GBRf Class 99 - 30 locomotives now ordered

[furnessvale]

Green Signals YouTube video on the Class 99

Including an interview with GBRf

Interesting that increased top speed is mentioned by the fairly simple expedient of changing the bogie dampers and reprogramming the computer.

 

[ac6000cw]

Looks like the rake of coaches is moving from Leicester LIP back to Yarmouth today - https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:92373/2025-07-02/detailed (slowly - 'Planned for 33mph max').

 

[zwk500]

slowly - 'Planned for 33mph max').

I believe that's been mentioned before as a known data issue with VSTP schedules. AFAIK all NR timing loads and authorised max speeds are in 5mph increments (except for possibly some odd bits of metric speeds).

 

[swt_passenger]

Looks like the rake of coaches is moving from Leicester LIP back to Yarmouth today - https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:92373/2025-07-02/detailed (slowly - 'Planned for 33mph max').

Convert by multiplying by the 2.236 factor it is 75 mph.

 

[ac6000cw]

Convert by multiplying by the 2.236 factor it is 75 mph.

Where does the 2.236 factor come from? (the metres/sec to mph conversion factor?)

 

[swt_passenger]

Where does the 2.236 factor come from? (the metres/sec to mph conversion factor?)

Yes. I‘ve not kept up with the reasons why it’s still a problem, Tom of RTT said he was aware of it being an issue quite a while ago now.

 

[ac6000cw]

Yes. I‘ve not kept up with the reasons why it’s still a problem, Tom of RTT said he was aware of it being an issue quite a while ago now.

Thanks - I'll know next time

 

[Ciderking]

I don't entirely understand why he says you're not going to see these in Portsmouth or Hastings because that's third rail country. Surely the reason you're unlikely to see them in those places is that there's not freight traffic. Third rail routes are no different to any other routes without overhead lines...unless you've got a third rail locomotive you're willing to use, which they don't.

Even more surprising was no mention of running to Southampton which sees a considerable number of container trains every day..

 

[92002]

Even more surprising was no mention of running to Southampton which sees a considerable number of container trains every day..

When the 99s start use with freight and the sleeper that could release 92s that can use both AC and third rail on trains to Southampton though

 

[zwk500]

When the 99s start use with freight and the sleeper that could release 92s that can use both AC and third rail on trains to Southampton though

And what do the 92s do between Reading and Basingstoke? I wouldn't fancy having to get out and push a half-mile long train weighing the thick end of 2000 tonnes.

Do GBRf run anything from Pengam to east London? That would have a fully wired route once Acton Bank is done, assuming there's a shunter or diesel to trip the wagons to Pengam sidings themselves. Electric freight would help clear the climbs out of the Severn Tunnel a fair bit quicker.

 

[99009]

Trust is showing 66701, 99001 & 66780, but then it was Trust that was showing 69009 on the 30th (initially it had nothing, quite an omission for a Q headcode). Let's say GBRf have previous with incorrectly allocated locos, if you look closely sometimes you'll find a loco allocated to a working that would be quite impossible given what it's worked previously or subsequently.... I never quite 100% trust what GBRf have put in...

Thank you. That's interesting Trust is showing 3 locos and RTT is showing 4, I don't trust what's put in either which is why I want to ask.

The other reason I want to ask is because, if both 99's were on 0Q93 last night, this would be the first time they ever visited Peterborough station. That's quite a significant moment for the class and for GBRF given how important Peterborough is to them and will only happen once, which is why I'd appreciate clarity over if it happened. Was anyone at Peterborough station for 0Q93 late last night who can confirm what locos were on the working please?

 

[Mollman]

And what do the 92s do between Reading and Basingstoke? I wouldn't fancy having to get out and push a half-mile long train weighing the thick end of 2000 tonnes.

Do GBRf run anything from Pengam to east London? That would have a fully wired route once Acton Bank is done, assuming there's a shunter or diesel to trip the wagons to Pengam sidings themselves. Electric freight would help clear the climbs out of the Severn Tunnel a fair bit quicker.

They currently run the Ford train which has previously used 90s and 88s with other operators

 

[92002]

Thank you. That's interesting Trust is showing 3 locos and RTT is showing 4, I don't trust what's put in either which is why I want to ask.

The other reason I want to ask is because, if both 99's were on 0Q93 last night, this would be the first time they ever visited Peterborough station. That's quite a significant moment for the class and for GBRF given how important Peterborough is to them and will only happen once, which is why I'd appreciate clarity over if it happened. Was anyone at Peterborough station for 0Q93 late last night who can confirm what locos were on the working please?

Both 99001 and 99092 at Peterborough today. Understand the consist foe the trip tomorrow is 66701, 99001 and 99002. Both arrived with 66313.

 

[99009]

Both 99001 and 99092 at Peterborough today. Understand the consist foe the trip tomorrow is 66701, 99001 and 99002. Both arrived with 66313.

Thank you. A VSTP path has now appeared for an 0Q57 Peterborough - Whitemoor, booked to run this evening. @92002 is this the trip you mean?

0Q57:

Realtime Trains | 0Q57 1830 Peterboro Maint Shed Gbrf to Whitemoor Yard L.D.C Gbrf | 03/07/2025

Real-time train running information for 0Q57 1830 departure from Peterboro Maint Shed Gbrf to Whitemoor Yard L.D.C Gbrf on 03/07/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[subria]

They currently run the Ford train which has previously used 90s and 88s with other operators

Seen that one leave Dagenham with a 66 and they added a 92 at Wembley for the pull north dragging the 66.

 

[800001]

anyone know the next moves for the 99s?
I was lead to believe they were moving to the Old Dalby test track today, but now I’ve been told they are moving to Whitemoor Yard

 

[ac6000cw]

anyone know the next moves for the 99s?
I was lead to believe they were moving to the Old Dalby test track today, but now I’ve been told they are moving to Whitemoor Yard

According to RTT, they (66734 + 99001 + 99002) did move to Whitemoor yesterday - https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:93060/2025-07-03/detailed

Nothing I can find in RTT at the moment for a move away from there.

(Pure speculation) Maybe they're going to try one on a bit of 'super shunting' around the yard with a long rake of loaded ballast wagons and some slippery stuff on the rails?

 

[800001]

Just seen on Linkedln that Gbrf have stated that the 99s will operate the new Belmond Britannic Explorer by 2027

GB Railfreight to haul Britain’s newest luxury sleeper train - Britannic Explorer | GB Railfreight

GB Railfreight to haul Britain’s newest luxury sleeper train - Britannic Explorer We’re proud to announce our new long-term partnership with Belmond to haul the Britannic Explorer — the first luxury sleeper train to journey across England and Wales. ☀️ Launching in summer 2025, this iconic...

www.linkedin.com

GB Railfreight to haul Britain’s newest luxury sleeper train - Britannic Explorer

We’re proud to announce our new long-term partnership with Belmond to haul the Britannic Explorer — the first luxury sleeper train to journey across England and Wales.

☀️ Launching in summer 2025, this iconic service will offer three-day itineraries to Wales, Cornwall, and the Lake District, with a fourth route coming in 2026.

In line with Belmond’s sustainability goals, both the Britannic Explorer and Royal Scotsman will transition to our cutting-edge Class 99 bi-mode locomotives by 2027 — reducing emissions while delivering world-class experiences.

️ From Michelin-starred dining to onboard spas and butler-serviced Grand Suites, this is slow travel at its finest.

 

[Korot]

Is that the first real confirmation that there will be 99s with ETS for passenger service?

 

[43096]

Is that the first real confirmation that there will be 99s with ETS for passenger service?

No, because the Belmond trains have a generator van and is currently hauled by 75mph Class 66s.

 

[800001]

Is that the first real confirmation that there will be 99s with ETS for passenger service?

Not necessarily. The stock may include a generator coach.
The 66s currently hauling that stock don’t have ETS do they?

 

[JohnMcL7]

Not necessarily. The stock may include a generator coach.
The 66s currently hauling that stock don’t have ETS do they?

The Belmond Royal Scotsman is currently hauled by non-ETS 66's, the new service is going to be stock transferred from Ireland that will make up the new service and also has a generator so wouldn't need an ETS equipped locomotive:

Belmond Grand Hibernian - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

The Belmond Grand Hibernian was a luxury train service in Ireland. The service was operated by Belmond, the operator of several other luxury trains including the Venice Simplon Orient Express. It was officially launched on 30 August 2016 and ceased on 14 October 2019. The carriages were transferred to England, and after a complete redesign, will enter to service again as Britannic Explorer from July 2025.

Carlow[8]

7601

55 60 99-87 104-3

Generator

 

[D365]

There was an article in Rail Magazine a few weeks ago that stated a subfleet of ten Class 99/4s will be delivered, initially to be used on the new Belmond service.

 

[43096]

There was an article in Rail Magazine a few weeks ago that stated a subfleet of ten Class 99/4s will be delivered, initially to be used on the new Belmond service.

The Belmond service does not need an ETH-fitted 99/4 fleet. It runs currently using 75mph, no-heat Class 66s.

 

[Noddy]

There was an article in Rail Magazine a few weeks ago that stated a subfleet of ten Class 99/4s will be delivered, initially to be used on the new Belmond service.

Surely a sub fleet of 10 heavy freight locos, regeared/with higher top speed, is a bit of a waste/very inefficient, considering the relatively occasional nature of the Belmond work.

 

[Trainbike46]

Surely a sub fleet of 10 heavy freight locos, regeared/with higher top speed, is a bit of a waste/very inefficient, considering the relatively occasional nature of the Belmond work.

There is talk of the 99s being used on the caledonian sleeper as well, at least north of Edinburgh. GBRf does currently have that contract, and it apparently inlcudes the option to use 99s.

In any case, GBRf is arguably the most succesful FOC, and I really doubt they'd order 10 99/4s unless they had a plan for what to do with them.

 

[800001]

The Belmond service does not need an ETH-fitted 99/4 fleet. It runs currently using 75mph, no-heat Class 66s.

This is for the new Belmond ‘Britannic Explorer’ train which Gbrf themselves have stated that the 99s will start working on it during 2027.

 

[43096]

This is for the new Belmond ‘Britannic Explorer’ train which Gbrf themselves have stated that the 99s will start working on it during 2027.

I am well aware of what it is. My point still stands, though: the Britannic Explorer will run with a generator van and Class 66s before the 99s take over. It does not need ETH fitted Class 99s for them to take over - indeed the train supply on the train is non-standard for Britain.

 

[ac6000cw]

Surely a sub fleet of 10 heavy freight locos, regeared/with higher top speed, is a bit of a waste/very inefficient, considering the relatively occasional nature of the Belmond work.

According to what was said by (GBRf's) Bob Tiller in the recent Green Signals video (from 4:49), raising the top speed only involves changing the bogie dampers and a software change. So the 99/4s should be just as capable hauling freight as the 99/0s when they're not required for passenger use, and will doubtless do so. In reality, at 113t the 99's are lighter than or similar weight to a class 47 or 57, so should be fine passenger locos. I'm a bit surprised the data table on the cab side (shown in the video) says RA7, given the sub-19t axle-load (which I think is nominally RA5/RA6 territory?):



Also, the current GBRf sleeper haulage contract announcement in 2023 (for 7 years) mentions the possible use of 99s in the future - https://www.gbrailfreight.com/gb-ra...al-to-support-new-era-for-caledonian-sleeper/ , so the 99/4s should be hauling more than the Belmond trains in the future.

Operations will continue to use Class 92s and Class 73s to haul the service, with the length of the new agreement offering the potential opportunity to consider incorporating GBRf’s new bi-mode Class 99 locomotives in the future. Utilising the Class 99s would create a significant reduction in the volume of carbon created by the service.

 

[Noddy]

changing the bogie dampers and a software change

Fair enough but that still sounds like a trip to a depot job, reducing the flexibility of the locos. Obviously if they order more it may be different but assuming they stick with 30 having two small subfleets of 20 and 10 seems a lot less efficient than one fleet of 30.