Thank you.
It has been suggested that once the Class 99s arrive in substantial quantities, then the older Class 66s (66701-22 quoted) are likely to be off-leased.
Ah OK, makes sense! So GBRf must be counting that enough Class 99s will have been delivered and accepted into revenue service by the next leaf-fall season to cover any gap left by the 60s being withdrawn, if this is actually happening.
The Drax biomass traffic will take a hit from April 2027, circa 50% by volume and more of what remains may go to east coast ports so the rail requirements may be impacted even more.
Or a 60/66 TnT. BLS has done this before with DBC.
Presumably once the 57/6 overhauls complete at Laira, 57312 can go back to GBRf off its sub-lease?
More likely 301, than 312... I thought 312 was hired to GWR to rescue any failed EMUs
But 301 is directly leased to GWR whereas 312 is subleased from GBRf.
66701 to 66720 very likely to move to COLAS, to replace all their Class 56s.
With respect though, how many Colas 56s are normally in use ? IIRC most of the fleet were stood down before RHTT. Colas wouldn't need 20 66/7s to replace 3-4 56s.
But Piccadilly line 24TS deliveries will start ramping up in the not too distant future - GBRf have the contract for that.
Good point.
Indeed, and 47749 has just had a light overhaul so GBRf obviously see a use for them in the short term at least.
