GBRF class 66 re-gearing

[HJ10001]

According to WNXX "While the DBC /6 program has stalled for evaluation with ten locomotives modified, it is understood that GBRf are looking at re-gearing several standard geared Class 66s to/6 spec. As GBRf already four /6 spec Class 66s, 66793-66796 (all allocated to the GBHH pool) now with additional re-geared Class 66s on the horizon, renumbering these four may be feasible as they are currently locked in the number range with standard Class 66s - 66693-66696 perhaps?"

 

[Rail Quest]

I'm unable to access the source, does it confirm which locos will be re-geared or how many?

 

[XCTurbostar]

The post referenced is paywalled;

Summarised

It is understood that GBRf are looking at re-gearing several standard Class 66s to /6 spec. GBRf already has four /6 spec Class 66s (66793-66796 all allocated to the GBHH pool) but these could be renumbered.

 

[wickham]

I'm unable to access the source, does it confirm which locos will be re-geared or how many?

It does not quote how many, just states "some": But don't forget that 66793-796 are allready 66/6 geared, although you would not know it from the numbers.

 

[43096]

It does not quote how many, just states "some": But don't forget that 66793-796 are allready 66/6 geared, although you would not know it from the numbers.

But the GBHH pool code does give it away.

 

[Rail Quest]

First renumber on TOPS of the GB variety...66689 has appeared, which appears to be the ex 66779 as that seems to have disappeared

Moving this one here to continue the discussion.

I wonder what number range is going to be used, based on this. Does that mean 66680-689 or 689-699? It would also be interesting to see if 793-796 get renumbered.

 

[Loppylugs]

Thought 66779 Evening Star was destined for the NRM upon retirement?

 

[43096]

Thought 66779 Evening Star was destined for the NRM upon retirement?

What difference does renumbering it make to that?

 

[Class15]

Thought 66779 Evening Star was destined for the NRM upon retirement?

I don’t think renumbering will change that?

 

[50002Superb]

Where is this work being done?

 

[43096]

Where is this work being done?

66689 is at Longport for the work.

 

[45076]

Where is this work being done?

Longport

 

[357]

Thought 66779 Evening Star was destined for the NRM upon retirement?

And until that time it's an operational locomotive that needs to earn it's keep.

 

[D365]

Any indication of whether GBRf will, like DBC, be using regeared 66s to replace 60s? Or is this simply because GBRf has an abundance of 75mph freight locomotives with most of the 69s and imported 66s now in traffic.

 

[Class15]

Any indication of whether GBRf will, like DBC, be using regeared 66s to replace 60s? Or is this simply because GBRf has an abundance of 75mph freight locomotives with most of the 69s and imported 66s now in traffic.

Possibly what’s happening is that the 99s will begin replacing 66s on container trains (is it August they’re supposed to enter service?) and free up 66s for use on heavier trains for which 66/6s are more suitable? Obviously might be completely wrong but that’s my guess.

 

[ac6000cw]

Possibly what’s happening is that the 99s will begin replacing 66s on container trains (is it August they’re supposed to enter service?) and free up 66s for use on heavier trains for which 66/6s are more suitable? Obviously might be completely wrong but that’s my guess.

There's some info on what traffic the 99s *might* be used on in the recent posts in the class 99 thread - https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/gbrf-class-99-30-locomotives-now-ordered.228787/post-7222967 . According an article in the April Modern Railways the first two are due in the UK in June, and ''A main line debut is likely to be around September or October"

 

[Class15]

There's some info on what traffic the 99s *might* be used on in the recent posts in the class 99 thread - https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/gbrf-class-99-30-locomotives-now-ordered.228787/post-7222967 . According an article in the April Modern Railways the first two are due in the UK in June, and ''A main line debut is likely to be around September or October"

I’ve seen that (in fact I replied on the relevant thread) but my gut is still that they will largely be for container trains.

 

[Wyrleybart]

I’ve seen that (in fact I replied on the relevant thread) but my gut is still that they will largely be for container trains.

My gut is telling me the 99s will be "pathfinding" for at least the first twelve months, gradually enabling GBRf Ops to get a feel of how these beasts perform. In my view GBRf are a very progressive company so John Smith andhis team will be wanting to squeeze every single pound of investment out of them. I don't really think it will happen, but neither would I be surprised if GBRf were to do some kind of a deal with ROG to use a 93 as basic familiarity electric loco for base training of a phalanx of non AC electric GBRf drivers to get some basic experience on the Stadler product. Although they are mechanically different, I wonder how much commonality there is between the driving cab of the 93 and the 99.

 

[DanNCL]

Can confirm that 66779 has become 66689. It retains its livery and name.

 

[XCTurbostar]

Image shows 66779 now 66689 at Longport

 

[ac6000cw]

Image shows 66779 now 66689 at Longport

...and dumped alongside it is I think a Mirrlees 8MB275T engine from a class 60.

 

[D365]

To follow on from the earlier discussion. I think that Evening Star being regeared/renumbered makes it all the more interesting for its future preservation. An example of freight flows evolving with time and locomotives being modified accordingly to suit.

 

[Jacob Porrett]

An interesting concept. Let's see how they get on.

 

[cockneyviking]

Typical GB copying DB

 

[Pkh72]

Typical GB copying DB

GB already had low geared 66793-796 before DB converted any of theirs…and Freightliner already have their /6’s from new, so they are both copying them, if you see it as copying.

 

[fgwrich]

Typical GB copying DB

Typical DB copying Freightliner

 

[trainmania100]

Can't say I've seen many double headed GBRf trains, what's the point of this if I'm not being so daft, given GBRf locos already seem to be coping fine?

 

[Roylang]

Open up new opportunities?

 

[Wyrleybart]

Can't say I've seen many double headed GBRf trains, what's the point of this if I'm not being so daft, given GBRf locos already seem to be coping fine?

John Smith, being an ex BR Trainload Freight senior has always said the profit is in the last wagon of the train, so if a 66/6 is hauling more wagons than a 66/0, then the train is either more profitable, or less loss making.

 

[ac6000cw]

John Smith, being an ex BR Trainload Freight senior has always said the profit is in the last wagon of the train, so if a 66/6 is hauling more wagons than a 66/0, then the train is either more profitable, or less loss making.

Exactly - hauling longer/heavier trains using the same amount of crew and track capacity (= cost) is what's driven the development of freight motive power for the last 200 years, from Locomotion to class 59 (as 59001 and 59005 are the UK 'heaviest train' joint record holders). The basic business economics of running a railway, really.