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 Builder Electroputere Doncaster Works Crewe Works Build date 1976–1984 Rebuilder Progress Rail, Longport Rebuild date 2020 - Number rebuilt 10 (ordered)
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC Co'Co'  • Commonwealth Co-Co Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 ^1⁄2 in) Length 63 ft 6 in (19.35 m) Width 9 ft 2 in (2.79 m) Height 12 ft 9 in (3.89 m) Fuel type Diesel Fuel capacity 5,200 litres (1,140 imp gal; 1,370 US gal) Prime mover EMD 12N-710G3B-EC two-stroke diesel Train heating None Loco brake Air
Career Operators GB Railfreight Numbers 69001–69010 Axle load class Route 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.