Why no foreign locos ?

[Ash Bridge]

Class 66 has a control stand. It is different from traditional UK designs in that there is no separate 'key' to unlock the control desk. Traditional UK locos (ie those built by BR) use the drivers key (small t-shaped thing) to unlock the controls. Once the desk is unlocked, the controls (reverser and power controller) can be operated.

On a 66, the 'key' is actually a rather large lump of brass (later ones are plastic) that doubles as the reverser. It has a crude key shape at one end and a handle type grip at the other. You have to insert it into a slot which then unlocks the controls. The key, inserted into its slot now doubles as the reverser and, when changing ends, has to be removed and taken from cab to cab.

The controller is indeed 'pure Emd'. On traditional UK locos, you pull the controller to reach full power, but on a 66 you push it. I believe this is to do with having to switch from right hand drive to left hand drive. The signage on the controller stand is decidedly trans-atlantic as well!

With reference to the class 58 desk, the layout of the dials, gauges and brake controls is indeed a generic layout first seen on the 58. The layout is standard across 58/59/60/66.

Many thanks for confirming this and all the additional info

 

[sjo1970]

Is there a reason why foreign locos dont work through the tunnel and onwards , currently in France and have seen 66062 and another 66 working over here ?

they do Euro Cargo Rail class 21 and 77 can work over here to Dollands moor but on wenesday 5 i saw a class 77 pulling new eruostar along hs1 west of ashford i was going along m20 about 20;30

 

[Peter66]

they do Euro Cargo Rail class 21 and 77 can work over here to Dollands moor but on wenesday 5 i saw a class 77 pulling new eruostar along hs1 west of ashford i was going along m20 about 20;30

Euro Cargo Rail was originally EWS International, they transferred fifty Class 66s from the EWS (UK) in 2007, and renumbered them as Euro Class 77.

 

[Jamesb1974]

Deleted

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Euro Cargo Rail was originally EWS International, they transferred fifty Class 66s from the EWS (UK) in 2007, and renumbered them as Euro Class 77.

The 77s are a separate build that went straight to the continent from new aren't they? The ex-UK locos are still numbered as 66s and still carry EWS livery.