DRS Class 68s

[SkinnyDave]

Any idea on when we will see these in service?
Will they mainly be used for intermodal work?

Cheers

 

[jnjkerbin]

First one is due to arrive in October.

Apparently, the fleet will be split in two, some operating the Daventry - Coatbridge intermodal, but they are also expected to be used on charter traffic and possibly on Class 390 drags.

 

[12CSVT]

And I presume the summer Saturday Great Yarmouth drags ?

 

[SprinterMan]

and possibly on Class 390 drags.

As far as I know, this is not happening. The 68s will not be fitted with Dellners and DRS lease 7 57/3s specifically for the purpose of providing West Coast thunderbirds. There was some talk of VT buying some 68s of their own to work with baby pendos, but all of this died along with the West Coast refranchising.

And I presume the summer Saturday Great Yarmouth drags ?

I don't think so (and I really hope not). They will have to use the 47s for something, and GA drivers sign them so I imagine they will remain at Norwich. If I am wrong, this could be the last year with 47s on the drags

Adam

 

[shedman]

Expect to see some in silver

 

[YorkshireBear]

Since I cannot prove my sources and many ask for proof I will refrain from commenting.

Speculation is the backbone of a forum go ahead! I won't ask for a source i just want to know
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

As far as I know, this is not happening. The 68s will not be fitted with Dellners and DRS lease 7 57/3s specifically for the purpose of providing West Coast thunderbirds. There was some talk of VT buying some 68s of their own to work with baby pendos, but all of this died along with the West Coast refranchising.

Don't be so sure, i think Virgin are pushing to get the order in before end of current franchise.

 

[SprinterMan]

Don't be so sure, i think Virgin are pushing to get the order in before end of current franchise.

Didn't know that, thanks very much
Can't blame them for wanting to get shot of the slow and unreliable Class 57s.

Adam

 

[shedman]

Apparently Chiltern will be taking some to replace the 67s, the Belle is having 2 and there us other undisclosed work which account for the rest. I've heard where they'll be based and that is interesting!

 

[SprinterMan]

Apparently Chiltern will be taking some to replace the 67s, the Belle is having 2 and there us other undisclosed work which account for the rest. I've heard where they'll be based and that is interesting!

Ooh, do tell :P I hope there are none at Norwich. It is a shame Chiltern are getting rid of the 67s, they look good in Silver, and the 68s will probably all carry DRS colours. Is there any word on whether ATW will also lose their 67s (I hope not, we only just got them :P )

Adam

 

[61653 HTAFC]

Ooh, do tell :P I hope there are none at Norwich. It is a shame Chiltern are getting rid of the 67s, they look good in Silver, and the 68s will probably all carry DRS colours. Is there any word on whether ATW will also lose their 67s (I hope not, we only just got them :P )

Adam

For the 68s to take over 67 duties, I'd imagine the only reasons for this would an improvement in reliability and performance and/or a saving in track access/hire costs. Time will tell...

 

[shedman]

I'm not saying anything else because someone will ask for a source like they normally do on here.

 

[SprinterMan]

I'm not saying anything else because someone will ask for a source like they normally do on here.

You have my word as an englishman and a gentleman that no one will ask for the source :P

Pweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeez (Puppy dog eyes) :P

For the 68s to take over 67 duties, I'd imagine the only reasons for this would an improvement in reliability and performance and/or a saving in track access/hire costs. Time will tell...

That is true, 68s are in theory a lot cheaper to run than 67s.

Adam

 

[Monty]

Chiltern do have a tender currently out to replace the leased Class 67s from DB Schenker, and the Class 68s do seem to be the only available 'off the shelf' option however it doesn't mean it's a dead chert Chiltern will order their own batch. Though I'd have money on them watching DRS's trials with the locos very closely.

Don't see ATW replacing their leased skips either tbh.

 

[Chris125]

Chiltern do have a tender currently out to replace the leased Class 67s from DB Schenker, and the Class 68s do seem to be the only available 'off the shelf' option however it doesn't mean it's a dead chert Chiltern will order their own batch. Though I'd have money on them watching DRS's trials with the locos very closely.

I don't believe Chiltern are intending to buy loco's, just sign a new deal to lease them - the only realistic choice being to continue with DBS 67's or change to DRS 68's, with the competition between the two companies potentially giving them a better deal.

Chris

 

[RailProfileUK]

I can't wait to see one of these class 68's beautiful looking loco.

 

[captainbigun]

Chiltern will need to tender for the work before there's any move to 68s. It is not a foregiven conclusion. Don't forget the relationship between Chiltern and DBS. There are many ways to look at this, could mean 67s, could mean 68s. Have to wait and see. But it is pretty clear they are not for freight work.

 

[shedman]

The spec for the engine doesn't meet current regulations which has been the case for other trains so I'm sure you can see where this is going. I don't like saying too much when I cannot back any of it up so I'm not going to say much more. But by looking at what passenger work is out there and the number ordered you can soon draw a conclusion as to where they "might" be heading. A glance at the DRS vacancy list gives a clue as to where they could be based too. There is interesting times ahead for DRS and as we all know their plans change literally by the hour. Another clue is the DVT currently sat at Crewe...

 

[Train wasp]

Does anyone know why Vosslosh went for a BO BO wheel configuration and not a CO CO wheel configuration. Surely using a BO BO wheel configuration will not have route availability of a CO CO wheel configuration.


Thanks

 

[Pumbaa]

£££££

 

[Photohunter71]

Would love to see Scot-Rail 68's! Vossloh also have an interesting locomotive which looks similar to the class 58,I wish there was a Co-Co variant of the G2000B-B for UK purposes!

 

[asylumxl]

Don't know if anyone's seen this but there are a few photos of the frame here:

http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/class-68-uklight-locomotives-take-shape.html

 

[Beveridges]

I hope these don't end up kicking the 37's off the test trains

 

[YorkshireBear]

I hope these don't end up kicking the 37's off the test trains

Wouldnt want more efficient locos now would we...