The key to the modular construction used by Vossloh Rolling Stock is that every locomotive can be easily adapted to suit a specific operational profile through the use of different traction systems and features. We analyze what our customers need and advise them so that together we arrive at the best locomotive configuration possible. This improves the locomotive’s economy of operation over its entire lifecycle.
Saving fuel is a priority during shunting operations. We achieve this essentially using the diesel-electric drive train and other additional functions, e.g. the Eco Drive (VED), Eco Mode switch, Start-Stop function, the Stage IIIB/2 mode and much more.
With the driver assistance and information system you have all the information on fuel consumption available at all times:
Efficient engine management
The engine management can also be structured more efficiently in conjunction with the ECO mode by limiting the output of the diesel engine to 1,500 kilowatt (this is set using the HMI on the driver’s console). In addition to low fuel consumption coupled with higher efficiency, this engine setting also helps to reduce maintenance costs. The reduced output allows a longer period to elapse before the engine is reconditioned, which is yet another advantage when maximum output is not required during shunting operations.
Experience has shown that almost 80 percent of a locomotive’s service life is spent waiting, during which time the diesel engine simply idles. The Start-Stop function contributes significantly to reducing fuel consumption, and other important advantages include noise reduction and the engine’s longer life span thanks to low-maintenance operation with minimal wear and tear.
If you opt for the DE 18 Smart Hybrid locomotive, the diesel engine’s stop phases can be extended still further because all the auxiliary systems run off the traction battery. While the Plug-In Hybrid radically reduces the time the locomotive spends idling and saves a considerable amount of fuel, battery operation at low power requirements less than 400 kilowatt earns plus points by being more efficient.
See clearly what’s going on at all times: The mid-cab concept is still the best solution for shunting work. It impresses with its good 360 degree view, and allows the driver to change consoles and directions very quickly. Safe access ways designed as riding platforms cater to frequent alighting and climbing on board. Spacious walkways across the top of the buffers are accessible from the track via the access ways, and they enable personnel to safely remain inside the locomotive’s loading gauge while changing from one side of the locomotive or track to the other. If the driver does need to get down from the locomotive, e.g. when approaching a damaged train, he does so via a very well lit access platform.
With the inclusion of an automatic shunting coupler and the installation of radio remote control, the DE 18 has all the characteristics of a modern shunting locomotive. When operating the radio remote control, the locomotive driver does not have to leave the locomotive when moving from the cab to the riding platform at the end of the vehicle. This protects him from the train traffic on the adjacent track and from dangerous areas and obstacles next to the track. With an installed diesel engine output of 1,800 kilowatt, shunting with high trailing loads is no problem, and the underside of the DE 18 is designed so that the vehicle can negotiate classification humps and shunting facilities unhindered.
A driver’s cab that provides everything an ultramodern working environment requires is worth its weight in gold – especially on longer runs.
The comfortable furnishings on the DE 18 – the sophisticated lighting concept, the ergonomic, clearly arranged configuration of the operator’s controls and display instrumentation, the air-conditioning – are all set up to meet the needs of the personnel. Speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour go without saying; as does multiple unit operation.
Well laid out driver’s console
All the operator’s controls and display instruments are arranged clearly and ergonomically. The locomotive driver has an excellent 360 degree view through the front and side sliding windows, and he can see along the locomotive all the way to the buffers. Two windows in the cab door let in even more daylight, and easily adjustable sunblinds on the front and side windows protect against unwanted glare.
Sun protection for the front and side windows 
Rotatable driver seat
Retractable driver seat
There’s enough space in the cab for driver and assistant to work comfortably. The two revolving driver’s seats can be folded away for stand-up operation and have suspension systems for extra driving comfort with height-adjustable footrests that ensure a safe sitting position. The locomotive is certified to carry a further two people.
Air conditioning and air circulation
Two electrically powered fan convectors mounted under the footrests at the driver’s consoles heat the air in the driver’s cab. Their dual function is to provide the cab with fresh air from outside and heat it in cold weather conditions. The air-conditioning unit mounted on the roof is operated from the console, and the air circulation feature heats the cab up faster when it’s cold. The integrated fine particulate filter on the outside air supply for working in dusty environments, e.g. in tunnels or during infrastructure works (e.g. while ballasting), operates according to the highest quality standards (M6 according to EN 779). The driver can also switch off the supply of air from outside in order to completely prevent any smoke or fine dust from entering the cab.
Very good interior lighting
The locomotive’s cab is equipped with different lighting systems. The general lighting in the form of two ceiling lights can be switched on permanently or for a predetermined duration from inside the cab. The general lighting together with the lighting on the steps can be switched on for a predetermined duration from outside the cab using push buttons located at all four entry points. If the power supply is interrupted, the general lighting can continue to be used for up to three hours as part of the emergency lighting.
The instrument panel illumination for the display instruments and operator controls on the driver’s consoles is of course dimmable. This also applies to the ceiling spotlight that serves as a reading light for reading schedule books while at the driver’s consoles. Floor lighting runs along the gangways, steps and access doors to the cab so that personnel can negotiate them safely.
Besides the low-emission and low-consumption operating modes for shunting operations, working in construction logistics also often proves particularly challenging. It’s a big advantage, therefore, that the DE 18 can operate indefinitely at walking speed with maximum tractive power and at ambient temperatures of up to 40 degree Celsius. This is required, for example, when hauling track ballast to work sites on line gradients of up to 40 per mille.
The functionally redundant traction converters have been specially tuned to this engine-power class. Highly efficient and with optimized slip-slide control, they also ensure plenty of tractive power and thus high reliability, even in bad track conditions.
Working in tunnels is common in the field of construction logistics, and Vossloh Rolling Stock has developed the "IIIB/2 operating mode" for this purpose. In what we call "tunnel mode", specific NOx and particle emissions can be reduced to 50 percent of the value specified in Level IIIB. This makes the DE 18 with a maximum diesel engine output of 1,300 kilowatt ideal for deployments in areas with special emission restrictions. Thanks to the oxidation-type catalytic converter, carbon monoxide emissions can also be reduced to levels equivalent to a 90 percent reduction of the specified IIIB limit. The fine-particle air filtration system in the cab provides M6 air quality as per EN 779, and the driver can also switch off the supply of air from outside in order to prevent smoke or fine dust from entering the cab.