Colas Rail hiring in 60s and 66s to replace 56s

[CDM Transport]

Hello everyone,

I was told that Colas Rail will no longer be returning 56087 and 56096 to the main line and instead they are to be disposed of (I assume).

I heard Colas are also hiring DB class 60s and 66s...

If anyone is able to contribute any more info about this that would be great

Caleb

 

[37114]

Hello everyone,

I was told that Colas Rail will no longer be returning 56087 and 56096 to the main line and instead they are to be disposed of (I assume).

I heard Colas are also hiring DB class 60s and 66s...

If anyone is able to contribute any more info about this that would be great

Caleb

No idea if that is true but it does make sense to be looking to retire the 56s or at least give consideration to re-engineeering them as class 69s. They are nearly 50 years old and on a similar vein I was surprised Colas sanctioned the F exam for 37099 for example

 

[CDM Transport]

No idea if that is true but it does make sense to be looking to retire the 56s or at least give consideration to re-engineeering them as class 69s. They are nearly 50 years old and on a similar vein I was surprised Colas sanctioned the F exam for 37099 for example

I think it's probably due to the 56s being more unreliable and Colas might start thinking there is 'no point'. The 37s are different as they are very reliable and they seem to put a lot of work in with the F exam on 099 that is nearly done. I belive 37116/175 are getting E/F exams soon once 099 is done.

 

[43096]

Hello everyone,

I was told that Colas Rail will no longer be returning 56087 and 56096 to the main line and instead they are to be disposed of (I assume).

Those two are leased from Beacon.

 

[Rail Quest]

Would make sense to me. Anecdotally, there seemed to be quite a lot of failures among their grid fleet in 2024. I think back to the stint where GBRf's 56098 was hired out to Colas and both it and one of Colas's examples failed trying to haul a set of logs to Chirk.

I'd be surprised if the grids ended up being completely disposed of though. Even if worst came to worst and Colas decided to sell them, it wouldn't surprise if GBRf suck them up for more 69 conversions.

 

[43096]

Would make sense to me. Anecdotally, there seemed to be quite a lot of failures among their grid fleet in 2024. I think back to the stint where GBRf's 56098 was hired out to Colas and both it and one of Colas's examples failed trying to haul a set of logs to Chirk.

I'd be surprised if the grids ended up being completely disposed of though. Even if worst came to worst and Colas decided to sell them, it wouldn't surprise if GBRf suck them up for more 69 conversions.

Why would GBRf need more 69 conversions when they have 30 Class 99s incoming?

 

[Bevan Price]

Would make sense to me. Anecdotally, there seemed to be quite a lot of failures among their grid fleet in 2024. I think back to the stint where GBRf's 56098 was hired out to Colas and both it and one of Colas's examples failed trying to haul a set of logs to Chirk.

I'd be surprised if the grids ended up being completely disposed of though. Even if worst came to worst and Colas decided to sell them, it wouldn't surprise if GBRf suck them up for more 69 conversions.

More likely that some could go to heritage lines ??

 

[Rail Quest]

Why would GBRf need more 69 conversions when they have 30 Class 99s incoming?

Fair point but given the pace at which the company has expanded over the recent years, I can imagine resource limitations being a blocker in them going further. If GBRf find they could use a few more locos and purchasing/converting 56s is a valid option, I can't imagine they'd say no.

More likely that some could go to heritage lines ??

I seriously doubt any heritage lines could afford a mainline serviceable grid. No idea how much the locos are worth but getting them onto a heritage line would no doubt require a sizeable donation from someone

 

[43096]

Fair point but given the pace at which the company has expanded over the recent years, I can imagine resource limitations being a blocker in them going further. If GBRf find they could use a few more locos and purchasing/converting 56s is a valid option, I can't imagine they'd say no.

Given that they currently have three 66s (and a 59) on hire to Colas, first choice would be to recall them, you would think.

 

[D365]

Although they have a bit in common with the now-plentiful Class 43s, Class 56s are ’specialist’ freight locomotives without any train heat facility. Compared to Colas’ own ex-pres Class 37s, for example, I doubt the 56s are at the top of any heritage wishlist.

 

[train_lover]

Oh, I wondered if Colas might like to upgrade their Class 56s.

With the Class 99s coming in later this year. They'll begin to displace class 66. EMD will being to look at the 60 project after Class 69016 is complete later in the year

 

[co-tr-paul]

The 99 does not fit all requirements for future UK traffic esp diesel hauled sections both freight and esp passenger. Still scope for more re engineering.

 

[train_lover]

The 99 does not fit all requirements for future UK traffic esp diesel hauled sections both freight and esp passenger. Still scope for more re engineering.

I completely get that. But after speaking with the guys at Longport. There won't be anymore beyond 016.