| Detail differences between members of the class are so
far very small. Although generally appreciated by locomotive crews there was
concern expressed about the noise level in the cabs. As a result the cabs of
66137 were modified in Canada before delivery and subsequent builds had the
modifications incorporated from new. It is expected that earlier members of the
class will be retro modified. Also later members of the class were fitted with
combination hook/knuckle couplers from new whilst earlier locomotives will be
retro fitted with them.
In 1999 Freightliner ordered 5 class 66s (designated class 66/5) and the order was extended in several stages through 2000 and 2001 to a total of 59. This large expansion of the 66 Freightliner fleet effectively spelt the end of the class 57/0 conversion project. After only ten weeks in service 66521 was written off in the terrible crash on the ECML at Great Heck on 28 February 2001. A replacement locomotive was ordered in the later batches however the running number will not be reused. Innovative GB Railways has decided to enter the freight market as GB Railfreight (GBRf) and ordered 7 (designated class 66/7) which were delivered in early 2001. GBRf class 66 locomotives are based at Willesden. Additionally 4 class 66s have been delivered to Europe, 2 to private operator HGK in Germany and 2 to TGOJ Trafik in Sweden. These 4 locomotives were taken from the EWS/Freightliner production batches and the shortfall for their original intended owners made up later in the build. So in short time hitherto un-thought of the class 66 has rapidly become the definitive general purpose freight locomotive in the UK and has a foothold in mainland Europe. Little wonder then that General Motors Locomotives has recently set up a European office in Germany. |
| Freightliner 66540 works an eponymous service through
Eastleigh on 17th April 2002.
photograph by Colin Duff |
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66211 approaching Clapham, Junction on 24th February 2001 with a
string of Bardon Aggregates hoppers.
photograph by Colin Duff |
| Front end detail for modellers! The final member
of the EWS 66 fleet was on display at Old Oak Common on 6th August 2000.
photograph by Colin Duff |
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The 66 front end is similar to that of the class 59 which was itself
derived from the WR's "Western" diesel-hydraulic class. There are
slight detail variations between early and later members of the 66 class.
photograph by Colin Duff |
| The alpha and omega (66001 left and 66250 right) of the EWS
66 fleet were displayed side by side at Old Oak Common on 6th August 2000 to
enable those slight differences to be noticed.
photograph by Colin Duff |
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EWS 66033 runs light through platform 2 at Eastleigh on 17th
April 2002.
photograph by Colin Duff |
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This page was last updated 14 August 2003
