GB Railfreight locomotive fleet continues to grow
company GB Railfreight continues to introduce new locomotives into its fleet, with more Class 66 locomotives being imported into the UK after being acquired by Beacon from overseas operators.
The latest Class 66 to be purchased for use by the freight operating company has been registered as 66734, taking the vacant fleet number that was created when the original 66734 The Eco Express was written off in a serious derailment caused by a landslide near Loch Treig, close to Tulloch station, in June 2012.
The damaged locomotive slid down a steep embankment and was subsequently scrapped on site after being stripped of any reusable spares, as recovery was deemed too difficult due to the remote location. Meanwhile, the fourth Class 69 has emerged following conversion at Electro-motive Diesels (EMD) Longport. 69004, which has been converted from 56069 emerged in mid-january. It is one of 10 Class 69s that are being converted by EMD for use by GBRF, with 69001-003 all now in use with the operator.