Sierra Northern Railway

SERA Unveils Hydrogen Switcher Livery

Sierra Northern Railway (SERA) has unveiled the look of its zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) powered switching locomotive, development of which is made possible by a $4 million California Energy Commission grant

A Norfolk Southern (NS) Operation Awareness & Response train—comprising a locomotive, two boxcar classrooms, four tank cars, and two specially equipped flat cars for hands-on training—visited Williamsport, Pa. in late June. (Photograph Courtesy of NS)

Small-Road Briefs: NSHR/LVRR, SERA

North Shore Railroad (NSHR) and Lycoming Valley Railroad (LVRR) personnel participated in hazmat and emergency preparedness training for first responders in Williamsport, Pa. Also, the operational headquarters of Sierra Northern Railway’s (SERA) Ventura Division moved to Santa Paula, Calif.

The new zero-emission switcher, replacing a Tier 0 diesel unit, will integrate hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen storage, advanced battery and systems control technologies.

Supply Briefs: SoCalGas/Sierra Northern, ClearBlade/Phoenix Contact

Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) is providing $500,000 to help develop Sierra Northern Railway’s hydrogen fuel cell (HFC)-powered switcher. Also, Phoenix Contact and ClearBlade have partnered on an Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) solution for the rail, oil and gas, energy and industrial markets.

Calgary-based TRIG’s transloading automation solutions help terminal operators “maximize loading efficiency of closed rail tank cars, through a combination of digital sensor technology and control system integration,” according to the company.

Supply Side: Ballard, TransRail Innovation

Ballard Power Systems will provide fuel cell modules for Sierra Northern Railway’s new zero-emission switching locomotive; tank car and terminal automation solution provider TransRail Innovation, Inc., (TRIG) has acquired Formation Liquids Logistics Ltd. (FLLL), a rail terminal auditing firm and consultancy.