More continental conversions on the way: No 66792, the last of three locos transferred from Sweden, has been converted for UK use, and will now be followed by five locos from Germany.
GB Railfreight is to introduce a further five Class 66s converted from locomotives in service in Germany.
The company is working with Beacon Rail Leasing on the plans, with conversions undertaken at Electro-Motive Diesel’s Doncaster and Longport facilities. Work undertaken during the conversions will include fitment of air conditioning, sound proofing, cab improvements and new cab double glazing. The locos will also be fitted with up-to-date GSM-R (Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway) and Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) and will be painted in GBRf livery.
The locos will be numbered 66793-797, following on from the numbering of previous converted locos from Europe. The first two, which are low-geared heavy haul 60mph locos, have been delivered to EMD Doncaster ready for conversion to GBRf’s specification and UK railway standards. The remaining three are 75mph locomotives and will be delivered throughout 2021. GBRf says the locos will be delivered into service from early April 2021.
