RHTT contracts hold key to future of GBRf ‘73s’

The future of the GB Railfreight Class 73 fleet will depend on National Supply Chain contracts with Network Rail that are due to expire in 2019.

There are currently nine non-re-engineered locomotives that tend to get little use for much of the year but which are then used intensively on Railhead Treatment Trains in the autumn. These locomotives (73107/109/119/128/136/141, 73201/212/213) are all operational, but will soon require overhauls.

GBRf Managing Director John Smith has spoken in the past of a desire to rebuild them with MTU 1,600hp engines, as per 7396173971. However, at £2 million per locomotive that is unlikely unless contracts can be found for them, including funding options.

GBRf could also consider a diesel-only variant of the rebuilt Class 73/9, which it believes could be more fuel-efficient. The modification would require removal of the electrical equipment, and replacing it with a larger fuel tank.