GBRf Class 99 - 30 locomotives now ordered

[Harlequinuk]

GBRf has already advised that there will be a ’99/4’ subfleet with ETH fitted. Ostensibly for use on Belmond’s Britannic Explorer charter train.

Pretty sure its for the Sleeper post 2030, once the new contract comes in, so the 73s can be sent to roost and the 66s returned to frieght

 

[43096]

Pretty sure its for the Sleeper post 2030, once the new contract comes in, so the 73s can be sent to roost and the 66s returned to frieght

That is assuming that GBRf retain the contract.

 

[nigelsporne]

Looks as though the trip to Hams Hall will not take place. Pity.

 

[99009]

Looks as though the trip to Hams Hall will not take place. Pity.

Indeed, there's now a direct path for the 99's to go from Leicester to Peterborough and this will run instead with a delayed start from Leicester.

Realtime Trains | 0Q99 1639 Leicester L.I.P. to Peterborough North Yd Gbrf | 10/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 0Q99 1639 departure from Leicester L.I.P. to Peterborough North Yd Gbrf on 10/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[Tony2]

0Q99 just departed Leicester 41 late, 99001 and 99002 showing on RTT.

 

[waverley47]

I don't suppose anyone knows why there are two 99s sitting in the Klondyke siding at Waverley this morning?

 

[800001]

I don't suppose anyone knows why there are two 99s sitting in the Klondyke siding at Waverley this morning?

Post 1075 has all the details.

 

[waverley47]

Post 1075 has all the details.

Fair enough. They were both looking very smart as I passed through.

 

[Tony2]

I don't suppose anyone knows why there are two 99s sitting in the Klondyke siding at Waverley this morning?

Here they are:

 

[31160]

Here they are:

View attachment 192097

Obviously in position for the sleeper tonight

 

[Tony2]

Obviously in position for the sleeper tonight

Now I like that idea, drag the 92 along for ETS!

 

[Harlequinuk]

Now I like that idea, drag the 92 along for ETS!

Drag the 73/9 along for the ETS as it works north!

 

[Class15]

Is it just me or has the livery been changed? The GBRf lettering and numbers look different.

 

[99009]

Correct, there have been slight alterations to the livery on the locos. GBRf on the side is now slightly smaller, the big number previously on the side has been removed and the number under GB Railfreight by the data panel is in a different font.

I wonder if the 99's have failed on 4Q38? They arrived at Slateford on time returning towards Millerhill yard and have been there ever since. 3S93 and 2Y89 are stuck behind them. They lost time en route to Scotland last night as well on 4Q45.

EDIT: 4Q38 now on the move delayed, but towards Haymarket and Edinburgh Waverley instead of the Edinburgh sub!
EDIT (2): 4Q38 has passed Platform 11 at Edinburgh Waverley heading towards Millerhill at 21:47. 3S93, which was stuck behind 4Q38, went via the Edinburgh sub as booked.
EDIT (3): 4Q38 has now passed through Musselburgh, Wallyford and Prestonpans and is in the UPL there as of 22:20.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Nov 2025 ==

Latest update with what I know as of 00:10 on Wednesday morning and with a couple of questions:

I can confirm with 100% certainty the route taken by 4Q38 after passing Slateford to return to Millerhill yard was via Haymarket, Edinburgh (Platform 11), Abbeyhill Jn, Portobello Jn, Musselburgh, Wallyford, Prestonpans and Prestonpans UPL. I can also confirm with 100% certainty that the consist of 4Q38 was 99001+99002+22 grey VTG branded boxes+69003 in that order for this part of the journey.

Which leads to question 1. I think that the 99's ran around 4Q38 in Prestonpans UPL and hauled the train to Millerhill yard via Monktonhall Jn. Can anyone please confirm this/what happened with 4Q38 at Prestonpans UPL?

And while I'm at it, question 2. I think 99001 led 4Q45 Peterborough - Millerhill. Does anyone know this for certain please?

Now back to what I know. Because of the delay with 4Q38 above, the plan has changed. 4Q40 has been cancelled and the 99's are going to Edinburgh Waverley as 0Q42 soon.

0Q42 Millerhill - Edinburgh:

Realtime Trains | 0Q42 0130 Millerhill S.S. to Edinburgh | 12/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 0Q42 0130 departure from Millerhill S.S. to Edinburgh on 12/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

That means anyone who missed them stabled at Edinburgh Waverley has another chance to see them today as they'll be here until 20:00. Subject to whatever the problem was on 4Q38 and if it can be fixed, they'll then leave back to Millerhill:

0Q42 Edinburgh - Millerhill:

Realtime Trains | 0Q42 2007 Edinburgh to Millerhill S.S. | 12/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 0Q42 2007 departure from Edinburgh to Millerhill S.S. on 12/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Then they'll do one more Millerhill - Millerhill run; headcode 4Q42:

Realtime Trains | 4Q42 2140 Millerhill S.S. to Millerhill S.S. | 12/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 4Q42 2140 departure from Millerhill S.S. to Millerhill S.S. on 12/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Before heading back south as 4Q43 Millerhill - Peterborough in the early hours of Thursday morning:

Realtime Trains | 4Q43 0130 Millerhill S.S. to Peterborough North Yd Gbrf | 13/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 4Q43 0130 departure from Millerhill S.S. to Peterborough North Yd Gbrf on 13/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Finally, back to base at Leicester on Thursday morning running in daylight throughout:

Realtime Trains | 0Q98 0845 Peterborough North Yd Gbrf to Leicester L.I.P. | 13/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 0Q98 0845 departure from Peterborough North Yd Gbrf to Leicester L.I.P. on 13/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

I hope I'm not annoying anyone with my posts, I'm just trying to update and pass on gen with what's going on to anyone reading.

 

[RUK]

Here they are:

View attachment 192097

I wish there were a photo showing all of a Class 92 and all of a Class 99 next to each other side-on, for the sake of comparison.

 

[Dood75]

Correct, there have been slight alterations to the livery on the locos. GBRf on the side is now slightly smaller, the big number previously on the side has been removed and the number under GB Railfreight by the data panel is in a different font.

I wonder if the 99's have failed on 4Q38? They arrived at Slateford on time returning towards Millerhill yard and have been there ever since. 3S93 and 2Y89 are stuck behind them. They lost time en route to Scotland last night as well on 4Q45.

EDIT: 4Q38 now on the move delayed, but towards Haymarket and Edinburgh Waverley instead of the Edinburgh sub!
EDIT (2): 4Q38 has passed Platform 11 at Edinburgh Waverley heading towards Millerhill at 21:47. 3S93, which was stuck behind 4Q38, went via the Edinburgh sub as booked.
EDIT (3): 4Q38 has now passed through Musselburgh, Wallyford and Prestonpans and is in the UPL there as of 22:20.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Nov 2025 ==

Latest update with what I know as of 00:10 on Wednesday morning and with a couple of questions:

I can confirm with 100% certainty the route taken by 4Q38 after passing Slateford to return to Millerhill yard was via Haymarket, Edinburgh (Platform 11), Abbeyhill Jn, Portobello Jn, Musselburgh, Wallyford, Prestonpans and Prestonpans UPL. I can also confirm with 100% certainty that the consist of 4Q38 was 99001+99002+22 grey VTG branded boxes+69003 in that order for this part of the journey.

Which leads to question 1. I think that the 99's ran around 4Q38 in Prestonpans UPL and hauled the train to Millerhill yard via Monktonhall Jn. Can anyone please confirm this/what happened with 4Q38 at Prestonpans UPL?

And while I'm at it, question 2. I think 99001 led 4Q45 Peterborough - Millerhill. Does anyone know this for certain please?

Now back to what I know. Because of the delay with 4Q38 above, the plan has changed. 4Q40 has been cancelled and the 99's are going to Edinburgh Waverley as 0Q42 soon.

0Q42 Millerhill - Edinburgh:

Realtime Trains | 0Q42 0130 Millerhill S.S. to Edinburgh | 12/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 0Q42 0130 departure from Millerhill S.S. to Edinburgh on 12/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

That means anyone who missed them stabled at Edinburgh Waverley has another chance to see them today as they'll be here until 20:00. Subject to whatever the problem was on 4Q38 and if it can be fixed, they'll then leave back to Millerhill:

0Q42 Edinburgh - Millerhill:

Realtime Trains | 0Q42 2007 Edinburgh to Millerhill S.S. | 12/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 0Q42 2007 departure from Edinburgh to Millerhill S.S. on 12/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Then they'll do one more Millerhill - Millerhill run; headcode 4Q42:

Realtime Trains | 4Q42 2140 Millerhill S.S. to Millerhill S.S. | 12/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 4Q42 2140 departure from Millerhill S.S. to Millerhill S.S. on 12/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Before heading back south as 4Q43 Millerhill - Peterborough in the early hours of Thursday morning:

Realtime Trains | 4Q43 0130 Millerhill S.S. to Peterborough North Yd Gbrf | 13/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 4Q43 0130 departure from Millerhill S.S. to Peterborough North Yd Gbrf on 13/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Finally, back to base at Leicester on Thursday morning running in daylight throughout:

Realtime Trains | 0Q98 0845 Peterborough North Yd Gbrf to Leicester L.I.P. | 13/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 0Q98 0845 departure from Peterborough North Yd Gbrf to Leicester L.I.P. on 13/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

I hope I'm not annoying anyone with my posts, I'm just trying to update and pass on gen with what's going on to anyone reading.

Q2..yes, 99001 led pan up with 99002 behind pan down when passing the Donny Railcam at Midnight having picked up 69003 in Doncaster Decoy

 

[Tony2]

Correct, there have been slight alterations to the livery on the locos. GBRf on the side is now slightly smaller, the big number previously on the side has been removed and the number under GB Railfreight by the data panel is in a different font.

I wonder if the 99's have failed on 4Q38? They arrived at Slateford on time returning towards Millerhill yard and have been there ever since. 3S93 and 2Y89 are stuck behind them. They lost time en route to Scotland last night as well on 4Q45.

EDIT: 4Q38 now on the move delayed, but towards Haymarket and Edinburgh Waverley instead of the Edinburgh sub!
EDIT (2): 4Q38 has passed Platform 11 at Edinburgh Waverley heading towards Millerhill at 21:47. 3S93, which was stuck behind 4Q38, went via the Edinburgh sub as booked.
EDIT (3): 4Q38 has now passed through Musselburgh, Wallyford and Prestonpans and is in the UPL there as of 22:20.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Nov 2025 ==

Latest update with what I know as of 00:10 on Wednesday morning and with a couple of questions:

I can confirm with 100% certainty the route taken by 4Q38 after passing Slateford to return to Millerhill yard was via Haymarket, Edinburgh (Platform 11), Abbeyhill Jn, Portobello Jn, Musselburgh, Wallyford, Prestonpans and Prestonpans UPL. I can also confirm with 100% certainty that the consist of 4Q38 was 99001+99002+22 grey VTG branded boxes+69003 in that order for this part of the journey.

Which leads to question 1. I think that the 99's ran around 4Q38 in Prestonpans UPL and hauled the train to Millerhill yard via Monktonhall Jn. Can anyone please confirm this/what happened with 4Q38 at Prestonpans UPL?

And while I'm at it, question 2. I think 99001 led 4Q45 Peterborough - Millerhill. Does anyone know this for certain please?

Now back to what I know. Because of the delay with 4Q38 above, the plan has changed. 4Q40 has been cancelled and the 99's are going to Edinburgh Waverley as 0Q42 soon.

0Q42 Millerhill - Edinburgh:

Realtime Trains | 0Q42 0130 Millerhill S.S. to Edinburgh | 12/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 0Q42 0130 departure from Millerhill S.S. to Edinburgh on 12/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

That means anyone who missed them stabled at Edinburgh Waverley has another chance to see them today as they'll be here until 20:00. Subject to whatever the problem was on 4Q38 and if it can be fixed, they'll then leave back to Millerhill:

0Q42 Edinburgh - Millerhill:

Realtime Trains | 0Q42 2007 Edinburgh to Millerhill S.S. | 12/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 0Q42 2007 departure from Edinburgh to Millerhill S.S. on 12/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Then they'll do one more Millerhill - Millerhill run; headcode 4Q42:

Realtime Trains | 4Q42 2140 Millerhill S.S. to Millerhill S.S. | 12/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 4Q42 2140 departure from Millerhill S.S. to Millerhill S.S. on 12/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Before heading back south as 4Q43 Millerhill - Peterborough in the early hours of Thursday morning:

Realtime Trains | 4Q43 0130 Millerhill S.S. to Peterborough North Yd Gbrf | 13/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 4Q43 0130 departure from Millerhill S.S. to Peterborough North Yd Gbrf on 13/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Finally, back to base at Leicester on Thursday morning running in daylight throughout:

Realtime Trains | 0Q98 0845 Peterborough North Yd Gbrf to Leicester L.I.P. | 13/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 0Q98 0845 departure from Peterborough North Yd Gbrf to Leicester L.I.P. on 13/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

I hope I'm not annoying anyone with my posts, I'm just trying to update and pass on gen with what's going on to anyone reading.

Only thing that annoyed me yesterday was 4Q38s ability to avoid my attempts at catching it!! What should have been a simple 30 minute walk turned out into a couple of hours as it seemed to get the freedom of the network.

I’ve a couple of comments to add. 4Q38 arrived at Slateford and the route was actually set on Traksy for the Edinburgh suburban line and then to Millerhill as planned. For some reason the signal never turned from red to green though. It waited for around 20 minutes with 3S93 right behind and to my dismay the route reset to Haymarket and Waverley! As you say 3S93 routed via the sub so it was not a track issue.

I made a dash to Brunstane in time to see it stopped for some time at Portobello Junction. I assumed it would get the route via Brunstane and Newcraighall to Millerhill direct. After another long pause it was routed as you say for a jolly up the ECML to Prestonpans! More frustration for me and cue plan C.

Only thing I didn’t see was a run round of the 99s at Prestonpans loop. It went in there to allow 5E83(?) ECS to pass, then seemed to run further eastbound back on to the main line then reverse with 69003 leading into Millerhill. For a run round SHNT or 0Q38 would show and I didn’t see this. I can’t confirm what actually happened though.

After arrival 4Q38 was signalled out of Millerhill yard, so I waited yet again to see if it would work 4Q40 as planned. It reached the next signal out of the yard then disappeared completely off the maps suggesting another reverse back into the yard into another loop. 0Q42 then worked to Waverley as planned.

Any explanation regarding the off route working would be welcomed, as well as confirmation of whether the 69 led from Prestonpans to Millerhill. My impression is that the off routing was requested at the last minute for some unknown reason, which would explain the long delays at junction signals.

 

[norbitonflyer]

I’ve a couple of comments to add. 4Q38 arrived at Slateford and the route was actually set on Traksy for the Edinburgh suburban line and then to Millerhill as planned. For some reason the signal never turned from red to green though. It waited for around 20 minutes with 3S93 right behind and to my dismay the route reset to Haymarket and Waverley! As you say 3S93 routed via the sub so it was not a track issue.

Only thing I didn’t see was a run round of the 99s at Prestonpans loop. It went in there to allow 5E83(?) ECS to pass, then seemed to run further eastbound back on to the main line then reverse with 69003 leading into Millerhill. For a run round SHNT or 0Q38 would show and I didn’t see this. I can’t confirm what actually happened though.

Any explanation regarding the off route working would be welcomed, as well as confirmation of whether the 69 led from Prestonpans to Millerhill. My impression is that the off routing was requested at the last minute for some unknown reason, which would explain the long delays at junction signals.

Could it have been a problem with the diesel engine on one or both locos? (Would both be needed to run on the sub?) With the 69 providing the power into Millerhill.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Nov 2025 ==

ETH is not required for the Britannic Explorer as it has Irish standard train supply and a generator van in the formation. It would be mighty cold on board (not to say no food available) otherwise, as it is Class 66 hauled.

But they could dispense with the generator van if the loco had ETH. (And provide "hotel power" without burning diesel when under the wires)

 

[ac6000cw]

Re. potential ETS capabilities of a future version of the 99, see this post (and subsequent discussion) - https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/gbrf-class-99-30-locomotives-now-ordered.228787/post-7365570

The gist of it is that there is provision in the main transformer design for adding ETS capability on AC.

But they could dispense with the generator van if the loco had ETH. (And provide "hotel power" without burning diesel when under the wires)

As 43096 said, the Britannic Explorer stock is ex-Irish stock using US-style (and HST-style) 3-phase AC ETS, not the UIC style DC or single-phase AC ETS supply. I assume you'd need to add a static inverter to convert the ETS from the loco to 3-phase AC or do the same inside a couple of the 99s (if that is possible, in the space available).

 

[cce]

Don't brittanic operations have the loco going off for fuelling/servicing leaving passengers with the stock and so a generator would be needed anyway?

 

[43096]

But they could dispense with the generator van if the loco had ETH.

As I said, it is a non-standard system so you’d be adding a load of cost in to the loco build for a very niche use. Added to that it would limit Belmond’s options if it wanted to change traction supplier.

(And provide "hotel power" without burning diesel when under the wires)

And instead leave the locos switched on all night burning diesel.

 

[Harlequinuk]

Photo credit to Photo is 2x Class 99 at Waverly with the Caledonian Class 92 in front

Will 'Minty' Courtis​

Photo is 2x Class 99 at Waverly with the Caledonian Class 92 in front

 

[Jedipickles]

Only thing that annoyed me yesterday was 4Q38s ability to avoid my attempts at catching it!! What should have been a simple 30 minute walk turned out into a couple of hours as it seemed to get the freedom of the network.

I’ve a couple of comments to add. 4Q38 arrived at Slateford and the route was actually set on Traksy for the Edinburgh suburban line and then to Millerhill as planned. For some reason the signal never turned from red to green though. It waited for around 20 minutes with 3S93 right behind and to my dismay the route reset to Haymarket and Waverley! As you say 3S93 routed via the sub so it was not a track issue.

I made a dash to Brunstane in time to see it stopped for some time at Portobello Junction. I assumed it would get the route via Brunstane and Newcraighall to Millerhill direct. After another long pause it was routed as you say for a jolly up the ECML to Prestonpans! More frustration for me and cue plan C.

Only thing I didn’t see was a run round of the 99s at Prestonpans loop. It went in there to allow 5E83(?) ECS to pass, then seemed to run further eastbound back on to the main line then reverse with 69003 leading into Millerhill. For a run round SHNT or 0Q38 would show and I didn’t see this. I can’t confirm what actually happened though.

After arrival 4Q38 was signalled out of Millerhill yard, so I waited yet again to see if it would work 4Q40 as planned. It reached the next signal out of the yard then disappeared completely off the maps suggesting another reverse back into the yard into another loop. 0Q42 then worked to Waverley as planned.

Any explanation regarding the off route working would be welcomed, as well as confirmation of whether the 69 led from Prestonpans to Millerhill. My impression is that the off routing was requested at the last minute for some unknown reason, which would explain the long delays at junction signals.

The 99s had issues doing the power changeover from AC to Diesel so couldn't go via the Sub.
Whilst on it's way to Portbello Jn via Waverley, it was discovered they're not clearly cleared via Portbello Jn and Niddrie South Jn which is also why the LE movements to Waverley have been via the Sub and Haymarket.
So they sent it to Prestonpans UPL for 69003 to drag it back into Millerhill via Monktonhall Jn.

 

[Tony2]

The 99s had issues doing the power changeover from AC to Diesel so couldn't go via the Sub.
Whilst on it's way to Portbello Jn via Waverley, it was discovered they're not clearly cleared via Portbello Jn and Niddrie South Jn which is also why the LE movements to Waverley have been via the Sub and Haymarket.
So they sent it to Prestonpans UPL for 69003 to drag it back into Millerhill via Monktonhall Jn.

Thanks for that, answers all of my questions concisely.

 

[92002]

Here they are:

View attachment 192097

Or looking from the other end.

Stabled in the Klondyke sidings at Edinburgh, between overnight testing. Class 99s Nos. 99002and 99001 wait for their next turn of duty on 11th November 2025

 

[99009]

Thank you very much @Dood75 @Tony2 and @Jedipickles for your answers, all extremely helpful and welcome. Let's see if any power changeover issues are still present tonight. There might have been those issues on 4Q45 too, as there was a delay leaving Peterborough yard and joining the ECML.

 

[Roger B]

Photo credit to Photo is 2x Class 99 at Waverly with the Caledonian Class 92 in front

Will 'Minty' Courtis​

Photo is 2x Class 99 at Waverly with the Caledonian Class 92 in front

Might just be a trick of the lens, but the 99s look taller and narrower than the 92. Or is that actually the case?

 

[Jessicas Dad]

0Q42 Edinburgh - Millerhill:

Realtime Trains | 0Q42 2007 Edinburgh to Millerhill S.S. | 12/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 0Q42 2007 departure from Edinburgh to Millerhill S.S. on 12/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Not sure if there is an issue but Traksy is still showing 0Q42 in Edinburgh as of 21:08 with realtime trains showing a departure time of 20:12 but then nothing at Princes St Gardens.

I was planning on going to Camelon to see them but not sure if that will happen now....

 

[_toommm_]

Not sure if there is an issue but Traksy is still showing 0Q42 in Edinburgh as of 21:08 with realtime trains showing a departure time of 20:12 but then nothing at Princes St Gardens.

I was planning on going to Camelon to see them but not sure if that will happen now....

Showing cancelled on Charlwood House at 21:07:22

 

[Jessicas Dad]

Showing cancelled on Charlwood House at 21:07:22

Thanks - guess I'll catch them another time.