British Rail Class 69


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

Background

In June 2018, GB Railfreight purchased sixteen locomotives from UK Rail Leasing, many of which had been out of use for a number of years. 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 also due to be installed. The first was due for delivery in May 2020, however this is delayed. Initially 10 will be rebuilt, with an option for a further six.
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.

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.

Fleet details

Donor locomotives

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.
NumberOriginal
manufacturer		notes
56 009Electroputere
56 032Doncaster Works
56 077Doncaster Works
56 081Doncaster Works
56 098Doncaster Works
56 104Doncaster Works
56 312 Electroputere
56 106Doncaster WorksMissing 1 cab. Locomotive will be stripped for parts for others in the scheme