GB Railfreight (GBRf) has unveiled its final leased Class 66 locomotive from Akiem. It’s completed a long journey from continental Europe to the UK. The locomotive, numbered 66316, has undergone extensive modifications and upgrades to bring it into line with UK standards. Now, the venerable workhorse is poised to enter service.
Work on the unit was carried out at EMD Longport, in Staffordshire, England. It has left the locomotive fit for British traffic and ready for a demanding season ahead. With the busy Rail Head Treatment Train (RHTT) schedule looming, GBRf has prioritised readiness over cosmetics. The operator is rolling out the locomotive in its inherited livery with temporary decals until a full repaint can be scheduled.
From Germany to the UK
Originally built in the United States and delivered in 2003, 66316 began life working in Germany. The locomotive was one of a number leased through Akiem, the major European rolling stock supplier that maintains a wide portfolio of traction and passenger units across the continent.
To make the transition to UK operations, the locomotive required significant adaptation. The conversion has involved not only gauging work but also a complete engine overhaul, crankshaft polish, replacement of bearings, and new auxiliary systems, including turbo, alternator, and compressor. Modern safety and comfort measures have been installed too, including air conditioning inside and passive noise modifications outside.
Temporary livery for a busy season
In order to meet the immediate operational needs of the RHTT campaign, GBRf has opted to apply branding overlays rather than a full repaint. The locomotive therefore wears its German Heavy Haul Power International (HHPI) grey base coat, marked out only by GBRf decals. A complete respray is anticipated once the demands of the autumn season subside.
This pragmatic approach is typical of GBRf. With the RHTT Autumn programme just around the corner, who needs weedkiller all over a fresh coat of paint? The arrival of 66316 adds resilience to the fleet, ensuring the operator can cover scheduled work across Britain’s network during one of the most challenging times of the year.
A class with pedigree
The Class 66 fleet remains the backbone of Britain’s modern freight operations. Since first arriving in the UK in the late 1990s, the type has become ubiquitous across the network, replacing older classes and setting new standards in reliability and versatility. Around 450 examples remain active in the UK, with GB Railfreight itself operating a significant proportion.
Known for their rugged performance and relative ease of maintenance, the locomotives have become a familiar sight across all manner of duties, from intermodal to bulk traffic. While newer traction is gradually making inroads, the Class 66 continues to prove its worth day in, day out.
GBRf’s commitment to the Class 66 sits alongside its investment in the next generation of traction. The operator recently placed orders for the Stadler-built Class 99, a bi-mode locomotive that represents the most modern power available on the British network. The first two units were officially unveiled at GBRf’s Peterborough headquarters recently.