GBRF confirms conversion of Class 56s to Class 69s

[delt1c]

There are always pictures

Image shows 69007 sporting full BR Blue with Yellow ends and cab window wrap-around.
Credit to Rob Tiller for the image.

Looks good

 

[RichJF]

There are always pictures

Image shows 69007 sporting full BR Blue with Yellow ends and cab window wrap-around.
Credit to Rob Tiller for the image.

Best one of the lot so far!

 

[MDB1images]

There are always pictures

Image shows 69007 sporting full BR Blue with Yellow ends and cab window wrap-around.
Credit to Rob Tiller for the image.

That looks really smart, some cracking liveries being put out by GBRF.

 

[fgwrich]

I knew this one would look good

And sorry to those who are a fan of Orange & Black, but as DB still owns the rights to that, it'll be a while before anything else comes out in that again sadly!

While I'm not a fan of the light clusters on these 69s, I have to say 007 looks a lot better with them than the original, and somewhat squinting Romanian recessed lights.

 

[Wyrleybart]

I knew this one would look good

And sorry to those who are a fan of Orange & Black, but as DB still owns the rights to that, it'll be a while before anything else comes out in that again sadly!

While I'm not a fan of the light clusters on these 69s, I have to say 007 looks a lot better with them than the original, and somewhat squinting Romanian recessed lights.

Totally agree Rich.
Best of the lot so far.

Have to ask though - how did the class 50 crowd get away with painting their 50 into orange and black ?

 

[fgwrich]

Totally agree Rich.
Best of the lot so far.

Have to ask though - how did the class 50 crowd get away with painting their 50 into orange and black ?

Not sure on that one - I'm sure the 50 alliance has the contacts though. Not that GBRf wouldn't, but I can imagine DB wanting to charge far more for it and GB just thinking that it isn't worth the hassle.

 

[XCTurbostar]

It looks really good. I like it. Has 56037 with BR logo on one side and other side had 69007 with GBRF logo on it.

It only carries 69007 and no BR logos. Its the same on both sides.

 

[Steddenm]

It only carries 69007 and no BR logos. Its the same on both sides.

There are always pictures

Image shows 69007 sporting full BR Blue with Yellow ends and cab window wrap-around.
Credit to Rob Tiller for the image.

Erm... clearly shows the Class 56 number and BR logo

 

[XCTurbostar]

Erm... clearly shows the Class 56 number and BR logo

Nope, this is not what was sent out of Eastleigh! (The two vents show its the same side)

69007 - Redhill, 10/01/2023

GB Railfreight class 69 locomotive No. 69007 awaits a green signal at Redhill whilst working 14.24 (act dep. 15.28) 0Z07 Eastleigh Works to Tonbridge West Yard on 10th January 2022. Following the completion of its conversion from 56037 in November 2022, 007 was repainted into BR Blue and named...

flic.kr

 

[Steddenm]

Nope, this is not what was sent out of Eastleigh! (The two vents show its the same side)

69007 - Redhill, 10/01/2023

GB Railfreight class 69 locomotive No. 69007 awaits a green signal at Redhill whilst working 14.24 (act dep. 15.28) 0Z07 Eastleigh Works to Tonbridge West Yard on 10th January 2022. Following the completion of its conversion from 56037 in November 2022, 007 was repainted into BR Blue and named...

flic.kr

Ah OK. Must have been for a press photo then.

 

[The_Train]

Ah OK. Must have been for a press photo then.

It was reported as being something to do with a contingent from Cardiff Canton who were there for the naming and livery unveiling. As soon as the festivities ended the 56 number was replaced and the arrows removed and replaced with the GB branding

 

[TrainTrackJack]

Just had a lot of messages flying around that the GBRf Class 69 project has been cancelled, concluded with this -

"69002’s run to Mountfield and then Soton was the run that sealed their fate today

John Smith was aboard for inspecting performance and it’s believed that was the final straw"

Is this true?

 

[zwk500]

What was the source of that message (or platform, if unable to identify a source)?

 

[TrainTrackJack]

What was the source of that message (or platform, if unable to identify a source)?

On Instagram messaged from a friend who works for GBRf - hopefully accurate.

He did also say it was allowed to be shared around so we aren't in bother about that!

 

[brad465]

Does cancelled in this case mean they won't convert anymore and just keep using the ones that have been converted already, or they will bin off the converted ones as well? Have any actually run proper services?

 

[trainmania100]

Looks like it ran pretty well today arriving on time at soton, surely there were equations to deduce performance before money was actually spent? What's the problem now?

 

[birchesgreen]

Does cancelled in this case mean they won't convert anymore and just keep using the ones that have been converted already, or they will bin off the converted ones as well? Have any actually run proper services?

Quite a few RHTTs and some other drags.

 

[trainmania100]

69005 has been on Newhaven aggregates too.

You'd think they'd identify any problems before converting 8 units

 

[D365]

From speaking to people on the ground, there are certainly a few mixed opinions on what the 69s are like to work on.

Even so, I’m going to hold my breath on this thread.

 

[dmncf]

If true, I think the main factor in this decision might not be failure of Class 69s, but GBRf's success at securing eleven more Class 66s/77s from mainland Europe:

European Class 66's to UK

Thread reopened to allow @ExRes to provide an update. Thanks @Mag_seven, no 'proof' to quote as yet but it's been suggested that GBRf have secured a further 11 European locos, seven Class 77s and four class 66s to be numbered 66306 to 66316, I'm sure that proof will be along shortly

www.railforums.co.uk

GBRf Class 77

I couldn't see a thread for this already and appears to be a recent announcement. Looks like a few more European 66's and a new class 77 locomotive are on their way. https://news.railbusinessdaily.com/gb-railfreight-announces-new-10-year-locomotive-leasing-deal-with-akiem/

www.railforums.co.uk

 

[D365]

If true, I think the main factor in this decision might not be failure of Class 69s, but GBRf's success at securing eleven more Class 66s/77s from mainland Europe:

Given the time and effort that's been put into the 69s, I would be surprised if it was something as straightforward as that.

 

[MacT]

69005 has been on Newhaven aggregates too.

You'd think they'd identify any problems before converting 8 units

I have also seen 69001 on similar work through Southampton on a few occasions.

 

[Wolfie]

Given the time and effort that's been put into the 69s, I would be surprised if it was something as straightforward as that.

Exactly. That might result in no more conversions but binning those already done would appear to be a real waste of money.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

It's been posted on se gen that it's a temporary withdrawal caused by the discovery of a hairline crack in 69 004 following a derailment.

 

[D365]

It's been posted on se gen that it's a temporary withdrawal caused by the discovery of a hairline crack in 69 004 following a derailment.

Thanks. I'll keep an eye on my inbox for any safety reports.

 

[43096]

Well 69002 just passed me at Richmond on 6Y83, so not stopped yet.

 

[BRX]

Well 69002 just passed me at Richmond on 6Y83, so not stopped yet.

Was just going to say same, watching it pass me here in South London just now.

 

[Future]

Reportedly, the main reason for the swift withdrawal is that the crack may have split the crankshaft because of the 69’s lack of engine mounts or dampers. Also the remaining 56 conversions are on hold indefinitely so 081 and 098 are saved for now!

 

[43096]

Reportedly, the main reason for the swift withdrawal is that the crack may have split the crankshaft because of the 69’s lack of engine mounts or dampers.

That’s no different from a 66 in terms of engine mounting, is it?

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Reportedly, the main reason for the swift withdrawal is that the crack may have split the crankshaft because of the 69’s lack of engine mounts or dampers. Also the remaining 56 conversions are on hold indefinitely so 081 and 098 are saved for now!

This sounds like they'll be out of action until a modification can be designed and installed?