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British Rail Class 69
69001 at Tonbridge West Yard
The first-built Class 69 locomotive at Tonbridge West Yard
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
Builder
Build date1976–1984 (as Class 56)
RebuilderProgress Rail, Longport
Rebuild date2020–present
Number rebuilt16 (ordered)
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • UICCo′Co′
 • CommonwealthCo-Co
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Wheel diameter1,143 mm (3 ft 9 in)[1]
Minimum curve80 m (262 ft 6 in)[1]
Wheelbase14.580 m (47 ft 10 in)[1] ​
 • Axle spacing
(Asymmetrical)
  • Axles 1–2 and 5–6:
    1.950 m (6 ft 4.8 in)[1]
  • Axles 2–3 and 4–5:
    2.150 m (7 ft 0.6 in)[1]
 • Bogie4.100 m (13 ft 5.4 in)[1]
Pivot centres14.480 m (47 ft 6.1 in)[1]
Length19.355 m (63 ft 6 in) (over buffers)[1]
Width2.792 m (9 ft 2 in)[1]
Height3.960 m (13 ft 0 in)[1]
Fuel typeDiesel
Fuel capacity5,200 litres (1,140 imp gal; 1,370 US gal)[2]
Prime moverEMD 12N-710G3B-T2[2]
Engine typeTwo-stroke V12 diesel
AspirationTurbocharged
Displacement139.6 L (8,520 in3)
MU workingAAR system[3][note 1]
Train heatingNone
Train brakesAir
(Davies and Metcalfe E70)[3]
Safety systems
Performance figures
Maximum speed80 mph (130 km/h)[4]
Power output2,390 kW (3,200 bhp)[2]
Career
OperatorsGB Railfreight
Numbers69001–69016
Axle load classRoute Availability 7[2]
Current ownerProgress Rail[2]

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 (GBRf), 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.

History

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Background

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During 2000, the rail freight haulage company GB Railfreight (GBRf) obtained its first Class 66 diesel locomotive; determining the type's performance to be ideal to its purposes, procured it in large numbers; by 2021, GBRf's fleet of roughly 130 locomotives was dominated by 99 Class 66s.[5] According to Bob Tiller, GBRf's Engineering Strategy Director, while the Class 66 was affordable and considerably more reliable than its British-built counterparts, the locomotive was effectively unobtainable by the late 2010s due to its non-compliance with the latest National Technical Specification Notices. Thus, while the company sought to continue its growth, its preferred option had become unavailable other than by acquiring second-hand examples.[5]

During the 2010s, it was observed that there were no in-production diesel locomotives available at the time that could deliver the desired performance while also fitting within the UK's restrictive loading gauge.[5] Furthermore, designing one would necessitate the placing of a large and costly order that came with some risk, as a suitably compliant engine might not even fit the UK gauge at all, while an active decarbonisation strategy that sought to eliminate all diesel trains from the railway by 2040 would thus limit its lifespan considerably. Instead, GBRf examined the prospects for the conversion of existing rolling stock, akin to the reengining of the Class 47 into the Class 57.[5] Class 56, Class 58, and Class 60 freight locomotives were all studied; the Class 58 was quickly dismissed due to few examples remaining, while the Class 60s were mostly owned by other companies. The more numerous Class 56 thus became the preferred option.[5]

The company sought out available Class 56s in the hands of other companies.[5] Priority was given to those locomotives that were in good enough condition to still be moved by rail, necessitating the bogies, suspension, wheelsets, and brake equipment being functional. However, little value was placed on items such as its diesel engine or most of the control systems, which were to be replaced with systems similar, or identical, to those installed on the Class 66.[5] During June 2018, GBRf purchased 16 Class 56 locomotives from UK Rail Leasing, many of which had been out of use for a number of years.[6][7] Additionally, 56106 was acquired in an incomplete state as a source of spares and 56128 from metal recycler CF Booth.[8]

Project launch

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In April 2019, GBRf announced that the locomotives would be rebuilt as Class 69s by Progress Rail at its Longport facility.[5] The rebuild scheme involves the replacement of the original Ruston-Paxman RK3 engine with the EMD 710 powerplant, while newer electronic control systems based on those present on the Class 66 were also installed.[9] Initial work involved the stripping of all removable parts from each locomotive and the overhauling of all those to be retained to an as-new condition. Body repairs, usually to address corrosion, was then performed along with the replacement of all pipework.[5] The body was then subject to various alterations to accommodate the revised air intakes, exhaust (of both the engine itself and the cooler group) and the modified external lighting clusters that conform to contemporary standards. The installation of the new equipment then proceeded.[5]

GBRF stated that the complete rebuild and re-engine of each locomotive is considerably cheaper than purchasing and importing new locomotives from abroad.[10] During February 2021, 69001 underwent trials on the Severn Valley Railway prior to its arrival at Eastleigh for painting four months later.[11] On 26 May 2021, authorisation was received from the Office of Rail and Road, enabling the first locomotive to go into service two months later.[5] The initial contract was for ten units, with an option for six more.[2][12] By January 2023, seven locomotives had reportedly been rebuilt.[13][better source needed]

The full fleet of seven locomotives was temporarily withdrawn from service in late January 2023 in order to "investigate faults being reported by drivers". GBRf stated that they had "become aware of issues" with the locomotives, and that the period of withdrawal – expected to last for eight weeks – would be used to implement improvements.[14]

Design

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The British Rail Class 69 is a rebuild of the earlier Class 56; while the external appearance and many elements were retained, much of the internal systems were replaced with those sourced from the Class 66.[5] It was necessary to maintain the gauge, braking characteristics, and dynamics of the original locomotive in order to avoid invoking the technical and certification requirements involved in the production of a new-build locomotive; limited certification was required, which was provided by TÜV Rheinland.[5] The original underframe, bogies, traction motors and brake system were all retained and subject to overhauls. According to GBRf, elements of the donor locomotives, such as the bodies, wheelsets, bogie frames and suspension, traction motors, and fuel tanks were usually in good condition already or were easy to restore.[5]

The most prominent alteration of the rebuild is the adoption of the new engine, the 12 cylinder EMD 12N-710G3B-T2; it is identical to the powerplants installed on some of the later-built Class 66 locomotives (numbers 66752–66779). Capable of producing just under 2,400 kilowatts (3,200 hp), the engine is compliant with EU Stage IIIa off-road emissions standards.[5] Due to the tight space constraints, the engine is bolted directly to the frame without any anti-vibration mounts; instead, the engine is tuned post-installation to avoid resonant vibrations.[5] The fuel capacity is 5,200 litres (1,140 imp gal; 1,370 US gal) while the route availability remains at 7.[15][16][17]

Driver's desk and control stand, after rebuild.

The driver's cabs have also been heavily modernised, the changes include the installation of new measures to reduce the levels of both noise and vibration that the occupants are exposed to.[5] Insulation has been fitted along with additional heater and fan units to provide greater comfort to the driver. To the right of the driver's position is the EMD power control pedestal, while the controls for the multiple braking systems have been installed to their left.[5] Safety equipment includes the latest Mark IV version of the Train Protection & Warning System (TPWS) and the Automatic Warning System (AWS), while space has also been provisioned for the potential future installation of ETCS apparatus.[5]

Throughout the locomotive, various new components and subsystems were installed, such as the compressors, blower motors, and electronic cubicles. The original electronic control system was somewhat basic, frequently being the cause of wheel spins and reduced tractive effort across all three axles on one of the bogies; in its place is the EMD EM2000 control and EMD CP5 drive systems, capable of independently monitoring the speed and load of each axle to maximise available adhesion, reducing the tendency for axle unloading and thus improving the effective tractive effort of the locomotive.[5] The AAR multiple-working system has been installed.[18]

Fleet details

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Class Operator Qty. Year converted Numbers Notes
69 GB Railfreight 16 2020–present 69001–69016 Converted from Class 56 locomotives

Details of the 16 locomotives are:[19][20]

Number Rebuilt from Original
manufacturer 		Notes
69001 56031 BREL Doncaster Painted in a special variant of GBRf's livery featuring the Union Flag and the flag of the United States, along with DMU-style speed whiskers, named Mayflower.[21]
69002 56311 BREL Doncaster Liveried in BR 'large logo' blue, named Bob Tiller CM&EE in July 2021.[22]
69003 56018 Electroputere GBRf livery with DMU-style speed whiskers, named The Railway Observer.[23]
69004 56069 BREL Doncaster Railway Technical Centre blue and red livery.
69005 56007 Electroputere Liveried in BR green with half-height yellow warning ends, named Eastleigh.[24]
69006 56128 BREL Crewe GBRf livery with DMU-style speed whiskers.[25]
69007 56037 BREL Doncaster BR Blue livery with GB Railfreight logos, named Richard Trevithick.[26]
69008 56038 BREL Doncaster GBRf livery with DMU-style speed whiskers.[27]
69009 56060 BREL Doncaster Maroon with White Cabs, as Western Region Class 52[28]
69010 56065 BREL Doncaster GBRf livery with DMU-style speed whiskers.[29]
69011 56032 BREL Doncaster GBRf livery with DMU-style speed whiskers. [30]
69012 56077 BREL Doncaster Two tone BR green in the style of Brush prototype D0280 (Class 53 no. 1200) Falcon. [30]
69013 56312 Electroputere
69014 56104 BREL Doncaster
69015 56009 Electroputere
69016 56097 BREL Doncaster

European Vehicle Numbers for the fleet are devised by prefixing the domestic locomotive number with type code 92, country code 70, and two leading zeroes; "927000...".[4]

Notes

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  1. ^ Also used by Classes 59, 66, 67, 68 (numbers 68008–68015 only), 70, and 73/9.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Vehicle Diagram Book No. 100 for Main Line Diesel Locomotives (PDF). Derby: Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Department, British Railways Board. December 1981. 56-aA (in work p. 113). Retrieved 5 February 2023 – via Barrowmore MRG.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Clinnick, Richard (30 December 2020). "Exclusive: The GB Railfreight Class 69 project explained". Rail Magazine. Peterborough: Bauer Consumer Media. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
  3. ^ a b Walmsley, Ian (21 January 2021). "Shedding the Grid". Modern Railways. Stamford: Key Publishing. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
  4. ^ a b Fletcher, Steven (26 May 2021). "The Railways (Interoperability) Regulations 2011, as amended - Class 69 Sub-system (GBRf Class 69 Repower)" (PDF). Letter to Robert Tiller (GB Railfreight Ltd). London: Office of Rail and Road. UK/51/2021/0039. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Dobell, Malcolm (26 August 2021). "56+66=69 (or 56 plus 66 equals 69)". Rail Engineer. Coalville: Rail Media Group. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
  6. ^ "GBRf buys 16 Class 56s from UK Rail Leasing". The Railway Magazine. No. 1408. Horncastle: Mortons Media Group. July 2018. p. 94.
  7. ^ "GBRf purchases 56s from UK Rail Leasing". Today's Railways UK. No. 200. Sheffield: Platform 5 Publishing. August 2018. p. 62.
  8. ^ Harris, Nigel, ed. (26 September 2018). "Long stored '56' arrives at EMD". Rail Magazine. No. 862. Peterborough: Bauer Consumer Media. p. 33. ISSN 0953-4563.
  9. ^ Barrow, Keith (3 April 2019). "Progress Rail to repower class 56 locomotives for GB Railfreight". International Railway Journal. Falmouth: Simmons-Boardman Publishing. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  10. ^ Puddicombe, Daniel (8 May 2019). "GBRF identifies benefits in re-engined Class 56s". Rail Magazine. No. 878. Peterborough: Bauer Consumer Media. p. 33. ISSN 0953-4563.
  11. ^ Harris, Nigel, ed. (24 February 2021). "Rebuilt 69 arrives at Severn Valley Railway for testing". Rail Magazine. No. 925. Peterborough: Bauer Consumer Media. p. 22. ISSN 0953-4563.
  12. ^ "Class 56 donor locos for Class 69s revealed by GBRf". Railways Illustrated. Vol. 18, no. 1. Stamford: Key Publishing. January 2020. p. 12. ISSN 1479-2230.
  13. ^ "News". Class 69 Locomotive Group. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
  14. ^ "Technical issues cause GBRf to withdraw Class 69s". Rail Magazine. Peterborough: Bauer Consumer Media. 2 February 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  15. ^ Clinnick, Richard (2 December 2020). "Class 56s revived, rebuilt, and rebooted as GBRFs Class 69s". Rail Magazine. No. 919. Peterborough: Bauer Consumer Media. p. 29. ISSN 0953-4563.
  16. ^ Clinnick, Richard. "GBRf confirms Class 69 conversion". Rail Magazine. Bauer Consumer Media. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
  17. ^ "GB Railfreight to repower GB Railfreight locomotives". Railway Gazette International. Sutton: DVV Media International. 3 April 2019. Archived from the original on 3 April 2019. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
  18. ^ Dunn, Pip (June 2019). "GBRf signs for 16 Class 69s". Railways Illustrated. No. 196. Stamford: Key Publishing. p. 10.
  19. ^ "GBRF Class 69 donor locomotives". Rail Magazine. No. 964. Peterborough: Bauer Consumer Media. 24 August 2022. p. 25.
  20. ^ "Additional Class 69s due for GBRf". The Railway Magazine. 1 August 2022. p. 93. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
  21. ^ Harris, Nigel, ed. (21 June 2021). "New GBRF 69 names as Mayflower". Rail Magazine. No. 934. Peterborough: Bauer Consumer Media. p. 24. ISSN 0953-4563.
  22. ^ "Former Grid No 69002 dedicated to GBRf director Bob Tiller". Rail Express. No. 304. Horncastle: Mortons Media Group. September 2021. p. 28.
  23. ^ "Under Observation". Rail Express. No. 317. Horncastle: Mortons Media Group. October 2022. p. 9.
  24. ^ Stubbs, Steve (June 2022). "Brunswick green livery for '69'". Modern Railways. Vol. 79. Stamford: Key Publishing (published 18 May 2022). Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  25. ^ Coward, Andy, ed. (October 2022). "GB Railfreight's latest class 69 takes to the rails". Railways Illustrated. No. 236. Horncastle: Mortons Media Group. p. 12. ISSN 1479-2230.
  26. ^ Barrett, Andrew (10 January 2023). "69007 at Eastleigh". Railway Herald Imaging Centre. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
  27. ^ Coward, Andy, ed. (September 2023). "Livery Changes". Railways Illustrated. No. 247. Horncastle: Mortons Media Group. p. 23. ISSN 1479-2230.
  28. ^ "Class 69 Liveries". 9 July 2021.
  29. ^ "NEWS". CL69LG. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  30. ^ a b "Class 69 Liveries".
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