Heavier loads, greater pulling power. Weight for weight, the workhorse Class 66 diesel is already one fo the most powerful locomotives to have turned out on British rails. Now, DB Cargo UK has decided, enough is not enough. The Doncaster-based operator has gotten under the hood and pulled a few customising tricks out of the bag. Their souped up ’66 has rolled into action, promising a significant improvement in performance for the freight workhorse.
The first of DB Cargo UK’s regeared Class 66 locomotives has hit the rails. It’s already churning heads and squealing away from a standing start with heavier than ever loads. The former 66221 has now been rechristened as 66651. The devilishly powerful locomotive has already been deployed on its intended long-term mission from the Peak Forest district in Derbyshire. The rebooted ’66 easily pulled away with a hefty cargo of premium grade limestone from Tarmac’s Tunstead Quarry near Buxton, all the way to the Tata Chemicals Europe Lostock works near Northwich, Cheshire.
First example lived up to expectation
It’s not just a fresh coat of paint and a catchy new number (not that DB Cargo isn’t partial to a splash of paint and new vinyls). This makeover is definitely under the engine covers. The regeared locomotive is the vanguard of a transformative plan by DB Cargo UK. Eventually, the enhanced ’66 fleet will allow the retrial of the ageing, less dependable Class 60s.
These modifications are being undertaken by DB Cargo’s in-house, and well-respected, maintenance and engineering team at Toton TMD in Nottinghamshire. The object of the exercise is to enhance the locomotives’ hauling capabilities, enabling them to pull heavier loads. The first example, now back in revenue-earning service, has lived up to expectation. Early measurements show a 14 per cent increase in tractive effort. No exactly a drag-racer away from the blocks, but able to drag a considerable load away from the blocks without any problems.
It’s a regear, not a respray…
“We are delighted to see 66651 operating in anger for the first time”, said Jon Harman, the Head of Asset Management and Maintenance at DB Cargo UK. He commended the stellar work of colleagues at Toton Traction Maintenance Depot, for meticulously planning and executing the modifications. A second locomotive is already in the pipeline for its own transformation.
The overhaul doesn’t stop at mechanical enhancements. Each Class 66 locomotive undergoes a comprehensive refurbishment when its bogie overhauls are due. This includes installation of new go-brighter LED headlights, and the provision of new wheel sets – presumably go-rounder. The latter task is carried out at DB’s wagon maintenance facility at Stoke. In the end, they couldn’t resist: a fresh coat of paint will top out the refurbishment programme.