GB RAILFREIGHT is creating a fleet of 16 Class 69 locos, which will be converted from Class 56s.

GB bought 17 locos from UK Rail Leasing and other sources in 2018, a decision made because of a shortage of available diesel locos in the UK.

The Class 56s will be re-engineered by Progress Rail at its Longport (Staffs) facility and fitted with EMD’s 12-710 Series engines.

These are two-stroke engines manufactured in V8, V12, V16 and V20 configurations, with the 12N-710G3B-EC version used in Class 66 and 67 locos in the UK and Irish Rail’s Class 201, developing 3,200hp. 

GB has opted for the V12, producing 3,200hp, which will also meet EU Stage IIIA emissions regulations. A new alternator, control equipment and auxilliary components will be fitted. 

The traction control system will be as fitted to a Class 66. Its research in to different power units also considered two German V12 engines. 

Read more in the May 2019 issue of The RM – on sale May 1!

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