Class 66

The **Class 66** is a type of six-axle diesel electric freight locomotive developed in part from the Class 59, for use on the railways of the UK. Since its introduction the class has been successful and has been sold to British and other European railway

## Sub-classes

Minor differences between different orders, and different operating companies have resulted in a number of subclasses being defined.

## Accidents

On 28 February 2001, **66 521** was involved in the 2001 Great Heck rail crash which resulted in 10 deaths including the driver Stephen Dunn. The locomotive was written off and scrapped as a result of major damage sustained in the accident.

On 9 February 2006, a freight train hauled by English Welsh & Scottish **66 017**, derailed at Brentingby Junction near Melton Mowbray. Having passed a signal at danger, the locomotive and the first three wagons were derailed at catch points at the end of the Up Goods Loop. There were no injuries.

On 4 January 2010, a freight train hauled by **66 048** derailed at Carrbridge in snowy weather, blocking the Highland Main Line. Having passed a signal at danger the train was derailed at trap points, subsequently falling down an embankment into trees and injuring the two crew members. The locomotive was hauling container flats from Inverness to Mossend Yard on behalf of Stobart Rail. The line was reopened on 12 January.

On 21 November 2011, **66 111** derailed between Exeter Central and Exeter St David's on working an engineering works service.

On 28 June 2012, GBRf operated **66 734** derailed at Loch Treig whilst working the 6S45 North Blyth to Fort William Alcan Tanks. Due to its position and the environmental risks associated with recovery, after agreement from owners Porterbrook it was cut-up on site and the mechanics recycled as spare parts.

On 1 August 2015, **66 428** was hauling an engineering train that ran into the rear of another engineering train at Logan, Ayrshire. It was severely damaged. The train that was run into was hauled by **66 305**.

## Preservation

The final seven class 66's to be built for the British market arrived on 12 February 2016 aboard the cargo ship *Happy Dragon* at Newport docks and consisted of numbers **66 773–779**. On 15 February they were towed by **66 708** north to Doncaster Roberts Road depot where they were commissioned and then ultimately put to work. **66 779** remained under a tarpaulin until 10 May 2016 when it was revealed at the NRM York with a special livery and nameplates to commemorate the fact it is the final class 66 ever built for the British market. The locomotive has been painted in BR Lined Green and named *Evening Star*, in reference to BR Standard Class 9F Locomotive No. 92220 *Evening Star* was the last BR Locomotive built in Swindon in 1960. It was unveiled in a special ceremony inside the Great Hall at the National Railway Museum in York on the 10 May 2016 before staying there opposite its namesake, No. 92220, for two weeks. At the same ceremony, the boss of GBRf, John Smith, handed the curator of the National Railway Museum a document offering 66 779 to the national collection when it is retired in about 40 years time.

## References

1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 Traction Recognition, Page 66- 71, Colin J. Marsden, ISBN 978-0-7110-3277-4
2. ↑ http://class66.railfan.nl/
3. ↑ http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/sailors-celebrate-as-train-named-in-honour-of-plymouth-warship-hms-argyll/story-30434752-detail/story.html
4. ↑ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/1703935.stm
5. ↑ http://www.railuk.info/members/diesel/getloco.php?item=%2066521
6. ↑ http://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/docsummary.php?docID=1019
7. ↑ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands\_and\_islands/8441120.stm
8. ↑ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/547c8ff440f0b6024100017b/R032011\_110224\_Carrbridge.pdf
9. ↑ "Probes into SPADs in Devon and Scotland". *RAIL Magazine* (635). Bauer Media Group. 13 January 2010. pp. 8–9.
10. ↑ http://www.wnxx.com/images/plogger/index.php?level=album&id=342
11. ↑ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/weather/9364866/Man-winched-to-safety-in-Scotland-after-mudslide-derails-train.html
12. ↑ Chris Milner (31 January 2013). "Derailed Class 66 to be cut up on site". *Railway Magazine*. Retrieved 26 December 2013.
13. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/government/news/report-132016-freight-train-collision-near-logan-east-ayrshire
14. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment\_data/file/637987/R132016\_160713\_Logan.pdf
15. ↑ https://www.railmagazine.com/news/fleet/2016/02/16/brand-new-class-66s-delivered-to-yorkshire
16. ↑ Milner, Chris, ed. (June 2016). "Last class 66 is named Evening Star". *The Railway Magazine*. Vol. 162 no. 1,383. Horncastle: Mortons Media. p. 7. ISSN 0033-8923.