One of the most interesting locomotive types of the old Soviet period of Russia is the hybrid VL26. The VL26 was powered from the overhead wire, but could run on the battery power as well were wires were not available! This six axle locomotive was meant to be a powerful switcher and the hauler of the local trains. 

Although the obstacles in the product development were not surpassed, the VL26 remains an interesting experiment. Notice the Russian style antenna on the roof tof the locomotive.   

Its curious to see the Lenin figure on the nose of the locomotive decades after the Russia shifted from communism to multiparty system.    

The 3 axle bogie of the VL26 looks quite different from most Soviet period locomotives. 

The "German style" cab of the VL26.  

According to the builders plate the VL26 displayed is number 5 out of only 10 units manufactured. 

When you take a look at the form of the VL26 it somewhat resembles the American road switchers from old days. And curiously the walkways might be very much like on the forthcoming General Electric ES models hybrid version for 2010! Definitely under the walkways is the most likely location to place batteries in any era.    

There was another try to make the design work in 1972, but little had changed in technology in 6 years, too little. The altered/improved model of VL26 is know as VL26M.

Technical details for VL26 / VL26M
Type: VL26 / VL26M  
Usage: Medium heavy switcher / road switcher 
Builder: Dnepropetrovsk  
Production dates: 1966 - 1967. 26M model was built from number 2 in 1972 and was still in use in 1992.   
Numbers built: 10
Gauge: 1520 mm (5 ft)
 
Users: all retired  
Former users: Pribaltiskaya Railways, Pridneprovskaya railways and Sverdlovskaya railways 
Possibly seen in: one unit in museum in Riga, Latvia, EU
   
Energy Source: 3000V DC overhead electricity and internal battery     
Power output: 1410 kW / 1080 kW (     Hp)         
Traction motors: DC, Dnepropetrovsk DT-7A, 6 x 235kW
Tractive Effort: 235 kN at slow speeds
Wheel arrangement:  Co-Co 
Wheel diameter: 1050 mm (typical Soviet locomotive)

Maximum operational speed:  80 km/h (    mph)  

Length: 19,9 m     
Heigth:
Width:     

Weight: 126 metric tons   
Axle weight max: 21 tons     

A logo on the side of the VL26. 

All pictures on VL26 for 4rail.net provided by Stanislav Voronin.