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    UK: Diesel Loco: 69

    Diesel Loco

    Rebuild of Class 56

    The British Rail Class 69 is a class of diesel locomotives which are converted from Class 56 locomotives. The conversion work is performed by Progress Rail at their workshop in Longport.

    The Class 69 was developed to fulfil the needs of the rail freight operator GB Railfreight, which was unable to purchase additional Class 66 diesel locomotives yet sought more capacity in a similar performance band. The conversion of surplus Class 56s, which were available in sufficient quantity and in good enough condition to make the class a good candidate for the project, proved to be a desirable option, being more affordable than new build locomotives while achieving similar performance to the Class 66 post-conversion. Many of the new systems installed are similar, or identical, to those present on the Class 66, including its EMD 710 powerplant and associated control systems; this was a deliberate choice in order to maximise the performance similarities. Retained elements were refurbished to an as-new condition. Original frame, body and bogies retained, new engines, compressors and electronics fitted.

    Introduced 2020
    Wheel Arrangement Co-Co
    Engine EMD 12N-710G3B-T2
    Gauge 1435mm
    Length 19.355m
    Width 2.792m
    Height 3.960m
    Builder Progress Rail, Longport
    Power 2390kW
    Max Speed 80 mph
    Driving Wheel Dia 1143mm
    Wheelbase 14.58m
    Brakes Air
    Heating None

    69001 at Clapham Junction

    Photo: Neil Thaler

    Number Altnumber Name Status Note Livery Depot Pool
    69001 56031   Mayflower Rebuilt from 56031 - carries Union Jack and Stars & Stripes logos GBU RR GBRG
    69002 56311   56057   Bob Tiller CM&EE Rebuilt from 56311 BLL RR GBRG
    69003 56018   The Railway Observer Rebuilt from 56018 GBU RR GBRG
    69004 56069   RIDC Meldon Rebuilt from 56069 GBRF Branding RTC RR GBRG
    69005 56007   Eastleigh Rebuilt from 56007 GBRF Branding BR late crest GRN RR GBRG
    69006 56128   Pathfinder Railtours Rebuilt from 56128 GBU RR GBRG
    69007 56037   Richard Trevithick Rebuilt from 56037, carries number 56037 in places BRB RR GBRG
    69008 56038   Richard Howe Rebuilt from 56038 GBU RR GBRG
    69009 56060   WESTERN CONSORT Rebuilt from 56060 MAR RR GBRG
    69010 56065   Rebuilt from 56065 GBU RR GBRG
    69011 56032   Rebuilt from 56032 GBU RR GBRG
    69012 56077   Falcon 2 Rebuilt from 56077 GRN RR GBRG
    69013 56312   Rebuilt form 56312 UUU LP GBRG