Robel Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH (Robel) — along with its partners Schweerbau International (SBI) and Vogel & Plötscher GmbH — will deliver in summer 2022 a rail treatment system to Plasser American Corp (PAC), which is based in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Romill CMS3e features a hybrid drive system that incorporates a battery and an ‘exhaust reduced’ diesel range extender that ‘allow for truly emission-free rail maintenance’. Robel says the three-unit machine will fit into the tightest tunnel clearances in North America, adding that similar machines are used on the London Underground network.

The machine 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, the use of a high-performance polishing process produces a noise-optimised surface finish.

Thomas Blechinger, PAC’s president, said: “With the CMS3e high-performance milling machine, in 2022 we will offer battery-powered emission-free rail treatment solutions for transit systems. With this innovative technology, we will proverbially ‘smooth the track’ for safe and environment-friendly rail maintenance in North America.”