British Rail Class 69

The British Rail Class 69 is a planned class of diesel locomotives which is to be converted from Class 56 locomotives.

British Rail Class 69
The Class 69s will be converted from Class 56s
Type and origin
BuilderElectroputere
Doncaster Works
Crewe Works
Build date1976–1984
RebuilderProgress Rail, Longport
Rebuild date2019–
Number rebuilt10 (planned)
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • UICCo'Co'
 • CommonwealthCo-Co
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in)
Length63 ft 6 in (19.35 m)
Width9 ft 2 in (2.79 m)
Height12 ft 9 in (3.89 m)
Fuel typeDiesel
Prime moverEMD 710 (12-710)
Train heatingNone
Loco brakeAir
Career
OperatorsGB Railfreight
Numbers69 001–69 010

Background

In June 2018, GB Railfreight purchased sixteen Class 56 locomotives from UK Rail Leasing, many of which had been out of use for a number of years[1][2]. Additionally, 56 106 was acquired in an incomplete state as a source of spares and 56 128 from CF Booth metal recyclers.

In April 2019, GB Railfreight announced that the locomotives would be rebuilt as Class 69s by Progress Rail, with the existing Ruston-Paxman RK3 engine replaced by an EMD 710 12 cylinder powerplant, with updated electronic controls based on those used in the Class 66 also due to be installed.[3] The first was due for delivery in May 2020, however this is delayed.[4][5] Initially 10 will be rebuilt, with an option for a further six.[6]

GBRFs engineering director, Bob Tiller stated that a complete rebuild and re-engine of each locomotive would be cheaper than buying brand new locomotives and shipping them in from abroad. Tiller also highlighted the EMD 710 engines' environmentally friendly emission status compared with some older locomotives, including the Class 66, which at the time of the announcement were over 20 years old.[7]

Rebuilding

The new engine will be an EMD 12N-710G3B-T2 as fitted to Class 66 locomotives numbers 66 752-66 779, which is IIIa emission-compliant. The original underframe, bogies, traction motors and brake system will be retained and overhauled. New compressors, blower motors and electronic cubicles will be fitted. The AAR multiple unit system will be used.[8]

Fleet details
Class Operator Number Year Built Loco nos Notes
Class 69 GB Railfreight 10 TBC 69 001–69 010 Converted from Class 56 locomotives

Donor locomotives
Number Rebuilt from[6] Original
manufacturer		 notes
69 001 56 031 Doncaster Works
69 002 56 311 Doncaster Works
69 003 56 018 Electroputere
69 004 56 069 Doncaster Works
69 005 56 128 Crewe Works Purchased from CF Booth Scrapyard originally as a reserve locomotive for the re-engineering programme[9]
69 006 56 037 Doncaster Works
69 007 56 007 Electroputere
69 008 56 038 Doncaster Works
69 009 56 065 Doncaster Works
69 010 56 060 Doncaster Works

Reserve locomotives

These locomotives are held in reserve, either to substitute locomotives in the programme due to condition, as a source of spares or for future conversion if the programme is extended.

Number Original
manufacturer		 notes
56 009 Electroputere
56 032 Doncaster Works
56 077 Doncaster Works
56 081 Doncaster Works
56 098 Doncaster Works
56 104 Doncaster Works
56 312 (56 003) Electroputere
56 106 Doncaster Works Missing 1 cab. Locomotive will be stripped for parts for others in the scheme[10]

    References
    1. GBRf buys 16 Class 56s from UK Rail Leasing The Railway Magazine issue 1408 July 2018 page 94
    2. GBRf purchases 56s from UK Rail Leasing Today's Railways UK issue 200 August 2018 page 62
    3. Progress Rail to repower locomotives for GB Railfreight International Railway Journal 3 April 2019
    4. Clinnick, Richard. "GBRf confirms Class 69 conversion". Rail (magazine). Rail Magazine. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
    5. GB Railfreight to repower GB Railfreight locomotives Railway Gazette International 3 April 2019
    6. Class 56 donor locos for Class 69s revealed by GBRf Railways Illustrated January 2020 page 12
    7. Puddicombe, Daniel (8 May 2019). "GBRF identifies benefits in re-engined Class 56s". Rail Magazine. No. 878. Peterborough: Bauer Media. p. 33. ISSN 0953-4563.
    8. Dunn, Pip (June 2019). "GBRf signs for 16 Class 69s". Railways Illustrated. No. 196. p. 10.
    9. http://www.class56group.co.uk/56128-update-class-56-group-predicts-the-future/
    10. Pritchard, Robert (June 2019). "More "bodysnatchers": GBRF announces class 56 rebuild project". Today's Railways. No. 210. Sheffield: Platform 5. p. 60. ISSN 1475-9713.
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