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. 56018 is due to become 69003
Type and origin
BuilderElectroputere
Doncaster Works
Crewe Works
Build date1976–1984
RebuilderProgress Rail, Longport
Rebuild date2020 -
Number rebuilt10 (ordered)
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
Fuel capacity5,200 litres (1,140 imp gal; 1,370 US gal)
Prime moverEMD 12N-710G3B-EC two-stroke diesel
Train heatingNone
Loco brakeAir
Career
OperatorsGB Railfreight
Numbers69001–69010
Axle load classRoute availability 7

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, 56106 was acquired in an incomplete state as a source of spares and 56128 from metal recycler CF Booth.

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 fuel capacity will be 5,200 litres (1,140 imp gal; 1,370 US gal) and the route availability remains at 7.[4] The first was due for delivery in May 2020, however this is delayed.[5][6] Initially 10 will be rebuilt, with an option for a further six.[7]

GBRFs 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.[8]

Rebuilding

The new engine will be an EMD 12N-710G3B-T2 as fitted to Class 66 locomotives numbers 66752-66779, 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.[9]

Fleet details
Class Operator Number Year Built Loco nos Notes
Class 69 GB Railfreight 10 2020- 69001–69010 Converted from Class 56 locomotives

Donor locomotives
Number Rebuilt from[7] Original
manufacturer		 Notes
69001 56031 Doncaster Works
69002 56311 Doncaster Works
69003 56018 Electroputere
69004 56069 Doncaster Works
69005 56128 Crewe Works Purchased from metal recycler CF Booth originally as a reserve locomotive for the programme[10]
69006 56037 Doncaster Works
69007 56007 Electroputere
69008 56038 Doncaster Works
69009 56065 Doncaster Works
69010 56060 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. If they are given approval for conversion, the intended numbers as shown alongside.[11]

Proposed no. Number Original
manufacturer		 Notes
69011 56009 Electroputere
69012 56032 Doncaster Works
69013 56081 Doncaster Works
69014 56077 Doncaster Works
69015 56312 Elecroputere
69016 56098 Doncaster Works
N/A 56104 Doncaster Works To be used for spares
N/A 56106 Doncaster Works To be used for spares, missing one cab[12]

    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 (2 December 2020). "Class 56s revived, rebuilt, and rebooted as GBRFs Class 69s". Rail. No. 919. Peterborough: Bauer Media. p. 29. ISSN 0953-4563.
    5. Clinnick, Richard. "GBRf confirms Class 69 conversion". Rail. Bauer Media. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
    6. GB Railfreight to repower GB Railfreight locomotives Railway Gazette International 3 April 2019
    7. Class 56 donor locos for Class 69s revealed by GBRf Railways Illustrated January 2020 page 12
    8. 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.
    9. Dunn, Pip (June 2019). "GBRf signs for 16 Class 69s". Railways Illustrated. No. 196. p. 10.
    10. http://www.class56group.co.uk/56128-update-class-56-group-predicts-the-future/
    11. Clinnick, Richard (2 December 2020). "Class 56s revived, rebuilt, and rebooted as GBRFs Class 69s". Rail Magazine. No. 919. Peterborough: Bauer Media. p. 28. ISSN 0953-4563.
    12. 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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