PAC acquires the worldwide first hybrid rail milling machine from Robel

The new Romill CMS3e rail treatment system has specially been designed for tightest Metro tunnel clearances. Credit: ROBEL Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH

Robel Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH (Robel) and their partners Schweerbau International GmbH & Co. KG (SBI) and Vogel & Plötscher GmbH & Co. KG will deliver in summer 2022 a rail treatment system to Plasser American Corporation (PAC), headquartered in Chesapeake, Virginia.

SBI specifically developed vehicle design, drive system, and milling technology to meet the maintenance requirements of transit systems. The three piece machine consist does fit into tightest tunnel clearances in North America, as it fits into the tight tunnels of London Underground. The hybrid drive system consisting of a battery and a exhaust reduced Diesel range extender allows for truly emission free rail maintenance.

Romill CMS3e is equipped with the latest electric milling technology for the reprofiling of low quality track that so far could not be treated by rail milling. The spark and dust free rotational cutting process includes by-product collection on the train for recycling. In addition, a high performance polishing process is implemented to create a noise-optimised surface finish.

Thomas Blechinger, PAC President, stated: “In 2022 we will offer battery powered, emission free rail treatment solutions for transit systems with the CMS3e high performance milling machine. With this innovative technology, we will proverbially smooth the track for safe and environmentally friendly rail maintenance in North America.”