Dellner Hybrid Coupler on Alstom Traxx MS3 Locomotive Showcased in Kassel, Germany, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Dellner hybrid coupler
Photo, video: Dellner

A video demonstrating the installation of the Dellner hybrid coupler on the Alstom Traxx MS3 locomotive highlights the assembly process at Alstom’s factory in Kassel, Germany.

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The locomotive, fitted with the coupler, is owned by leasing company Akiem, one of the largest in Europe. Last year, the company ordered 65 such electric locomotives, with an option to expand the order by an additional 35 units.

Dellner Hybrid Coupler Installed on Alstom Traxx MS3 Locomotive

The Dellner hybrid coupler is an innovative solution that allows locomotives to quickly switch between automatic couplers and screw couplings. This capability is especially important as the European Union prepares to transition to the Digital Automatic Coupler (DAC). The coupler’s flexibility and versatility are in high demand, as European railways push for the standardization and modernization of their infrastructure.

As part of the DAC rollout scheduled for 2026, 95 locomotives and 1,600 wagons are expected to be equipped with various versions of this coupler. However, choosing the standard for the digital coupler was a challenging task. Despite Dellner’s active participation in the competition, the Voith E-Coupler was selected as the standard digital module, which sparked some criticism, as Dellner had also submitted its own solution for the DAC.

Advantages of the Hybrid Coupler Amid Digitalization

The shift to digital couplers marks a significant step toward enhancing the efficiency of rail transport in Europe. Innovations in coupler technology speed up loading and unloading processes while improving safety on railway tracks. Hybrid couplers, like those developed by Dellner, play a key role in this transition.

Although Dellner did not win the tender for the DAC standard module, the company continues to develop and implement cutting-edge solutions for the rail industry. It is important to note that the move toward digital technologies, such as DAC, involves numerous technical and organizational challenges. These include ensuring equipment compatibility and making necessary investments in updating rolling stock.

Europe’s Transition to DAC

The installation of the hybrid coupler on the Alstom Traxx MS3 locomotive is a step forward in the modernization of railway infrastructure. Akiem, the owner of the locomotive, is already actively adopting innovations in its fleet, demonstrating its commitment to improving efficiency and reducing operating costs. The versatility of hybrid couplers will help address several challenges related to transitioning to new technologies like DAC.

Ultimately, the digitalization of the rail industry in Europe is advancing rapidly. The upcoming switch to DAC requires significant coordination and effort from various market players, including equipment manufacturers, leasing companies, and railway operators. While Voith won the bid for the digital module, Dellner remains a key player in the industry, offering hybrid solutions that can accelerate the modernization of railways.

The use of hybrid couplers will ease the transition from traditional screw couplings to new digital solutions. Each innovation requires thorough testing to ensure compatibility with different types of rolling stock, especially for multisystem locomotives like the Alstom Traxx MS3, which operate in different countries and railway networks with varying coupling standards.

In conclusion, the installation of the hybrid coupler on Alstom Traxx MS3 locomotives represents a step toward the future of rail transport.

This is not just a technical upgrade but an essential part of a broader strategy to adopt digital technologies in the rail sector. Although Voith won the DAC tender, companies like Dellner continue to contribute to the development of the industry.

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