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Sleeper 73
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RailUK Forums
Due to some issues with the Highland Sleeper, Transport Scotland required CS to take measures to avoid further issues until such time as the traction could be proved reliable. 66s have the reliability, but don't have ETS - hence the 73.
43096
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They have found issues with the alternators in the 73s that are being fixed but the locos return to Brush for the work to be done. In the meantime I believe they have been de-rated, so a 66 is being used in multi with the 73 on the Inverness and Aberdeen legs, with a pair of 73s on the Fort William. The eventual plan is a pair of 73s on the Inverness with single 73s on the other two legs.
The post you've linked too is from July 2015 - When none of the Caley Sleeper 73s were released from BRUSH or in traffic.
The other issue that is being fixed at Brush is a DSD Pedal modification as well, on of a few small modifications including the above post.
I know that. The point is that as a result of that (and other) incidents Transport Scotland required CS to take measures to improve the reliability of the haulage - as far as I'm aware they are still keeping a close eye on it.
Kendalian
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I'm amazed CS were allowed to use the 73's in the first place.
Was it not reasonably foreseeable that using elderly (albeit refurbished), low powered locos on steeply graded lines like the HML and WHL was going to go wrong? :roll:
Wasn't the change of operator intended to take the sleeper service forward, not backwards?
Was it not reasonably foreseeable that using elderly (albeit refurbished), low powered locos on steeply graded lines like the HML and WHL was going to go wrong? :roll:
Wasn't the change of operator intended to take the sleeper service forward, not backwards?
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Elecman
Established Member
Why are people classing the re engined 73's as low power they are a true Type 3 locomotive now
Why? They have received a complete rebuild.
Kendalian
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Maybe, but a step down on the 67's!
In your opinion. A pair of GBRf 73/9s has 3,200 bhp from a pair of brand spanking new MTU engines.
Take a look:
http://www.railmagazine.com/trains/current-trains/built-in-the-1960s-rebuilt-for-the-21st-century
PHILIPE
Veteran Member
The answer is in this thread but as it over 100 pages long, wouldn't expect you to plough through it all if you didn't pick it up at the time.
www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=118802
It is insurance until such time there are enough 73s back to operate as a pair. The Class 67 contract finished at the end of June so that is why a Class 66 is being used as the reliability of the 73s is finally proved.
A 67 May be the newer built loco, but ultimately the GB 73/9s are the newer loco. Newer technology, Newer Engines and better engineering. The 73 also has a bigger advantage over the 67 - It's weight and route restrictions. So the 73s can run through certain parts of Scotland faster than the 67 could. Only one restriction on the 73/9s on the West Highland, one of the platforms at Garelochhead. Vice the I think 12 restrictions for the 67s, not forgetting the Scottish 67s had to have receive cast iron brake blocks to aid adhesion & braking as well.
Yes I was a little skeptical about them at first too, but they've settled down rather nicely now and I think will certainly be a good, and wise investment for the future. It's a modern Type 3.
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