GBRF new 66s arriving.

[Peter Sarf]

The last of the 66s numbers 66773 - 66779 are apparently travelling up the Bristol Channel this evening. Presumably ship will dock at Newport tonight (Fri 12/2/2016) and unloading will happen this weekend.

 

[RichmondCommu]

Given the amount of class 66's that must now be laid up with the sharp decline in coal traffic I wonder how much work will be found for these. As I understand it Freightliner Heavy Haul have lost a lot of business and so one would have thought the competition for business will now be even more fierce.

 

[Peter Sarf]

I recall the last delivery of 66s spent a lot of time at Roberts Road not being used. They were rotated somewhat but for all I know some might still be surplus there. I have not taken any notice recently - I think it is already a year since the last delivery !. If GBRF are paying for them as and when they use them then they will not be so bothered. Besides these are the last 66s that can be built with the current engine so I guess it was import these soon or never.

 

[BestWestern]

***YAWN...***

 

[61653 HTAFC]

***YAWN...***

I agree entirely, but on the bright side these will definitely be the last Sheds, barring any further second hand buys from Europe or Egypt!

 

[BestWestern]

I agree entirely, but on the bright side these will definitely be the last Sheds, barring any further second hand buys from Europe or Egypt!

Hoorah! I look forward to exciting new locos bringing much noise and clag just like proper trains are supposed to do!

 

[scott118]

http://www.gbrailfreight.com/media-centre/news-releases/

The Class 66s arrived at the Port at 16:00 on Friday, 12th February, before being unloaded and coupled together again at 08:00 this morning. The process should last one to two days, after which they are scheduled to be transported to Doncaster on Tuesday 16th February.

 

[59CosG95]

The working is apparently scheduled to be 0X66; no idea as to when it's running though.

 

[mfranjic]

The other day I came across an interesting video of the GBRf´s Class 66 locomotives while they were still on the North American continent...

[youtube]7xevIcC0yuA[/youtube]

Yesterday, a few days earlier than originally expected, GBRf 66773-66779 Class 66 locomotives arrived at Newport Docks. Some images of the unloading of the first locomotive:

http://www.railwayherald.co.uk/uknews/final-batch-of-class-66-locomotives-arrives

The freshly repainted 66708 was sent to collect the locomotives from the Docks and is scheduled to bring the locos to Doncaster on February 16.

Newly repainted Class 66, 66708 - ´Jayne', at Eastleigh Works, approaching the Severn Tunnel and heading to Newport Docks to collect the seven new GBRf 66's that arrived by the ship 'Happy Dragon'...

Photo taken by David Moreton (MainlineDiesels.net)

The unloading of these seven locomotives is a special moment as it is the very last time that new Class 66 - JT42CWR(M/-T1) locomotives are delivered to an European country. Because of the Stage IIIb emission legislation, the Stage IIIa compliant Class 66 may not be sold anymore to the customers in the EU. A Stage IIIb compliant version will not be developed by EMD/Progress Rail. Otherwise, Class 66 locomotives are powered by 12N-710G3B-T2 2.420 kW engine (EU 97/68 Stage IIIA).

https://twitter.com/GBRailfreight/status/698441682820456448/photo/1


Nice regards

Mario

 

[richieb1971]

Glad to see the back of these. Not only are they unexciting locos those EWS liveries on them look awful.

 

[RichmondCommu]

Glad to see the back of these. Not only are they unexciting locos those EWS liveries on them look awful.

Well I would hazard a guess that the class 66's will be here for many years to come given how reliable they are.

Not only that but once the current orders for the class 68's and 88's are completed I doubt that we will see any more new build loco's for at least 10 years, maybe longer. I can't see that situation changing until the oldest class 66's become life expired.

 

[Peter Sarf]

I heard that the convoy would head to Doncaster on Monday 15/2/2015 via Bescot. Indeed the the news item has now been changed http://www.gbrailfreight.com/media-centre/news-releases/

The Class 66s arrived at the Port at 16:00 on Friday, 12th February, before being unloaded and coupled together again at 08:00 this morning. The process should last one to two days, after which they are scheduled to be transported to Doncaster on Monday 15th February.

​

Hoorah! I look forward to exciting new locos bringing much noise and clag just like proper trains are supposed to do!

Well I know they are not the most exciting of locomotives but at least they ARE locomotives. Lets face it there are less and less locomotives around. There are not going to be many locomotives on passenger trains in the future (not even a class 43 T&T formation ) .

After the 13x68s, 5(?)x70s and 10x88s finish being delivered I cannot foresee any more new locomotives for quite some time. Probably until the 66s start to show their age. Goodness knows we might have freight Multiple Units by then !. Given that most freight nowadays is fixed formation - possibly more so than passenger trains were in the 80s :cry:.

 

[SpacePhoenix]

I heard that the convoy would head to Doncaster on Monday 15/2/2015 via Bescot. Indeed the the news item has now been changed http://www.gbrailfreight.com/media-centre/news-releases/

​

Well I know they are not the most exciting of locomotives but at least they ARE locomotives. Lets face it there are less and less locomotives around. There are not going to be many locomotives on passenger trains in the future (not even a class 43 T&T formation ) .

After the 13x68s, 5(?)x70s and 10x88s finish being delivered I cannot foresee any more new locomotives for quite some time. Probably until the 66s start to show their age. Goodness knows we might have freight Multiple Units by then !. Given that most freight nowadays is fixed formation - possibly more so than passenger trains were in the 80s :cry:.

Are there any more versions of the emissions regs due out in the next decade (where the emissions limit is even smaller)?

 

[Peter Sarf]

Are there any more versions of the emissions regs due out in the next decade (where the emissions limit is even smaller)?

I would not be surprised as I think the regs have tightened quite regularly. Then again perhaps not since the first 66s arrived. Someone on here will know.

 

[jopsuk]

So in the convoy video and in other sources one of the locos is being transported wrapped- presumably there's a special livery on it it and an unveiling ceremony planned?

 

[66Yorks]

There are never enough Class 66's in this country!

 

[Oxfordblues]

But.... There might very well be as referendum in the UK later this year on EU membership. The outcome is uncertain, but the signs seem to show a majority vote to leave. I which case the EU will cease to have jurisdiction over UK emissions policy and we can tell them what to do with their regulations. After which we'll be free to order more 66s.

 

[Emblematic]

Are there any more versions of the emissions regs due out in the next decade (where the emissions limit is even smaller)?

EU stage V is proposed for 2019-2021; no significant changes for locomotives, but railcar/MU applications see a further reduction in particulate matter and an additional limit on particulate number introduced, to reduce emissions of ultrafine particles. The power limits of the regulations are also removed, as one of the main drivers for stage V is to ensure all currently unregulated engines are covered.

 

[Philip Phlopp]

But.... There might very well be as referendum in the UK later this year on EU membership. The outcome is uncertain, but the signs seem to show a majority vote to leave. I which case the EU will cease to have jurisdiction over UK emissions policy and we can tell them what to do with their regulations. After which we'll be free to order more 66s.

UK exit from the EU is unlikely to make any difference, because the emissions legislation is being harmonised across the EU, the USA and elsewhere, manufacturers like CAT/EMD in this case are phasing out non compliant engines.

 

[Emblematic]

But.... There might very well be as referendum in the UK later this year on EU membership. The outcome is uncertain, but the signs seem to show a majority vote to leave. I which case the EU will cease to have jurisdiction over UK emissions policy and we can tell them what to do with their regulations. After which we'll be free to order more 66s.

Yes, because nothing would be finer than to have even more polluting diesels that are now banned in most advanced economies. Whatever the outcome of the EU referendum, I expect environmental regulations in this country to remain world-class.

 

[CosherB]

So in the convoy video and in other sources one of the locos is being transported wrapped- presumably there's a special livery on it it and an unveiling ceremony planned?

The 'special one' 66779 is to remain covered until it's public unveiling at the National Railway Museum in York in May. It will be named "Evening Star".

 

[D15]

Regarding the class 66`s move north, does anyone have any idea of the route/times ? Have tried Realtime Trains but could not find any information.

 

[furnessvale]

Yes, because nothing would be finer than to have even more polluting diesels that are now banned in most advanced economies. Whatever the outcome of the EU referendum, I expect environmental regulations in this country to remain world-class.

Of course if the legislators did the sensible thing and worked on gmsCO2 or NOx, whatever, per tonne/km of freight moved, across ALL forms of transport, we wouldn't have the farcical situation of the cleanest form of land freight transport struggling to meet emissions regs when its major competitor emits three times as much!

 

[cjmillsnun]

There are never enough always too many Class 66's in this country!

Fixed that for you.

 

[Emblematic]

Of course if the legislators did the sensible thing and worked on gmsCO2 or NOx, whatever, per tonne/km of freight moved, across ALL forms of transport, we wouldn't have the farcical situation of the cleanest form of land freight transport struggling to meet emissions regs when its major competitor emits three times as much!

However, only cars and LGVs have emissions regulations based on distance. Other engines are all measured related to power output, so the vehicle (let alone what it hauls) is not included. The regulations for rail applications are similar to other non-road uses, and much less demanding than road applications. Why should rail be exempt? And I fail to see any struggle, whenever locomotives or stock have been needed there are manufacturers ready to supply.

 

[D15]

0X66 10.45 Newport Docks to Doncaster Roberts Road shed now found on Realtime Trains.

 

[59CosG95]

0X66 10.45 Newport Docks to Doncaster Roberts Road shed now found on Realtime Trains.

And here's the link: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/O70592/2016/02/15/advanced

 

[furnessvale]

However, only cars and LGVs have emissions regulations based on distance. Other engines are all measured related to power output, so the vehicle (let alone what it hauls) is not included. The regulations for rail applications are similar to other non-road uses, and much less demanding than road applications. Why should rail be exempt? And I fail to see any struggle, whenever locomotives or stock have been needed there are manufacturers ready to supply.

The fact remains that road freight emits 3 times the pollutants/greenhouse gases as rail per tonne/km moved.

Present methods of measuring these things do not address this difference.

 

[tjlrailblue]

can't be that short of locos if one can sit around till may to await unveiling.

what do people think the livery will be?

br two tone green with small yellow warning panels is my hope / guess... actually suspect it will be some vinyl artwork type thing...

Tim

 

[mfranjic]

Final 66779 unloaded at Newport Feb.13th 2016. Landed at 13.50…

[youtube]LjkBNzTdfN4[/youtube]

The part of GBRf´s 66779 is from 2011 - the engine is reported to be from 66734 'The Eco Express' that was derailed at Loch Trieg in late june 2012, while working on 6S45 North Blyth - Fort William and cut up on site as it was written off by the insurance due to the cost of recovery in such a remote location.

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Loco Recovery - QTS Group

[youtube]O20QMStd_kU[/youtube]

It was initially thought that the 22-tonne EMD 12N-710G3B-T2 engine block would be too heavy to haul out and would need to be cut in site. In the event however, after removal of the turbocharger and separation of the main alternator, the engine was successfully lifted out by QTS Group engineers as a single unit, complete with its cylinder heads.

http://www.railwaymagazine.co.uk/news/derailed-class-66-to-be-cut-up-on-site

Nice regards to forum members and readers

Mario