description British Rail Class 66 Overview
The British Rail Class 66 is a six-axle diesel-electric freight locomotive designed by General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD), designated JT42CWRM in EMD's export catalog. Introduced to Britain in 1998, it was developed as a successor to the earlier Class 59 and shares a similar bodyshell and mechanical layout. The Class 66 became the dominant freight locomotive in Britain, with hundreds of units operated by multiple freight companies including DB Cargo UK, Freightliner, and GB Railfreight. It has also been exported to other European countries.
help British Rail Class 66 FAQ
Who manufactures the British Rail Class 66 locomotive?
The British Rail Class 66 is a type of diesel-electric locomotive manufactured by the American company Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), specifically under the model designation JT42CWR. They were designed to be a highly reliable, standardized freight locomotive for the European market.
Why is the Class 66 so popular among UK freight operators?
Introduced to Britain in 1998, the Class 66 quickly became the most numerous freight locomotive class in the country due to its reliability and versatility. Its standardized parts and ease of maintenance made it incredibly cost-effective for heavy freight operators to run.
When did the first British Rail Class 66 enter service?
The first Class 66 locomotives entered service in the UK in 1998, ordered initially by the English, Welsh and Scottish Railway (EWS). They were built to replace the aging fleet of older Class 47 and Class 56 locomotives.
What is the top speed of a British Rail Class 66?
The British Rail Class 66 has a maximum operating speed of 75 mph or 100 km/h. This top speed is sufficient for heavy haul freight operations across the national rail network, allowing them to keep tight schedules on major lines.
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