GB Railfreight have unveiled their latest Class 69 locomotive outshopped in retro BR Rail Research livery.
Class 69004 celebrates their operation at RIDC Melton, a dedicated test facility for new technology in the rail industry.
The unveiling of the fourth Class 69 took place at Eastleigh Works Previously, 69001 was unveiled in GBRf livery with Mayflower nameplates and ‘whiskers’ on the front, 69002 being unveiled in BR Large Logo and 69003 in GBRf livery with ‘whiskers’ on the front.
The Class 69 locos are converted from Class 56 locomotives by Progress Rail, with the existing Ruston-Paxman RK3 engine replaced by an EMD 710 12 cylinder powerplant. Updated electronic controls based on those used in the Class 66 are also installed.
So far, four locomotives have been rebuilt, with six more planned, and an option for a further six. GBRF 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.
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