DB Cargo UK has introduced the first of its upgraded Class 66 locomotives into active service, marking a significant milestone in its fleet efficiency enhancement program. The locomotive, renumbered as 66651 and formerly known as 66221, commenced operations at Peak Forest in Derbyshire, pulling a heavy load of premium grade limestone from Tarmac’s Tunstead Quarry near Buxton to Tata Chemicals Europe’s facility in Lostock, Cheshire.
This locomotive is the first in a series of ten Class 66 locomotives to be upgraded to increase their haulage capacity and operational efficiency. The modifications, which are being carried out by DB Cargo UK's maintenance and engineering teams at Toton TMD in Nottinghamshire, include re-gearing the locomotives to increase tractive effort by 14%. This improvement will allow the locomotives to haul longer and heavier loads, in line with the company's strategy to phase out older Class 60 locomotives.
As part of the refurbishment, each locomotive will also receive a fresh coat of paint, new LED headlights, and new wheelsets from DB Cargo UK's wagon maintenance facility in Stoke. The modifications are scheduled to coincide with the locomotives' routine bogie overhaul to minimize downtime and ensure seamless integration into the fleet.
