The first of DB Cargo UK’s regeared Class 66 locomotives went into active service earlier this week at Peak Forest in Derbyshire.
The newly-renumbered 66651 (previously 66221) hauled a cargo of premium grade limestone from Tarmac’s Tunstead Quarry near Buxton, to Tata Chemicals Europe’s Lostock works near Northwich, Cheshire.
The regeared locomotive is the first of 10 Class 66s due to be converted as part of the company’s plans to maximise the efficiency of its fleet and phase out the use of its older, less reliable, Class 60s.
The modifications are being carried out by DB Cargo’s maintenance and engineering teams at Toton TMD in Nottinghamshire.
The Class 66s are being regeared to allow them to pull heavier loads, with a 14% increase in tractive effort.
Jon Harman, head of asset management and maintenance at DB Cargo UK, said: “We are delighted to see 66651 operating in anger for the first time. Our colleagues at Toton have done an excellent job of planning and delivering the necessary modifications, with the second locomotive now in transition.”
The 10Class 66 locomotives are being modified when their bogie overhauls fall due, with each being repainted, new LED headlights fitted, and new wheelsets being provided by DB’s wagon maintenance facility at Stoke.
Image credit: DB Cargo
