GBRF confirms conversion of Class 56s to Class 69s

[978wta]

If Colas wasn’t struggling for loco availability, maybe they would consider their own 69 conversions ?!

That is what BRX was suggesting!

 

[The_Train]

If Colas wasn’t struggling for loco availability, maybe they would consider their own 69 conversions ?!

Why do your own conversions if you can let someone else do it and just hire them? Maybe the rumoured increase from 10 locos to 16 locos as part of this project is a response to Colas having a chat with GB.

 

[D365]

Why do your own conversions if you can let someone else do it and just hire them? Maybe the rumoured increase from 10 locos to 16 locos as part of this project is a response to Colas having a chat with GB.

True, but what I meant was whether Colas might arrange for their own 56s to be converted. Very speculative anyhow.

 

[The_Train]

True, but what I meant was whether Colas might arrange for their own 56s to be converted. Very speculative anyhow.

Ah I see, I suppose it could be a possibility as it seems to be that fleet that they are growing tired of. Maybe they are wanting to loan 1 of the GB ones to see if it would be worthwhile them undertaking the project but I'd not considered them doing it using their own locos. Would certainly make sense considering there's not many other options (93s and 99s no good for Colas work on diesel?) other than bringing in more sheds from Europe (if available)

 

[william.martin]

If Colas wasn’t struggling for loco availability, maybe they would consider their own 69 conversions ?!

Got this photo of a colas 56 doing a rhtt at Shrewsbury today, will colas keep the 56's?

 

[D365]

Got this photo of a colas 56 doing a rhtt at Shrewsbury today, will colas keep the 56's?

until we hear otherwise, yes; and they are due to be fitted with ETCS.

 

[fgwrich]

56097 has left Ruddington today, destination largely unknown but very much rumoured to have been snapped up for the 69 program. It wouldn't surprise me if it is the case, not many Pres lines around that could take on such a loco.

 

[D365]

56097 has left Ruddington today, destination largely unknown but very much rumoured to have been snapped up for the 69 program. It wouldn't surprise me if it is the case, not many Pres lines around that could take on such a loco.

Wouldn't surprise me either. I've heard 097 doesn't even have TPWS fitted currently.

 

[Herefordian]

Have any more locomotives been converted recently?

Last one I'm aware of is 69006.

Thanks.

 

[william.martin]

Have any more locomotives been converted recently?

Last one I'm aware of is 69006.

Thanks.

I believe that we only have 69001- 006 at the moment.

 

[Herefordian]

I believe that we only have 69001- 006 at the moment.

Thank you.

 

[37114]

Wouldn't surprise me either. I've heard 097 doesn't even have TPWS fitted currently.

56097 was preserved pre TPWS coming in so that is to be expected.

 

[Jacob Porrett]

56097 has left Ruddington today, destination largely unknown but very much rumoured to have been snapped up for the 69 program. It wouldn't surprise me if it is the case, not many Pres lines around that could take on such a loco.

Is it off to Longport do you know please as that's where the converting is happening?

 

[D365]

Is it off to Longport do you know please as that's where the converting is happening?

”Destination largely unknown”

 

[43096]

”Destination largely unknown”

The destination is known - EMD Longport. But apparently not for the GBRf Class 69 programme.

 

[The_Train]

Have any more locomotives been converted recently?

Last one I'm aware of is 69006.

Thanks.

69007 looked largely complete in the last pic I saw of it whilst 69008 is rumoured to be at an advanced stage of conversion. Don't know if they are waiting for both to be complete to send them off to Eastleigh together but I'm led to believe that another "special" livery is planned for 007

 

[william.martin]

Doos anybody know how many trains shall be converted?

 

[Tractor37]

Doos anybody know how many trains shall be converted?

16 are being converted for GBRf with no more planned as they are looking at more 66’s from Europe - 12 have been identified for possible use so far.

 

[fgwrich]

69007 looked largely complete in the last pic I saw of it whilst 69008 is rumoured to be at an advanced stage of conversion. Don't know if they are waiting for both to be complete to send them off to Eastleigh together but I'm led to believe that another "special" livery is planned for 007

008 was certainly looking fairly complete at the start of last month - It and up to 13 will look slightly different as they are due to be fitted with an additional LPA Socket & 73 / 47 style drophead Dellners.

 

[D365]

16 are being converted for GBRf with no more planned as they are looking at more 66’s from Europe - 12 have been identified for possible use so far.

At the risk of being speculative - unless 097 is added to the programme, or Colas agree a deal for their 56s to be moved on - there aren’t many more available.

008 was certainly looking fairly complete at the start of last month - It and up to 13 will look slightly different as they are due to be fitted with an additional LPA Socket & 73 / 47 style drophead Dellners.

Interesting - does GBRf want to get involved with stock movements?

 

[43096]

Interesting - does GBRf want to get involved with stock movements?

It already is!

 

[fgwrich]

At the risk of being speculative - unless 097 is added to the programme, or Colas agree a deal for their 56s to be moved on - there aren’t many more available.


Interesting - does GBRf want to get involved with stock movements?

They already are, though like their 47s, this will remove the need for the use of Barrier Vehicles. If they are still building them by then, I’d hazard a guess they’ll end up working moves like the 701 drags.

 

[D365]

Ah you’re right - I’m not so familiar with 47s, so that slipped my mind.

 

[ExRes]

69007 looked largely complete in the last pic I saw of it

Picture today on Rail Scene facebook, shows 69007 in grey with a small yellow panel

 

[fgwrich]

Picture today on Rail Scene facebook, shows 69007 in grey with a small yellow panel

That’ll be the standard splash of yellow to allow it to head down to Arlington for painting. Hope the Weldings improved with these later builds!

 

[ExRes]

69007 reportedly the loco on todays 1025 0Z69 Longport FD to Trafford Park Euro Terminal

 

[The_Train]

69007 reportedly the loco on todays 1025 0Z69 Longport FD to Trafford Park Euro Terminal

Presume it will tag onto a Trafford Park-Felixstowe to run south?

 

[ExRes]

Presume it will tag onto a Trafford Park-Felixstowe to run south?

The suggestion is 0310 4O46 to Southampton Western Docks tomorrow

 

[The_Train]

The suggestion is 0310 4O46 to Southampton Western Docks tomorrow

Oops, Southampton would make more sense if taking it towards Eastleigh which I presume is the plan

 

[SarahSanderson]

69001 was present at the west end of Tonbridge West Yard yesterday. Can anyone tell me what the red items are beneath the wheels? Are the chocks or are they some sort of skate?

Image from which this excerpt was taken is at the link below to give perspective to these items.

2022.12.02 - Tonbridge - 69001 - A - Copy

GBRF Class 69, 69001, at Tonbridge West Yard on Friday 2nd December 2022. It looks like the wheels have some sort of device under them. Any ideas what these are?

www.flickr.com

Thanks in advance, S.