Class 66: 5/6/9

During the early to mid-2000s, Freightliner ordered a number of Class 66/5/6/9 locos to replace their aging fleet. These locos have been in service for over 20 years and have proven to be reliable and capable. This third volume covers the history of these locos, including their deployment in the South.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 13 January 2023
Publisher: Key Publishing Ltd

This third volume in the series focuses on the Freightliner-operated Class 66/5/6/9 locomotives, which were delivered during the early to mid-2000s. This period marked a significant shift as most of the existing locomotives in Freightliner's fleet were reaching the end of their operational lives and becoming increasingly unreliable. Taking inspiration from EWS, Freightliner began ordering small batches of Class 66/0 locomotives, which eventually led to their current fleet of over 100 locomotives. While some of these locomotives have been exported to Poland, sold to other operators, or acquired from DRS, the majority remain in service with Freightliner.

The Class 66/5/9 locomotives took over the responsibilities typically assigned to Classes 47 and 57, while the Class 66/6 is a re-geared version capable of hauling heavier loads such as coal or aggregates. With over 20 years of service under their belts, these locomotives have proven to be highly reliable and capable, serving various locations around the country, particularly in the South.

This volume delves into the history of the Class 66/5/6/9 locomotives, from their early days to the present, highlighting their deployment at various locations and their contributions to Freightliner's operations. It provides a comprehensive overview of these remarkable machines and their enduring impact on the rail industry.

Dimension: 243 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781802822465