Colas 70's

[Photohunter71]

Now we know the company who will be using 70 099,the Turkish built example,will the other Colas 70's be US or Turkish built?

 

[bolli]

Now we know the company who will be using 70 099,the Turkish built example,will the other Colas 70's be US or Turkish built?

I was under the impression that they were already under construction in the US..

 

[anthony263]

So far all I have heard in the various rumours and the reports published in some magazines that Colas were looking at ordering some class 70's as their business expands.

Nothing official at the moment however

 

[Monty]

First I've heard of a definite order of Class 70s from Colas as anthony263 has mentioned I had heard rumours but nothing set in stone.

 

[Boothby97]

The first locomotives (70802-805) were reported on WNXX last week, to be under construction in the US, and should arrive sometime in November. 70801 (which was formerly 70099) is now in Colas Rail livery at Cardiff Canton, and is currently being used for crew training.

 

[fgwrich]

The first locomotives (70802-805) were reported on WNXX last week, to be under construction in the US, and should arrive sometime in November. 70801 (which was formerly 70099) is now in Colas Rail livery at Cardiff Canton, and is currently being used for crew training.

But won't be let out and about until the others start to make a visible appearance. That's the plan I gather, as Colas want to make a show of it - and good on them.

 

[Trainfan344]

Why are these class 70's 708xx's yet the only other 70's are 700xx's

 

[anthony263]

Probably the numbering system that Colas have decided to adopt

 

[Ciderking]

Colas already have the 668xx series therefore the 708xx ?

 

[Peter Mugridge]

The class 377/6 units have bagged the 701xx, 702xx, 703xx, 704xx and 705xx number sequence for their individual carriages.

Presumably one of the other new orders has bagged the 706xx and 707xx sequences?

 

[Peter Sarf]

The class 377/6 units have bagged the 701xx, 702xx, 703xx, 704xx and 705xx number sequence for their individual carriages.

Presumably one of the other new orders has bagged the 706xx and 707xx sequences?

Yes I noticed that and I had hoped that the advent of the class 377/6 coach numbering spelt the end for more class 70s . Seriously though if Colas are ordering more 70s does that mean that the Freightliner 70s are getting reliable enough ?.

 

[Photohunter71]

If they are getting reliable,then Freightliner may well see the balance of their order delivered which would give if it happens, 35 of the class.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

*defrosts large supply of burgers and sausages*

 

[TrainBoy98]

*defrosts large supply of burgers and sausages*

Sounds fun, can I join you for this trackside BBQ?

 

[Photohunter71]

*defrosts large supply of burgers and sausages*

Now that's comedy!

 

[anthony263]

Sounds fun, can I join you for this trackside BBQ?

I am tempted to do the same. Maybe we should do a collection for charity at the same time.

I suppose the driver could also get a snack while we wait for the fire to be put out

 

[TrainBoy98]

I am tempted to do the same. Maybe we should do a collection for charity at the same time.

I suppose the driver could also get a snack while we wait for the fire to be put out

Haha

 

[cj_1985]

What I find odd about the current rumours re. Colas buying class 70s for a November delivery is simply how soon they are expected , unless they meant November 2014... look at the class 66s GBRf are getting built for delivery next year... from order to delivery at least a year...

So either Colas ordered class 70s way back last year (before getting to evaluate the likes of 70099/70801) or GE had already started assembling class 70s expecting to deliver more to freightliner, or GE already had build kits to hand to allow such a rapid build and delivery schedule.

 

[Photohunter71]

They may well have been ready kits that GE were building for Freightliner which would allow for a November delivery date.

 

[al.currie93]

I am tempted to do the same. Maybe we should do a collection for charity at the same time.

I suppose the driver could also get a snack while we wait for the fire to be put out

I don't think you'll have the opportunity for any of that I'm afraid; they probably won't be able to withstand the speed at which they're unloaded off the ship :P

 

[Peter Sarf]

I don't think you'll have the opportunity for any of that I'm afraid; they probably won't be able to withstand the speed at which they're unloaded off the ship :P

Hmm - reminds me . My friend dropped his barbeque and broke it so its all becoming clear . Mind you I could fix the barbeque .

 

[83G/84D]

The first locomotives (70802-805) were reported on WNXX last week, to be under construction in the US, and should arrive sometime in November. 70801 (which was formerly 70099) is now in Colas Rail livery at Cardiff Canton, and is currently being used for crew training.

Anyone able to provide a link to a photo of 70801 in Colas colours? It is now at Eastleigh by the way so if not already repainted it could be soon.

 

[Ciderking]

It left Eastleigh in August and is still under wraps at Cardiff I believe.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sparro...photolist-foyULw-foPJFo-eBUJ1z-fotLBD-fpckzx/

 

[83G/84D]

It left Eastleigh in August and is still under wraps at Cardiff I believe.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sparro...photolist-foyULw-foPJFo-eBUJ1z-fotLBD-fpckzx/

TOPS is wrong then as it shows it at Eastleigh.

 

[Boothby97]

TOPS is wrong then as it shows it at Eastleigh.

It's been proven that it's not always correct

 

[Photohunter71]

What on earth will Colas be using them to haul anyway?

 

[fgwrich]

What on earth will Colas be using them to haul anyway?

Well, Colas does seem to have picked up a lot of work recently bolstering their current traffic. Suggestions ive seen will be that the Log traffic will largely go over to 70 traction - WCML ones being the main and first one, but Colas has picked up various infrastructure jobs lately - Eastleigh to Hoo and return (Is Westbury - Eastleigh now Colas too?), There's the Colas Coal contract too which has been switched from Wolsingham to Portbury to Ratcliffe now.

 

[Peter Sarf]

I think it was capacity on the WCML and the need for longer trains that tempted Freightliner into the world of 70s ?. So makes sense for Colas to need the same for their traffic using the WCML.

 

[Beveridges]

Colas have a requirement for longer Log trains so the 70 will come in use for that. The only good thing I have to say about 70's is they are better than 66's.

 

[fgwrich]

Colas have a requirement for longer Log trains so the 70 will come in use for that. The only good thing I have to say about 70's is they are better than 66's.

Better. Hmmm. More rateable? Definitely!

(I do admit I quite like seeing them pass purely from the variety of weird and wonderful sounds those GEC Traction motors seem to make at certain speeds, Let alone the deep rumble of that engine!)

I'd probably hazard a guess as well, that with Colas taking on these 70s for the Log & Coal traffics there will then be a cascade of the 5 66s to predominantly engineering duties - such as blockades and the Eastleigh - Hoo / Westbury jobs.