class 66 Electric Conversion?

[popeter45]

so with plans to remove Diesel from Uk rails by 2040 for Freight I see an eventual potential Electric Loco Shortage at some point
how Feasible would it be to Convert Class 66 Locos to AC like what the plan was at one point for class 58's?
could Even be made Multivoltage for Cross Channel Freight or Export

 

[Energy]

Probably not, the 66s don't have an obvious spot for the pantograph, by 2040 the oldest will be ~40 years old anyway, freight locos do last longer than that but 40 years is still a long time.

 

[D365]

Far more likely (if at all) that the Class 68s could be converted to Class 88s. The Class 66 (and 59 before that) was never designed with electrification in mind.

 

[Domh245]

What would be the advantage of converting a 66 as opposed to new build?

 

[Nym]

What would be the advantage of converting a 66 as opposed to new build?

Horrible cabs and 87 different design variants?

 

[DB]

Far more likely (if at all) that the Class 68s could be converted to Class 88s. The Class 66 (and 59 before that) was never designed with electrification in mind.

The 68s are shorter than the 88s so possibly not enough space.

 

[bluenoxid]

If alternative fuels are sufficiently developed in the next few years, the 66 might be the chassis for that.

 

[D365]

The 68s are shorter than the 88s so possibly not enough space.

Fair enough. I seem to remember reading on a different thread (TPE-related) that a Class 68 > 88 conversion could be a future option. But, of course, it’s never quite as simple as it reads!

 

[Domh245]

Fair enough. I seem to remember reading on a different thread (TPE-related) that a Class 68 > 88 conversion could be a future option. But, of course, it’s never quite as simple as it reads!

I think that was in the context of changing what was on the front of the Mk5s as opposed to physically altering the locos themselves!

 

[D365]

I think that was in the context of changing what was on the front of the Mk5s as opposed to physically altering the locos themselves!

It’s been a long week

 

[randyrippley]

from a purely theoretical point of view, how easily would a class 60 convert to a 92 assuming the parts were available?
Both use essentially the same body shell - how much internal carving would it need??