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British Rail Class 68

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"Class 68" redirects here. For the Norwegian multiple unit class, see NSB Class 68.

British Rail Class 68
A DRS Class 68 locomotive
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
Builder
ModelStadler UKLight[1]
Build date2013–2017
Total produced34
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • UICBo′Bo′
 • CommonwealthBo-Bo
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Wheel diameter1,100 mm (3 ft 7+1⁄3 in)
Loco weightapproximately 85 t (84 long tons; 94 short tons)[2]
Fuel typediesel
Fuel capacity5,000 L (1,100 imp gal; 1,300 US gal)
Prime moverCaterpillar C175-16[3]
Traction motorsFour ABB 4FRA6063 (600 kW)
MU working
Train heatingElectric,
HEP inverter up to 500 kW (ETH index 96[5])
Loco brakeBlended: Rheostatic braking (2,100 kW); electropneumatic.[2]
Performance figures
Maximum speed100 mph (160 km/h)
Power output3,800 hp (2,800 kW) at 1,740 rpm
Tractive effort317 kN (71,000 lbf)
Career
Operators
Numbers68001–68034
Official nameUKLight
Axle load classRA 7[4]
Delivered2014
First run2014
Current owner
[6]
Sources: Technical parameters.[7] (except where noted)

The Class 68 is a type of mainline mixed traffic diesel-electric locomotive manufactured by Stadler Rail Valencia (and previously by Vossloh España) for Direct Rail Services (DRS) in the United Kingdom. The design is derived from the Stadler Eurolight, and Stadler's product name for this variant is the UKLight.

On 5 January 2012, DRS announced the placement of an order for fifteen Class 68 locomotives, the first of which arrived in the UK during January 2014. The first batch of Class 68s was quickly followed by a second batch, also intended for DRS and the first batch to be built by Stadler. The delivery of these locomotives was completed during April 2016. A third batch of Class 68s was also ordered, deliveries of which were completed during July 2017. The Class 68 has since been followed by two related locomotives, the Class 88 and Class 93.

Since its introduction in 2014, the Class 68 has been used on numerous passenger and freight operations, including DRS's nuclear flask trains. In addition to DRS's freight operations, the operator has also used the type to haul various charter trains. Several units have been subleased to other operators, including Chiltern Railways, Abellio ScotRail, and TransPennine Express, for passenger services, hauling various rakes of carriages to do so, in some cases being outfitted with Association of American Railroads (AAR) push-pull apparatus.

Background

Origins

Main article: Stadler Eurolight

During the 2000s, the British train operating company Direct Rail Services (DRS) recognised that its small fleet of British Rail Class 20 diesel locomotives were increasingly outdated and suffering from ever-decreasing viability as a result of the very low numbers still in service with any operator.[8] Accordingly, management examined several alternatives that could potentially be operated with greater profitability while also being practical for the company's core business of transporting nuclear materials by rail. While DRS did acquire newer diesel traction, such as the ubiquitous British Rail Class 66 locomotive, these did not satisfactorily fill the Class 20's niche, partly due to Class 66's two-stroke engine being somewhat inefficient compared with some alternatives and unable to satisfy the latest EU emission standards.[8] It also incurs a higher operating cost than several contemporary locomotives, along with a relatively high rate of wheelset wear and a less than hospitable cab environment. Thus, there were doubts over the suitability of the Class 66s for hauling nuclear waste trains.[8]

In light of these factors, by 2009, DRS were convinced that a clean-sheet approach would be needed for its technical requirements, with management intended to not only support the business' core activities but without any subsidy but also increase its locomotive fleet.[8] One stated requirement for the envisioned locomotive would be to satisfy the bulk of DRS's traction needs through to 2036. Various manufacturers and their platforms were examined, including Brush Traction, General Electric, Bombardier, Siemens, with particular attention paid to the British Rail Class 70.[8] However, the relatively small quantity sought by DRS proved to be an adverse condition during this search. The rolling stock leasing company Beacon Rail suggested approaching the Spanish manufacturer Stadler Rail Valencia, who was relatively receptive of the construction of a bespoke locomotive to meet DRS's needs based upon its existing Eurolight platform.[8]

To explore the concept in detail, Stadler produced a modified EUROLight demonstrator that conformed with the relatively restricted dimensions imposed by the British loading gauge as well as the specification produced by DRS, and subjected it to tests at the Velim railway test circuit in the Czech Republic.[8] Areas of modification extended beyond the physical bodyshell and the mechanical systems, as British railway regulations necessitated wiring changes and the fitted equipment. Furthermore, whereas the EUROLight platform had been geared for a maximum speed of 75 mph (121 km/h), DRS sought a top speed of 100 mph (160 km/h); as a part of the modifications made to achieve this, the axle-hung traction motors had to be relocated to the body to produce a reduction in the locomotive's overall unsprung mass.[8] The development effort, which took roughly 18 months from start to finish, was greatly aided by the firm's experience from prior work undertaken in the manufacture of the British Rail Class 67 locomotive. Stadler's performance and responsiveness to DRS' interest led to the latter placing its confidence in the former.[8]

As a result of another DRS stipulation, an electric train supply was incorporated into the UKLight's power train, capable of supplying up to 500 kW so that large trains, such as a British Rail Class 390, could be readily hauled.[8] The locomotive's propulsion system is compliant with Stage III A of the European emission standards, but not the more stringent Stage III B requirements.[9] While DRS had envisioned their ideal locomotive using a Co-Co wheel arrangement, the performance demonstrated by the EUROLight demonstrator at Velim was such to convince the company that the requirement could be satisfactorily fulfilled using a four-axle traction unit. This is partially a consequence of its relatively low centre of gravity and its balanced and evenly spread weight, which to minimise weight transfer between the axles when pulling heavy trains and helps ensure a consistent delivery of the maximum tractive effort.[8]

Order and production

On 5 January 2012, DRS announced it had placed an order with Vossloh for fifteen 100 mph (160 km/h) Eurolight locomotives for both intermodal and passenger work; these would be leased from Beacon Rail and the first example to be delivered during late 2013.[10][11] The value of the contract has been estimated at £45 million.[4] During February 2013, it was announced that the locomotives were to be known as the Class 68 under TOPS;[12] while Vossloh and later Stadler refer to the design by its product name of UKLight.[13]

Placement of this first order to delivery of the first Class 68 locomotive took 28 months. The UKLight's detailed design had not been finalised at the time of the order; according to rail industry periodical Rail, it took four months to select the power train.[8] The selected powerplant was a single 16-cylinder 3,800 hp (2.8 MW) C175-16 engine supplied by Caterpillar Inc.; this was paired with an ABB-built traction package incorporating a six-pole brushless synchronous alternator and two ABB Bordline CC1500 DE compact converters, which use rectifiers to generate an intermediate DC supply, braking chopper, and to power onboard electronics.[8] The Class 68 incorporates an identical vehicle control unit and driver's advisory system to those fitted on the standard EUROLight platform. It has proved to be compliant with DRS's relatively stringent adhesion demands, and that it can achieve a maximum tractive effort of 317 kN.[8]

The first locomotive, 68001, underwent several months of testing at Velim Test Centre in the Czech Republic prior to being shipped to the UK. Thus, during January 2014, the second locomotive in the class, 68002, was the first to arrive in the UK.[14][15][16]

An option for ten further locomotives was confirmed to have been taken up in September 2014.[17] Further to this, on 28 July 2015, Vossloh España announced an order for a further seven locomotives from DRS.[18]

Current operations

Direct Rail Services

DRS Class 68 approaching the River Ribble

The Class 68 is a mixed-traffic locomotive intended for use on both passenger and freight trains. Customer trials of the type commenced during February 2014, which were initially conducted between Carlisle and Crewe.[19] During mid-2014, DRS indicated that the type were typically operated on container traffic, as well as on Network Rail trains for which the company has been contracted to operate.[20]

The first passenger trains hauled by Class 68s were DRS special services for the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.[21] Furthermore, the type is routinely used on DRS nuclear flask trains. According to Rail, operations of the Class 68 has proved it to be a highly effective locomotive.[8]

Chiltern Railways

From December 2014, the train operating company Chiltern Railways has sub-leased six Class 68 locomotives (68010 to 68015) from DRS; the type has entirely replaced the older Class 67 locomotives on Chiltern Main Line services between London Marylebone and Birmingham Snow Hill.[22][23]

These locomotives have been painted in Chiltern's silver Mainline livery and are fitted with Association of American Railroads (AAR) push-pull equipment, which allows them to operate with Mark 3 coaching stock sets. Furthermore, two DRS-liveried locomotives (68008 and 68009) have also been fitted with AAR push-pull equipment.[24]

Former operations

Abellio ScotRail

Class 68 No. 68007 on the Glenrothes service

Abellio ScotRail sub-leased two Class 68s, to haul sets of six Mark 2 coaches, for use on peak hour services on the Fife Circle Line. These were 68006 and 68007, which carried the Saltire livery. These services commenced on 1 April 2015, the first day of Abellio Scotrail operation, with the last service operating on 29 May 2020 as the PRM-TSI derogations for the non-compliant Mark 2 coaches ended on 31 May of that year.[25]

TransPennine Express

TransPennine Express (TPE) sub-leased fourteen Class 68 locomotives (68019 to 68032) from DRS, for initial use on the Liverpool Lime Street to Scarborough route. Once more sets were delivered and staff had been trained they also worked Manchester Airport to Redcar Central services. These hauled five-car rakes of Mark 5A coaches, with a driving trailer at the opposite end.[26][27]

The TPE-vinyled locomotives do not feature yellow front ends, following a change to the regulations.[28] In April 2020, locomotives 68033 and 68034 were added to the TPE pool, to provide added resilience to the sub-fleet. In November 2017, 68021 Tireless was moved from the Crewe Gresty Lane TMD to Southampton Docks and ultimately transported to the Velim Test Track in the Czech Republic for testing with the new Mark 5A coaches. Testing included brake-force tests and door-interlock testing before the locomotive was returned to Great Britain in July 2018.[citation needed]

In August 2023, TransPennine Express announced plans to withdraw its Class 68 fleet, as well as its Mark 5A coaches, from the December 2023 timetable revision;[29] however the sets are still leased by TPE until May 2024, and remain in storage.[30][31]

Fleet

Before delivery, each of the first nine locomotives was named. All of the other Class 68 locomotives (except 68011, 68012 and 68014) have also been named.[32] Locomotive 68010 was named Oxford Flyer on 12 December 2016, in celebration of Chiltern Railways new London-Oxford services. Locomotive 68033 was named The Poppy in honour of the 100th anniversary of the Royal British Legion on 30 October 2021, in a ceremony at London Euston.[33] Locomotive 68006 was renamed Pride of the North as a tribute to the work that DRS do in Northern England and Scotland.[34]

Class Operator Sub-leased to No. Built Year Built
Class 68 Direct Rail Services Direct Rail Services 14 2013–2017
Chiltern Railways 6

Named locomotives

The names given to Class 68 locomotives are as follows:[35]

Number Name Operator Notes
68001 Evolution Direct Rail Services
68002 Intrepid Direct Rail Services
68003 Astute Direct Rail Services
68004 Rapid Direct Rail Services
68005 Defiant Direct Rail Services
68006 Pride Of The North[34] Direct Rail Services
68007 Valiant Direct Rail Services
68008 Avenger Direct Rail Services
68009 Titan Direct Rail Services
68010 Oxford Flyer Chiltern Railways
68011 Chiltern Railways
68012 Chiltern Railways
68013 Peter Wreford-Bush[36] Chiltern Railways
68014 Chiltern Railways
68015 Kev Helmer[36] Chiltern Railways
68016 Fearless Direct Rail Services
68017 Hornet Direct Rail Services
68018 Vigilant Direct Rail Services
68019 Brutus (de-named)[37] Direct Rail Services[31]
68020 Reliance Direct Rail Services
68021 Tireless Direct Rail Services
68022 Resolution Direct Rail Services
68023 Achilles (de-named)[38] Direct Rail Services
68024 Centaur (de-named)[37] Direct Rail Services
68025 Superb (de-named)[37] Direct Rail Services
68026 Enterprise (de-named)[37] Direct Rail Services
68027 Splendid (de-named)[37] Direct Rail Services
68028 Lord President Direct Rail Services
68029 Courageous (de-named)[37] Direct Rail Services
68030 Black Douglas (de-named)[37] Direct Rail Services
68031 Felix (de-named)[37] Direct Rail Services Was named after the former[39] Huddersfield station cat
68032 Destroyer (de-named)[37] Direct Rail Services
68033 The Poppy[33][40] Direct Rail Services
68034 Rail Riders 2020 Direct Rail Services

Liveries

Example Class 68 liveries

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "References Vossloh Rail Vehicles". Archived from the original on 22 March 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  2. ^ a b "Vossloh España unveils Direct Rail Services Class 68". railwaygazette.com. 16 December 2013. Archived from the original on 11 April 2014. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  3. ^ "DRS Class 68 Next Generation Diesel-Electric Locomotive" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 May 2018. Retrieved 18 May 2018.
  4. ^ a b c Johnson, Marc (1 April 2014). "Sleek lines". The Rail Engineer. Archived from the original on 24 April 2014. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  5. ^ Pritchard, Robert; Hall, Peter (2018). British Railways Locomotives & Coaching Stock 2018. Sheffield: Platform 5. p. 60. ISBN 978-1-909431-44-7. Wikidata Q105959010.
  6. ^ Dunn, Pip (21 February 2024). "What will become of the Class 68s?". Feature Rolling Stock. Rail Magazine. No. 1003. pp. 36–43.
  7. ^ "UK LIGHT Diesel-Electric Locomotive" (PDF). Vossloh Rail Vehicles. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 April 2014.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Ready for the '88' revolution". railmagazine.com. 19 December 2016. Archived from the original on 14 February 2021. Retrieved 13 February 2021.
  9. ^ Bickerdyke, Paul (June 2014). "Future of locos is 'in the secondary market'". Rail Express. No. 217. p. 9. ISSN 1362-234X.
  10. ^ "Direct Rail Services orders 15 Vossloh EuroLight UK locomotives". Railway Gazette. Railway Gazette International. 5 January 2012. Archived from the original on 20 February 2014. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  11. ^ Barrow, Keith (12 September 2013). "DRS confirms order for Vossloh electro-diesels". International Railway Journal. Archived from the original on 4 April 2015. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  12. ^ "Direct Rail Services reveals Class 68 design". Railway Gazette International. 1 February 2013. Archived from the original on 13 August 2014. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
  13. ^ "The diesel-electric EUROLIGHT picks up speed toward the UK and Asia". Vossloh. Archived from the original on 5 February 2013. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
  14. ^ Baldwin, Gary (10 December 2013). "Exclusive: Class 68 in new DRS livery". Direct Rail Services. Archived from the original on 21 February 2014. Retrieved 29 April 2014.
  15. ^ "DRS unveils new Class 68 diesel in Crewe". Railnews. 12 March 2014. Archived from the original on 13 March 2014. Retrieved 29 April 2014.
  16. ^ "BRL Home". Beaconrail.com. Archived from the original on 21 April 2014. Retrieved 29 April 2014.
  17. ^ Barrow, Keith (12 September 2014). "DRS orders more Vossloh locomotives". International Railway Journal. Archived from the original on 4 April 2015. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
  18. ^ "UK and Italian operators order Vossloh locomotives". railwaygazette.com. 27 July 2015. Archived from the original on 4 February 2017. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
  19. ^ "Class 68 – a new face on the line". North Wales Coast Railway – Notice Board. 10 February 2014. Archived from the original on 18 October 2021. Retrieved 13 February 2021.
  20. ^ Pritchard, Robert (May 2014). "DRS showcases first Class 68". Today's Railways. No. 149. Platform 5 Publishing. pp. 62–63.
  21. ^ Direct Rail Services, Ryder Cup 2014 Archived 10 February 2015 at the Wayback Machine
  22. ^ "Chiltern to lease six Class 68 locomotives from DRS". Railway Herald. Scunthorpe. 10 April 2014. Archived from the original on 14 December 2017. Retrieved 18 April 2018.
  23. ^ "Chiltern leases six Class 68 locos for Mainline services in £15m deal". Rail Technology Magazine. Manchester: Cognitive Publishing. 15 April 2014. Archived from the original on 21 July 2018. Retrieved 18 April 2018.
  24. ^ "68s equipped with push-pull". Rail Magazine. No. 754. Peterborough. 6 August 2014. p. 33.
  25. ^ Clinnick, Richard (28 May 2020). "End of the line for locomotive-hauled Fife Circle trains". Rail Magazine. Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 12 March 2021.
  26. ^ Briginshaw, David (23 May 2016). "CAF to supply trains to TransPennine Express". International Railway Journal. Falmouth: Simmons-Boardman Publishing. Archived from the original on 15 August 2018. Retrieved 18 April 2018.
  27. ^ Clinnick, Richard (1 March 2017). "New-build DRS Class 68s to operate TPE's Mk 5 rakes". Rail. Peterborough. Archived from the original on 30 March 2017. Retrieved 18 April 2018.
  28. ^ "Yellow front ends become optional". Railway Gazette International. Sutton. 12 March 2016. Archived from the original on 25 March 2018. Retrieved 18 April 2018.
  29. ^ "TransPennineExpress to stop using loco-hauled push-pull trains in December". Railway Gazette International. 30 August 2023. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
  30. ^ "Class 68s and nova 3's [sic] to remain leased by transpennine express until may 2024". Railways Illustrated. 5 December 2023. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
  31. ^ a b "TPE says farewell to Class 68s". Rail. No. 999. 28 December 2023. p. 8.
  32. ^ "Diesel Locomotives". AbRail. Archived from the original on 7 September 2018. Retrieved 25 December 2018.
  33. ^ a b "The Poppy". Direct Rail Services. 30 October 2021. Archived from the original on 30 October 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
  34. ^ a b "NTS unveil new Class 68 locomotive livery in Scotland". Rail Advent. Archived from the original on 4 December 2021. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
  35. ^ "Classes 68 and 88". Modern Locomotives Illustrated. No. 236. April 2019.
  36. ^ a b "Stock Update". The Railway Magazine. No. 1451. May 2022. p. 85.
  37. ^ a b c d e f g h i Butlin, Ashley (July 2024). "Locomotives". Stock Update. The Railway Magazine. Vol. 170, no. 1480. p. 91.
  38. ^ Butlin, Ashley (June 2024). "Locomotives". Stock Update. The Railway Magazine. Vol. 170, no. 1479. p. 97.
  39. ^ "TPE mourns the loss of its beloved station cat". TransPennine Express News. 5 December 2023. Retrieved 5 December 2023.
  40. ^ "Railway remembers and wear poppies with pride". The Railway Magazine. No. 1449. December 2021. p. 89.
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