As low emission zones are becoming more prevalent around the world, towns and cities are looking for more eco-friendly vehicles, and this includes the popular tourist trains.
A leading tourist train manufacturer based in Portugal traditionally built their tourist trains using a Land Rover rolling chassis and engine pack. With cities demanding emission-free vehicles, the diesel engine and chassis needed to be replaced with an electric power plant and a brand new chassis.
The tourist train needed a new power plant, and Bradshaw was employed to create a brand new vehicle. With over 40 years of experience, Bradshaw was able to provide all the requirements in house to see the project through to completion.
The customer requirement was for an N1 and N2 homologated electric land train capable of towing three carriages each carrying 20 passengers for approximately 60km. Utilising Manganese Laminated Lithium-Ion batteries, the tourist trains can achieve a 21,100N maximum pulling capacity at 8,250kg and achieves up to 85km when unladen.
The land train includes four wheels independent suspension with an adjustable coil-over damper system and air suspensions seats providing a comfortable ride for driver and passengers. Fully electric power-assisted steering system with bespoke rack and track rods offers excellent handling and control.
The electric train is fitted with four-wheel disc brakes with hydraulic booster assist and a fully automatic hydraulic park brake.
Systems communication is via a CAN network that provides fast communication between microcontrollers for real-time requirements.