“The future of mobility”. This was the motto of InnoTrans 2024, the international trade fair for transport technology. In the midst of it all was “Future track technology NOW”, showcased by track maintenance machine manufacturer Plasser & Theurer in Hall 26 as well as among the exhibits on the extensive tracks of the exhibition grounds in Berlin. There was a great deal of variety here and there, where the future was also visiting alongside countless trade visitors from all over the world.
An impressive exhibit in every respect was on display outdoors: the Plasser CatenaryCrafter 15.4 E³ for Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). 56 machines of various designs have been ordered as initial call-off orders, and several are already in (trial) operation. Johannes Max-Theurer and ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä presented the model at InnoTrans 2022, and exactly two years later the two presented the full-size vehicle together. The high-tech hybrid vehicle sets standards, running and working with electrical energy from the overhead contact line or from the traction batteries on board. The combustion engine only starts up in exceptional cases.
In addition to the electric hybrid drive, full equipment, ETCS train protection technology, and modern design, another feature is the modular design of the CatenaryCrafters and upcoming MultiCrafters: the basic structure as well as many components and controls are the same. Changing tasks and design lengths: the generation change modernizes infrastructure maintenance and speeds up installation work on the overhead contact line. All of this is as environmentally acceptable, ergonomic, and economical as possible – it’s no coincidence that this is the core message of the E³ brand.
The E³ trademark refers to all-electric and hybrid drives. Track maintenance machines with the abbreviation “E³” have been around for ten years, with the first one being presented in Salzburg in September 2015. E³ stands for “Economic, Ecologic, and Ergonomic”, i.e. the economic, ecological, and ergonomic benefits of these machines. They make it possible to green track maintenance. Thanks to its high efficiency, E³ technology reduces energy consumption, emissions, and operating costs – even for existing machines as part of retrofits. It is possible to drastically reduce their carbon footprint.
Following ÖBB’s example, Deutsche Bahn AG also intends to operate Plasser CatenaryCrafter 15.4 E³ vehicles. This was confirmed by Infrastructure Director Philipp Nagl at InnoTrans 2024. Increasing line utilization and train numbers necessitate replacement investments by DB InfraGO for its machine fleet. Shortly before InnoTrans, a memorandum of understanding was agreed on for the rental and subsequent purchase of 15 Plasser CatenaryCrafter E³ vehicles. Service partner Plasser ROBEL Services is also party to it.
The new Plasser CompactFlex 4x4 tamping machine for plain-line track and turnouts made its debut in Berlin. It is part of a contract with the Taiwanese state railway company TRC for a total of 41 track maintenance machines featuring various working technologies. Digital tools are a part of this: the CompactFlex 4x4 on display is equipped with the SmartALC track geometry guiding computer and the DRP (Data Recording Processor) digital measuring recorder. With Plasser Datamatic, the machine is integrated into a cloud-based machine and fleet management system. Current machine statuses can be called up and long-term analyses carried out to increase availability, efficiency, and productivity.
3D simulation tools for training courses, also on the machine operating company's premises, make realistic travel and operation exercises possible. The compact solution with a computer and VR glasses only requires one desk and is available for several different machine types.
The Plasser InfraSpector is a new solution for infrastructure inspection and surveying, particularly in regional and urban networks. It offers a high degree of flexibility, as seen in the Plasser Italiana service version mounted on a road-rail lorry. Alternatively, versions of the testing equipment in a container or based on the MultiCrafter are possible. Plasser InfraSpector follows the DIN ISO IEC 17025 standard for quality and reliability. Diagnostics examine the track with track geometry, rail and structure gauge, subsoil, turnout, and overhead contact line.
More is hardly possible. The halls: all in use. The corridors: mostly full. The outdoor area: exhibits everywhere. As the world's largest trade fair for transport technology, InnoTrans remains a magnet for visitors. Organizer Messe Berlin announced the first (preliminary) figures at the end of the trade fair: 2,940 exhibitors from 59 countries were present (2022: 2,771 exhibitors from 56 countries). 600 exhibitors took part for the first time. Around 170,000 visitors (2022: 137,400) from 133 countries – Plasser & Theurer products can be found in almost as many countries – attended the four-day trade fair. The total exhibition area was the largest since InnoTrans was founded. Around 130 vehicles were presented on 3,500 metres of track. The focus of a comparatively high number of vehicles was on railway infrastructure surveying and maintenance – an increasingly important topic. There were (at least) 226 world debuts at the trade fair, with many stands also featuring innovations that may seem inconspicuous at first glance. Sometimes a single screen with a mouse and VR glasses is enough.
We would like to thank our customers and partners for their visit and the intense exchange of ideas on current and future technologies for track maintenance. Congratulations to the InnoTrans team – it was an outstanding trade fair!
