British Rail Class 66
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| British Rail Class 66 | |
 |
|
| Builder: | General Motors Electro Motive Diesel |
|---|---|
| Years Built: | 1998 to date |
| Number Built: | Still being delivered (498+) |
| Engine: | EMD 12N-710G3B-EC EMD 12N-710G3B-T2 (Class 66/9) |
| Transmission: | Diesel Electric |
| Wheel Arrangement: | Co-Co |
| Brakes: | Westinghouse PBL Air |
| Length: | 20.1 m |
| Width: | 2.65 m |
| Height: | 3.9 m |
| Weight: | 129.6 Tonnes |
| Maximum Speed: | 120 km/h (75 mph) |
| Engine Horsepower: | 3,000 hp |
| Tractive Effort: | 409 kN (92,000 lbf) Starting, 260 at 25.6 km/h (58,450 lbf at 15.9 mph) Continuous |
| Fuel Capacity: | 6,400 Litres |
| Operators: | EWS Direct Rail Services Freightliner GB Railfreight CargoNet (Norway and Sweden) TÅGAB (Sweden) ERS Railways (The Netherlands) DLC (Dillen & Le Jeune Cargo, The Netherlands) |
The Class 66 locomotive is a development of the Class 59 and used both on British and European railway networks—where it is marketed as EMD Series 66.
Contents |
[edit] History
[edit] United Kingdom
On the privatisation of British Rail's freight operations in 1996, English, Welsh and Scottish Railway (EWS), then a subsidiary of Wisconsin Central and since acquired by Canadian National, bought most of British Rail's freight operations. Many of the locomotives that EWS inherited were either at the end of their useful live or of doubtful reliability. Given their American ownership, it is not surprising that EWS approached General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD), who offered their JT42CWR model developed from the Class 59. This was subsequently given the "Class 66" designation in the British classification system. Two hundred and fifty were ordered and built in London, Ontario, Canada.
The Class 66 incorporated many ideas from North America and differed a lot from the Class 60, which had been recently built but to a more traditional layout.
In 1998, Freightliner placed an order for locomotives. They were followed by GB Railfreight, and then Direct Rail Services.
Although unpopular with many rail enthusiasts, due to their ubiquity and having caused the displacement of several older types of (mostly) British built locomotives, their high reliability has helped rail freight to remain competitive.
[edit] Continental Europe
The Class 66 design has also been taken to mainland Europe where it is currently certified for operations in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, France, and Poland, with certification pending in the Czech Republic and Italy. They currently operate on routes between Sweden and Denmark and between Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands and Poland. As a result of its well-known British identity, EMD Europe markets the locomotive as "Series 66". The 12-710G3B provides most irish intercity traction power in the Class 201.
[edit] Current operations
[edit] English, Welsh and Scottish Railway
English, Welsh and Scottish Railway (EWS) was the first to order Class 66 locomotives, with the first of the two hundred and fifty locomotives shipped to Britain in mid-1998. The final locomotive entered traffic just two years later, in mid-2000.
[edit] Freightliner
Freightliner followed EWS by initially ordering five new Class 66/5 locomotives, and have continued to order in small batches. As of summer 2006, the 66/5 fleet had reached eighty examples, numbered 66501-520/522-581, with 66521 having been withdrawn after a crash at Great Heck. More 66/5's are on order.
In 2000, a new Class 66/6 sub-class was built, with a lower gear ratio, enabling heavier trains to be hauled, albeit at slower speed. There are presently twenty-two examples of this class, numbered 66601-622, with more on order.
During 2004 the company also took receipt of the most recent Class 66/9 sub-class of the locomotive, which are a low emission variant. There are just two such locomotives at present, numbered 66951 and 66952.
[edit] GB Railfreight
GB Railfreight (GBRf) is the newest UK freight operator, now wholly owned by FirstGroup. They opted for new Class 66/7 locomotives, rather than buying second-hand from EWS or Freightliner, ordering seventeen examples. Currently, GBRf operate a fleet of twenty-two locomotives, painted in their distinctive blue and orange livery. They are employed on infrastructure contracts with Network Rail, and also haul intermodal container trains from Felixstowe to the West Midlands.
During April 2006, five additional locomotives (numbered 66717-722) were delivered. These are of the low emission kind; similar to the 66/9's in service with Freightliner. The livery differs slightly from the original seventeen, using a lighter blue and 'Metronet' branding on the sides. Their primary use is to work infrastructure trains for Metronet. A further order for five more locomotives (66723-727) was placed in late 2006.
[edit] Direct Rail Services
Direct Rail Services (DRS) is the latest company to opt for Class 66 locomotives. Previously, they had relied on a fleet of ageing second-hand Class 20, Class 33, Class 37 and Class 47 locomotives. Therefore, in 2002, DRS ordered ten Class 66/4 locomotives from EMD. These were delivered in 2003, numbered 66401-410, and are employed on new Anglo-Scottish traffic. They are painted in a variation of DRS's blue livery. More locomotives have since been ordered, with ten (66411-420) delivered in 2006 and another ten (66421-430) due in 2007.
 66573 at Ipswich on 31 January 2004. When pictured, this Freightliner locomotive was only a few weeks old. |
 66713 Forest City on display at Crewe Works open day on 1 June 2003. This locomotive is one of seventeen operated by GB Railfreight. |
 DRS 66403 at Nuneaton with an intermodal train. |
|
 Low emissions Class 66/9 No. 66951 at Crewe Works open day, 11 September 2005. |
 66101 waits to enter Aberthaw Power Station. |
[edit] Fleet details
| British Rail Class 66/0 (EWS) Detailed Technical Information | |
|---|---|
| Specification | Details |
| Currently owned by: | EWS |
| Operated by: | EWS |
| Built: | 1998-2000 |
| Builder: | General Motors Electro Motive Division, London, Ontario, Canada |
| TOPS Numbers: | 66 001 - 66 250 |
| Engine: | GM 12N-710G3B-EC |
| Cylinder Bore: | 230mm |
| Cylinder Stroke: | 279mm |
| Main alternator: | GM-EMD AR8 |
| Traction motors: | 6 of GM-EMD D43-TR |
| Maximum tractive effort: | 92,000lb |
| Continuous tractive effort: | 58,390lb |
| Horsepower | 3,300hp |
| Horsepower at rail: | 3,000hp |
| Wheel arrangement: | Co-Co |
| Train brakes: | Air |
| Brake Force: | 68 Tonnes |
| Brake Manufacturer: | Westinghouse PBL3 |
| Length: | 21.40m |
| Width: | 2.65m |
| Height: | 3.91m |
| Mass: | 126 t |
| Wheel Diameter: | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 17.29m |
| Bogie Wheelbase: | 4.15m |
| Bogie Type: | HTCR Radial |
| Minimum Curve: | 4 Chains (80.46m) |
| Design speed: | 87.5 mph |
| Maximum speed: | 75 mph |
| Fuel capacity: | 6,550 litres |
| Route availability: | 7 |
| Electric train supply: | None Fitted |
| Train Heating | None Fitted |
| Multiple working: | Within type |
| Multiple Connectors: | Association of American Railroads |
| Withdrawl/Scrapped: | None - All In Service |
| British Rail Class 66/4 (Direct Rail Services) Detailed Technical Information | |
|---|---|
| Specification | Details |
| Currently owned by: | Porterbrook |
| Operated by: | Direct Rail Services |
| Built: | 2003-2006 |
| Builder: | General Motors Electro Motive Division, London, Ontario, Canada |
| TOPS Numbers: | 66 401 - 66 420 |
| Engine: | GM 12N-710G3B-EC |
| Cylinder Bore: | 230mm |
| Cylinder Stroke: | 279mm |
| Main alternator: | GM-EMD AR8 |
| Traction motors: | 6 of GM-EMD D43-TR |
| Maximum tractive effort: | 92,000lb |
| Continuous tractive effort: | 58,390lb |
| Horsepower | 3,300hp |
| Horsepower at rail: | 3,000hp |
| Wheel arrangement: | Co-Co |
| Train brakes: | Air |
| Brake Force: | 68 Tonnes |
| Brake Manufacturer: | Westinghouse PBL3 |
| Length: | 21.40m |
| Width: | 2.65m |
| Height: | 3.91m |
| Mass: | 126 t |
| Wheel Diameter: | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 17.29m |
| Bogie Wheelbase: | 4.15m |
| Bogie Type: | HTCR Radial |
| Minimum Curve: | 4 Chains (80.46m) |
| Design speed: | 87.5 mph |
| Maximum speed: | 75 mph |
| Fuel capacity: | 6,550 litres |
| Route availability: | 7 |
| Electric train supply: | None Fitted |
| Train Heating | None Fitted |
| Multiple working: | Within type |
| Multiple Connectors: | Association of American Railroads |
| Withdrawl/Scrapped: | None - All In Service |
| British Rail Class 66/5 (Freightliner Standard) Detailed Technical Information | |
|---|---|
| Specification | Details |
| Currently owned by: | Unknown |
| Operated by: | Freightliner |
| Built: | 1999-2004 |
| Builder: | General Motors Electro Motive Division, London, Ontario, Canada |
| TOPS Numbers: | 66 501 - 66 581 |
| Engine: | GM 12N-710G3B-EC |
| Cylinder Bore: | 230mm |
| Cylinder Stroke: | 279mm |
| Main alternator: | GM-EMD AR8 |
| Traction motors: | 6 of GM-EMD D43-TR |
| Maximum tractive effort: | 92,000lb |
| Continuous tractive effort: | 58,390lb |
| Horsepower | 3,300hp |
| Horsepower at rail: | 3,000hp |
| Wheel arrangement: | Co-Co |
| Train brakes: | Air |
| Brake Force: | 68 Tonnes |
| Brake Manufacturer: | Westinghouse PBL3 |
| Length: | 21.40m |
| Width: | 2.65m |
| Height: | 3.91m |
| Mass: | 126 t |
| Wheel Diameter: | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 17.29m |
| Bogie Wheelbase: | 4.15m |
| Bogie Type: | HTCR Radial |
| Minimum Curve: | 4 Chains (80.46m) |
| Design speed: | 87.5 mph |
| Maximum speed: | 75 mph |
| Fuel capacity: | 6,550 litres |
| Route availability: | 7 |
| Electric train supply: | None Fitted |
| Train Heating | None Fitted |
| Multiple working: | Within type |
| Multiple Connectors: | Association of American Railroads |
| Withdrawl/Scrapped: | 66521 (Selby rail crash) |
| British Rail Class 66/6 (Freightliner Heavyhaul) Detailed Technical Information | |
|---|---|
| Specification | Details |
| Currently owned by: | Unknown |
| Operated by: | Freightliner |
| Built: | 2000-2005 |
| Builder: | General Motors Electro Motive Division, London, Ontario, Canada |
| TOPS Numbers: | 66 601 - 66 624 |
| Engine: | GM 12N-710G3B-EC |
| Cylinder Bore: | 230mm |
| Cylinder Stroke: | 279mm |
| Main alternator: | GM-EMD AR8 |
| Traction motors: | 6 of GM-EMD D43-TR |
| Maximum tractive effort: | 105,080lb |
| Continuous tractive effort: | 66,630lb |
| Horsepower | 3,300hp |
| Horsepower at rail: | 3,000hp |
| Wheel arrangement: | Co-Co |
| Train brakes: | Air |
| Brake Force: | 68 Tonnes |
| Brake Manufacturer: | Westinghouse PBL3 |
| Length: | 21.40m |
| Width: | 2.65m |
| Height: | 3.91m |
| Mass: | 126 t |
| Wheel Diameter: | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 17.29m |
| Bogie Wheelbase: | 4.15m |
| Bogie Type: | HTCR Radial |
| Minimum Curve: | 4 Chains (80.46m) |
| Design speed: | 87.5 mph |
| Maximum speed: | 65 mph |
| Fuel capacity: | 6,550 litres |
| Route availability: | 7 |
| Electric train supply: | None Fitted |
| Train Heating | None Fitted |
| Multiple working: | Within type |
| Multiple Connectors: | Association of American Railroads |
| Withdrawl/Scrapped: | None - All In Service |
| British Rail Class 66/7 (GB Railfreight) Detailed Technical Information | |
|---|---|
| Specification | Details |
| Currently owned by: | HSBC Rail (UK) |
| Operated by: | GB Railfreight |
| Built: | 2001-2006 |
| Builder: | General Motors Electro Motive Division, London, Ontario, Canada |
| TOPS Numbers: | 66 701 - 66 727 |
| Engine: | GM 12N-710G3B-EC |
| Cylinder Bore: | 230mm |
| Cylinder Stroke: | 279mm |
| Main alternator: | GM-EMD AR8 |
| Traction motors: | 6 of GM-EMD D43-TR |
| Maximum tractive effort: | 92,000lb |
| Continuous tractive effort: | 58,390lb |
| Horsepower | 3,300hp |
| Horsepower at rail: | 3,000hp |
| Wheel arrangement: | Co-Co |
| Train brakes: | Air |
| Brake Force: | 68 Tonnes |
| Brake Manufacturer: | Westinghouse PBL3 |
| Length: | 21.40m |
| Width: | 2.65m |
| Height: | 3.91m |
| Mass: | 126 t |
| Wheel Diameter: | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 17.29m |
| Bogie Wheelbase: | 4.15m |
| Bogie Type: | HTCR Radial |
| Minimum Curve: | 4 Chains (80.46m) |
| Design speed: | 87.5 mph |
| Maximum speed: | 75 mph |
| Fuel capacity: | 5,546 litres |
| Route availability: | 7 |
| Electric train supply: | None Fitted |
| Train Heating | None Fitted |
| Multiple working: | Within type |
| Multiple Connectors: | Association of American Railroads |
| Withdrawl/Scrapped: | None - All In Service |
| British Rail Class 66/9 (Freightliner) Detailed Technical Information | |
|---|---|
| Specification | Details |
| Currently owned by: | Unknown |
| Operated by: | Freightliner |
| Built: | 2004 |
| Builder: | General Motors Electro Motive Division, London, Ontario, Canada |
| TOPS Numbers: | 66 951 - 66 952 |
| Engine: | GM 12N-710G3B-EC |
| Cylinder Bore: | 230mm |
| Cylinder Stroke: | 279mm |
| Main alternator: | GM-EMD AR8 |
| Traction motors: | 6 of GM-EMD D43-TR |
| Maximum tractive effort: | 92,000lb |
| Continuous tractive effort: | 58,390lb |
| Horsepower | 3,300hp |
| Horsepower at rail: | 3,000hp |
| Wheel arrangement: | Co-Co |
| Train brakes: | Air |
| Brake Force: | 68 Tonnes |
| Brake Manufacturer: | Westinghouse PBL3 |
| Length: | 21.40m |
| Width: | 2.65m |
| Height: | 3.91m |
| Mass: | 126 t |
| Wheel Diameter: | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 17.29m |
| Bogie Wheelbase: | 4.15m |
| Bogie Type: | HTCR Radial |
| Minimum Curve: | 4 Chains (80.46m) |
| Design speed: | 87.5 mph |
| Maximum speed: | 75 mph |
| Fuel capacity: | 5,546 litres |
| Route availability: | 7 |
| Electric train supply: | None Fitted |
| Train Heating | None Fitted |
| Multiple working: | Within type |
| Multiple Connectors: | Association of American Railroads |
| Withdrawl/Scrapped: | None - All In Service |
| Subclass | No. built | No. range | Operators | Loco nos. | No in traffic | Withdrawn / Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66/0 | 250 | 66001-250 | EWS | 66001-250 | 250 | - |
| 66/4 | 10 | 66401-410 | DRS | 66401-410 | 10 | - |
| 10 | 66411-420 | DRS | 66411-420 | 10 | Low emission locomotives. Ten more on order. | |
| 66/5 | 81 | 66501-581 | Freightliner | 66501-520/522-581 | 80 | 66521 written off in the Great Heck rail crash. 13 more on order. |
| 66/6 | 22 | 66601-622 | Freightliner | 66601-622 | 22 | - |
| 2 | 66623-624 | Freightliner | 66623-624 | 2 | Low emission locomotives. One more on order | |
| 66/7 | 17 | 66701-717 | GBRf | 66701-717 | 17 | - |
| 10 | 66718-727 | GBRf | 66718-727 | 10 | Low-emission locomotives. | |
| 66/9 | 2 | 66951-952 | Freightliner | 66951-952 | 2 | Low-emission locomotives. |
DRS = Direct Rail Services
EWS = English, Welsh and Scottish Railway
GBRf = GB Railfreight
[edit] Nicknames
In common with the vast majority of other British Diesel and Electric locomotives, the Class 66's quickly acquired nicknames amongst the rail enthusiast community. English, Welsh and Scottish Railway (EWS) machines are commonly known as 'Sheds', whilst machines operated by other companies are generally known as variants of this - Freightliner Locomotives are 'Freds' and Direct Rail Services (DRS) locomotives 'Dreds'. GB Railfreight (GBRf) Locomotives are known as 'Bluebirds' due to their attractive livery scheme.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc. EMD: JT42CWRM. Retrieved December 19, 2006
