GB Railfreight has decided to turn up the torque on a dozen of its dependable diesel workhorses. The operator is regearing twelve of its Class 66 locomotives, trading a bit of top-end speed for extra pulling power where it really counts.
The engineering tweak sees these locomotives transformed from fleet stalwarts into heavyweight hauliers, giving GBRf more grunt for an expanding portfolio of heavy trainload traffic, especially in the booming construction sector.
If you ever plan to motor in an orange vest
Winding their way from Chicago to LA may be asking a bit much, but from Cornwall to Aberdeen, the Class 66 is still the unsung stalwart of UK rail freight. Introduced in the late 1990s, these six-axle diesel utility units were designed to outlast everything, including the British weather (but not, in one case, being famously dropped onto the quayside during unloading in Newport).
Built by EMD in London (the Canadian one), the Class 66 became the go-to locomotive for almost every freight operator in the UK and several in Continental Europe. Rugged, reliable (arguably, after some teething problems were resolved), and not afraid to get their buffers dirty, the Class 66 has earned its place as the backbone of Britain’s rail freight scene. While they’re not known for setting land speed records, the 66s are still going strong after three decades of service. GB Railfreight continues to invest in them, now with a twist in the drivetrain.
Sexy heavy lifting pulling power
To meet the demands of bulk haulage, 12 Class 66 locomotives are being regeared to provide greater torque, essentially giving them the rail equivalent of low-range gearing grunt. It’s a simple mechanical change. All that’s needed is to swap the gear wheel between the traction motor and axle, and deliver more grunt at lower speeds. There’s actually rather more to it, but that’s the theory.
Top speed drops from 75mph to 65mph, but still fast enough to cruise the Miracle Mile. When pulling thousands of tonnes of stone, steel, or aggregate, torque is king. “Our fleet must meet the needs of our customers,” said Liam Day, Asset Director at GB Railfreight. “This regearing programme will ensure that we have the right kit to deliver efficient logistics solutions in support of construction projects across the country.”
GBRf chucks a berry good hit out of the workshops
Founded in 1999, GB Railfreight (GBRf to one and all) has built a reputation for being bold, customer-focused, and just a bit cheeky when it comes to branding. From Pride-themed liveries to engines named after football clubs, the company has always looked for ways to soup-up its image, and bring a little levity to the otherwise serious business of hauling freight.
The transformation is already underway. Four of the locos (66793 to 66796) came via continental Europe in 2020 and 2021, and they’ve already been beefed up. The UK’s last-built Class 66, named “66779 Evening Star” (nostalgic readers will catch the nod to the UK’s last sixties-built steam locomotive), has just emerged from the workshop reborn as 66689. Next up: 66757, 66772 and 66777, which will become 66667, 66682 and 66687, respectively.
Doing more than torque the torque
The plan is to extend the conversion programme further, possibly to locos in the 66752–66777 range, which, should they get the souped-up treatment, will be reborn as 66662 through 66688. RailFreight.com understands that the paintshop has ordered extra stencils and a calculator.
There is a trend towards heavier freight train hauling needs. At the same time, the UK is rushing towards competing demands of greener and more time-sensitive logistics and delivery. GBRf’s strategy appears to be a practical approach, and to make the best use of what’s already in the sidings. Regearing may not be glamorous, but if it hits the right note, the company has a hit on their hands.