Class 68 (Stadler/Vossloh 3,800hp Type 5 Diesel-Electric)
The latest diesel locomotives built for the UK mainline, the Class 68 is designed for mixed traffic work being capable of 100mp/h. The Class 68 is a UK version of the Stadler / Vossloh Eurolight family (known as the UKLight) built to fit within the UK loading gauge.
Chiltern 68 010 at Banbury
Information
Number built:
34
Built:
2013-17
Builder:
Vossloh / Stadler Rail
Engine:
Caterpillar C175-16 diesel
Power:
3, 800 hp (2, 800 kW)
Wheel arrangement:
Bo-Bo
The initial order by Direct Rail Services was for fifteen locomotives with deliveries beginning in 2014. Since then there have been follow-on orders to take the total up to thirty four.
The Class 68 spends a lot of its time on passenger services with the Chiltern Main Line express being a major task for the type. Some have been painted in Chiltern colours, with others in DRS livery. The Class 68 also haul (and pushes) passenger trains for Trans Pennine Express. The Class 68 is a true mixed-traffic locomotive and can also be found on freight trains and engineering trains.
The Class 68 has been joined by an electro-diesel bi-mode version of the UKLight known as the Class 88.
TPE 68 023 heads through Winsford
DRS 68 009 at Birmingham Moor Street
Chiltern 68 015 at Marylebone
DRS 68 009 propelling a Chiltern express at Leamington Spa
