As the LMS/BR Black 5 and Class 47 were to previous generations, the Class 66 is to this one: the universal locomotive that can be seen pretty much anywhere on the national railway network. With a huge fleet of 480 built (most of which are still in service) available it handles the bulk of freight traffic. Indeed more than any other class it is the face of British rail freight. The Class 66 was based conceptually on the Class 59, a US/Canada built freight locomotive bought in small numbers by private companies to haul trains in the latter days of British Rail. The 66 uses the same body shell meaning there are many aesthetic similarities to the 59 but the 66 has a different engine model and traction equipment [1].
The Class 66 was initially ordered by EWS (now part of DB Cargo) in the early days of rail privatisation, the first order was for 250 with subsequent carry-on orders continuing until 2016 when the final batch arrived in the UK. No further new 66s are likely due to changes in EU emission rules. Similar locomotives have been built by EMD for operators in Europe and elsewhere, some of these being later imported to join the British fleet.
The very final Class 66, 66 779, was painted in British Railways lined green and named "Evening Star" after the last steam locomotive built for British Railways [2].
Sub-class
Details
66/0
Original 250
66/3
Extra locomotives now operated by DRS
66/4
DRS and Freightliner operated
66/5
Freightliner operated
66/6
Freightliner operated, re-geared for heavier trains, lower top speed
66/7
GB Railfreight operated
66/8
Colas operated
66/9
With lower emissions engine
The Class 66 is currently operated by DB, Colas, Freightliner, GB Railfreight and DRS. The vast majority are still in service, two have been written off following accidents.
DB 66 041 waits for a signal at Sandbach
Freightliner 66 538 heads through Rugeley Trent Valley
Freightliner 66 517 passes Water Orton
Freightliner 66 543 and 566 rest at Crewe
Another Freightliner loco, 66 545 passes Brondesbury
[1] Colin J. Marsden, Traction Recognition 2nd Edition (Ian Allan, 2008) p. 66 [2] "GBRF Names Last 66 Evening Star", Railways Illustrated No. 161 (July 2016)
