Double-headed Class 66 / 37 freight trains: is this usual?

[madmack37]

I had a day train spotting at Carlisle last Thursday and, among the usual log and coal trains there has been some activity on the container trains.

Firstly the Tesco train seems to be double headed by two DRS 66s. At first I thought the second loco had failed but when I next saw it both locos where powering.

Secondly on Thursdays instead of a class 66 on the Malcoms train, a pair of DRS 37s which provided a nice sound track on departire It is good to see the icons at hard work. Is this common or not?

mark

 

[Monty]

To my knowledge due to weight of Tescos container train two 66s are required to keep to the trains booked timings. DRS have recently won back the contract to operate the train from DBS who were able to use a single Class 92 on this train. They had been mutterings of a deal about DRS doing a loco swap with GBRf for a 92 to run the service, but I've not heard anything about that in quite a while.

 

[455driver]

The 66s are not exactly quick up Shap thats for sure!

 

[Boothby97]

DRS 37s are creeping up a bit more on intermodals but it is still rare.
The log train should be going to double 56s
Thanks, Sam

 

[12CSVT]

As long as the locos are capable of being coupled together, any combination is possible (obviously a driver would be needed in both locos if they don't have compatible multiple work systems). As far as I'm aware neither 'Blue Star' nor the DRS multiple work system on the DRS 37s is compatible with the AAR multiple work system on the 66s.

 

[edwin_m]

Although the title implies it, I don't think the OP is referring to a 66 and a 37 on the same train.

 

[Bevan Price]

DRS 37s are creeping up a bit more on intermodals but it is still rare.

Thanks, Sam

Possibly a shortage of available DRS 66s - whilst some of them are overhauled. There was a pair of 57s on one train last week.

 

[Boothby97]

Possibly a shortage of available DRS 66s - whilst some of them are overhauled. There was a pair of 57s on one train last week.

57008 and 57010 I think that was, well they were double head until, 010 went "pop"
I think the chances are that if the 66s are needed more on other duties then 37s and 57/0s will turn up more on intermodals. I ain't complaining