GBRF confirms conversion of Class 56s to Class 69s

[DarloRich]

Paint wibble: I like it!

( obviously done as GBRF will be operating RIDC Melton)

EDIT: Oh, as pointed out by @43096 above - sorry

 

[C96]

The varying liveries also helps if/when the brand does change, with Freightliner being an example where if the design changes and the old variations are still around it sticks out.

 

[pdeaves]

Looks really good, I agree Loadhaul next! As for the new windows, maybe they just don't want their drivers sat in a draught?

I agree that would look nice. However, there may be issues as DB might still have rights to that scheme. Still, anything can happen - who would have expected 'BR Research'?!

 

[Nym]

Paint wibble: I like it!

( obviously done as GBRF will be operating RIDC Melton)

EDIT: Oh, as pointed out by @43096 above - sorry

But not RIDC Old Dalby...

 

[43096]

But not RIDC Old Dalby...

That’s because the whole operation is known as RIDC Melton.

 

[xotGD]

Compare and contrast...

 

[Peter Mugridge]

The front windows on 004, to me, look more sharp at the angles compared to a 56; maybe it's just my imagination...

Is it not just an illusion created because the whole front end has been cleaned up? No orange grid, no clutter...

 

[pdeaves]

Compare and contrast...

View attachment 110404

Very different. But the 84 and 46 in these colours are possibly more similar in not having the cab window area in red.
84: https://www.flickr.com/photos/86020500@N06/14105723317 (lots of extra yellow, though!)
46: https://train.spottingworld.com/File:97403_Coalville_Open_Day_-_1st_September_er.jpg

Still, it's not supposed to be an exact replica, it's a bit of fun 'based on' something else.

 

[stantheman]

Why is there a need for them ?

 

[ABB125]

Why is there a need for them ?

Because GBRf love class 66s, but don't have enough of them, so putting class 69s on some trains frees up class 66s for use elsewhere.

 

[Suraggu]

Because GBRf love class 66s, but don't have enough of them, so putting class 69s on some trains frees up class 66s for use elsewhere.

Not just because they love them, in terms of railfreight miles per casualty they do the job for the majority of the jobs they are employed for. When properly maintained, use first party engines and parts rather than third party you end up with an extremely capable and rugged design that's dependable.

With emmision regulations making a modern 66 is now unachievable for a variety of reasons so the 69 is there answer.

 

[james60059]

Are the 69's likely to venture anywhere in the country on revenue earning work or are GBRf keeping them in a set location?.

Can't remember if the question has been asked before so apologies if it has

 

[ABB125]

Are the 69's likely to venture anywhere in the country on revenue earning work or are GBRf keeping them in a set location?.

Can't remember if the question has been asked before so apologies if it has

I believe they're being based at Tonbridge

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Possible candidates for the Newhaven aggregates?

 

[zwk500]

Possible candidates for the Newhaven aggregates?

If based at Tonbridge that's not so likely, Newhaven tends to send traffic to Acton and Neasden. Purley and Cliffe flows would seem possible though.

 

[fgwrich]

I believe they're being based at Tonbridge

I believe so. One of their main uses is likely to be the Mountfield Gypsom traffic.

 

[zwk500]

Apologies if it's been said in the previous 20 pages, but does anybody know how the Axle Loading, tractive effort and power will compare between a 66 and 69?

 

[james60059]

I believe they're being based at Tonbridge

Thank You, I best start planning some trips down that neck of the woods

 

[ABB125]

I believe so. One of their main uses is likely to be the Mountfield Gypsom traffic.

Is that the Southampton to Mountfield stuff? I saw 69003 on that last week

 

[train_lover]

I believe they're being based at Tonbridge

They are only bedding in at Tonbridge. They'll eventually go all over. The plan was for them to fall into the same pool as 66s

 

[ac6000cw]

Apologies if it's been said in the previous 20 pages, but does anybody know how the Axle Loading, tractive effort and power will compare between a 66 and 69?

From memory, the weight/axle load has been deliberately kept the same as a 56 (in order minimise type approval/certification issues, and I think also so it qualifies as a rebuild under the emissions rules).

As for tractive effort and power-at-rail I assume only GBRf and Progress Rail would know, but given that the 69 retains the 56 bogies and traction motors but gains a more modern traction control system, I'd guess the low-speed tractive effort and wheelslip control would be better than a 56 but not as good as a 66.

 

[FOCTOC]

They are only bedding in at Tonbridge. They'll eventually go all over. The plan was for them to fall into the same pool as 66s

Err - where did you hear that? Certainly not from GBRf! They aren't 66s, hence traction knowledge is a totally different package. At least 'some' will be outstationed permanently at Tonbridge, others elsewhere. Expect to see the 69's finish off the last of the 56s (081/098/312) which will head into the rebuild program and also the 3 class 47s. All due to be superceded by the 69s.

 

[31160]

I really hope we dont lose another three good locos to this programme, we have to be left with some good stuff

 

[train_lover]

Err - where did you hear that? Certainly not from GBRf! They aren't 66s, hence traction knowledge is a totally different package. At least 'some' will be outstationed permanently at Tonbridge, others elsewhere. Expect to see the 69's finish off the last of the 56s (081/098/312) which will head into the rebuild program and also the 3 class 47s. All to be superceded by the 69s.

You are spot on about the 47s. The 3 69s in question are to have Dellners fitted. It's possible more may have Dellners but only 3 are confirmed at the moment. As for the 69s falling into a general pool. I'm told by a very good source that the 69s will go through a shake down at Tonbridge this could take a while to complete. As the shakedown progresses then if they perform as they hope that will determine where they end up. It's hoped they'll be able to do everything a 66 can.

I really hope we dont lose another three good locos to this programme, we have to be left with some good stuff

I don't understand why not. Let's face it the 56s don't have a future without this program. I, like many love the 56s but they simply would of sat rotting if it was for the 69s.

If someone had come along and fitted new engines to the HSTs that would of prevented them from going for scrap and would of kept them on the mainline for another 20 or so years sure that's a far better option?

 

[D365]

I don't understand why not. Let's face it the 56s don't have a future without this program. I, like many love the 56s but they simply would of sat rotting if it was for the 69s.

Agreed. I’m not sure how many of the ex-UKRL 56s are operational, let alone in a fit state for frontline service.

Colas have their 56s for the time being, and the Class 56 Group own two. So at least for the foreseeable future, the spotters will get their 56 fix.

 

[Richard Scott]

Agreed. I’m not sure how many of the ex-UKRL 56s are operational, let alone in a fit state for frontline service.

Colas have their 56s for the time being, and the Class 56 Group own two. So at least for the foreseeable future, the spotters will get their 56 fix.

56s are complex machines with an appetite for fuel in addition to being air braked only. Hardly going to appeal to many in heritage movement. Re-engineering them is a cost effective future for these locos; the other option is razor blades.

 

[FOCTOC]

You are spot on about the 47s. The 3 69s in question are to have Dellners fitted. It's possible more may have Dellners but only 3 are confirmed at the moment. As for the 69s falling into a general pool. I'm told by a very good source that the 69s will go through a shake down at Tonbridge this could take a while to complete. As the shakedown progresses then if they perform as they hope that will determine where they end up. It's hoped they'll be able to do everything a 66 can.


I don't understand why not. Let's face it the 56s don't have a future without this program. I, like many love the 56s but they simply would of sat rotting if it was for the 69s.

If someone had come along and fitted new engines to the HSTs that would of prevented them from going for scrap and would of kept them on the mainline for another 20 or so years sure that's a far better option?

You seem to have forgotten that someone DID come along and fit new power units to the HST power cars! I believe that had a lot to do with a certain Bob Tiller, who was also behind the GBRf class 73/9 and class 69 traction re-package programme .

 

[Spaceship323]

It's hoped they'll be able to do everything a 66 can.

I would think GBRf have more than a hope of what they're capable of!

 

[train_lover]

You seem to have forgotten that someone DID come along and fit new power units to the HST power cars! I believe that had a lot to do with a certain Bob Tiller, who was also behind the GBRf class 73/9 and class 69 traction re-package programme .

No no I haven't forgotten this, I'm simply making the point if someone came along today and stuck new engines in them that extended mainline use then I'd be all for it. This is in response to @31160 wanting this program to stop. Let's face it if this program did stop what future would in particular these 56s being converted have.

I would think GBRf have more than a hope of what they're capable of!

They don't have the same power output to that of a 66 so I'm told.

 

[Richard Scott]

They don't have the same power output to that of a 66 so I'm told.

Expect there's little difference in outright power but 66 may have higher starting and continuous tractive effort due to lower gearing and more complex electronic control (but expect 69s have seriously updated electronics when compared to the 56s).