Graham Fairsh to produce new Class 66 variant (Class 66/9)
Date: 24 January 2007
Source: Bachmann
Bachmann Europe today (24th January) announced that it is to produce the new generation of environmentally friendly Class 66 locomotives into the Graham Farish N gauge range. These locomotives are now being introduced by British and European rail freight operators.
The sub class was built in order to comply with the latest low sulphur emissions introduced in recent times by the EEC (European Economic Community). Freightliner took delivery of two new Class 66/9 locomotives in during 2004 which were used initially on Channel Tunnel Rail Link construction trains as they were not then passed for operation on Network Rail owned tracks. They have since entered service with Freightliner Heavy Haul.
The new locomotives have smaller fuel tanks, and extra door on one side of the locomotive body and different grille layouts to the earlier locomotives.
GBRf took delivery of 5 locomotives (Nos. 66718-66722) recently for use on the Metronet London Underground infrastructure contracts. These carry Metronet livery. A further 5 (Nos. 66723-66727) are on order.
DRS have recently taken delivery of 3 locomotives (Nos. 66411-66413 and have a further 7 locomotives (Nos. 66414-66422) on order. One of these will carry Eddie Stobart livery following the recently awarded Tesco contract to provide rail haulage between Grangemouth, Carlisle and Daventry depots.
Freightliner have a further 16 locomotives on order for delivery during 2006/7.
Two versions will be released during 2007, No. 66952 in Freightliner livery (371-390) and No. 66411 in DRS / Eddie Stobart livery (371-391) for which Bachmann Europe have obtained the necessary licensing agreements.
BE 2007-11
