GB Railfreight has started mainline compatibility testing of its new Class 99 locomotives, with unit 99001 hauling a loaded 6E86 sand train from Peterborough to Doncaster. The test run arrived ahead of schedule.
The locomotive is equipped with a Cummins engine for non-electrified sections. The tests are being carried out in cooperation with Network Rail.
According to the company, further tests will take place across the Midland, Great Western, and Southern mainlines during October, with additional runs on the Eastern Region later this week. These operations are part of the broader process to verify infrastructure compatibility.
The Class 99 fleet, built by Stadler and leased from Beacon Rail, combines electric and diesel traction and is intended for use on mixed-traffic duties across the UK network.
