Class 67s to run at 125 mph in 2011

[jonhewes]

67's are no good for freight, I would imagine it is for passenger use, as for mk3's not being able to run at 125, all the HST's have Mk3's and the HST's will be taken out in the distant future freeing up hell of a lot 125 rated coaches, however, if this is the case either the DVT's need to be modified, there is top and tail or a run round it is never going to happen, a 67 will struggle to reaqch 125 on any up gradient even slight so I cannot see why DB shenker are even suggeting it. Tests have been carried out recently using 67010 that is now back at bescot.

I think you're making a sweeping generalisation in your post. Although the 67 is less suited to heavy freight than other dedicated freight type 5s, they do seem to cope admirably on car trains, ferry wagons and bin liner trains. They are far superior to the old type 3 and 4 BR designs they've replaced.

I've also been on numerous 67 hauled charters and an Intercity 225 (East Coast MKIV set + class 91) dragged away from the wires behind a 67, and despite the long trains, acceleration was impressive.

As for their 125 MPH capability, I believe that one 67 exceeded 140 MPH when on test in Spain, and during testing in 2001, 125 MPH was reached on a test run (while hauling a rake of MKIII HST trailers).

As for using ex HSTI MKII rakes hauled by 67s after HSTs have been withdrawn, there would need to be electrical work carried out on the coaches due to the fact they are configured to work with the non-standard ETS provided by the class 43 power cars.

 

[truckman060473]

What a loco is capable of pulling is always of great interest to me, and the 67 is sketchy when it comes to its tractive effort. On even shallow inclines it will suffer due to its high gearing, but is good with light loads. The 67 + 4 X mk2 + 67 when it ran on the Cardiff - Taunton used to emerge from the climb out of Severn Tunnel at a very respectable speed easily 55 - 60mph. But at the other extreme, I have a Traction vid from 10yrs back where it showed a 67 surplus to requirements hauling 35 HAA hoppers. How did it manage that? Must have been on a duty with no gradients or that could have ground to a halt.

 

[sprinterguy]

I've also been on numerous 67 hauled charters and an Intercity 225 (East Coast MKIV set + class 91) dragged away from the wires behind a 67, and despite the long trains, acceleration was impressive.

As for their 125 MPH capability, I believe that one 67 exceeded 140 MPH when on test in Spain, and during testing in 2001, 125 MPH was reached on a test run (while hauling a rake of MKIII HST trailers).

When new, 67003 was intended to be tested at 125mph+10% (137.5mph) on the GWML, I assume this actually went ahead.

67s offer a very fast acceleration with lighter trains such as passenger workings and parcels vans, but are hampered by their high gearing when it comes to hauling heavy freight. I've heard of them working 35 and 36 wagon MGRs in the past as well, and that bemuses me as to how they shifted that sot of load, unless they only worked empties.

67s were tested on the North Wales Coast with four Arriva mk 2s a few years ago (Similar formation to the FGW workings), and drivers reported that acceleration with such a light load and 3200hp on tap was brisk to say the least!

 

[YorkshireBear]

is it economical to run a 67 +4-5-6 marks 2's on a service? that is well crowded? not a stupid unused service i mean a regularly overcrowded one

 

[MCR247]

Depends, for example

- It would be if say it was a loop working, so no need for DVTs etc
- If it is on a busy commuter line, if so, the extra dwell time would have knock on effects

 

[railwaybuddy]

http://rail-news.com/2010/11/30/db-schenker-to-run-125-mph-services-in-2011/

that sounds imposible