R30152 GBRf, Class 66, Co-Co, 66793 - Era 11

Class 66 No. 6608 began its life working in Europe for Netherlands based ERS Railways in December 2003. In 2009 the locomotive was bought by Beacon Rail Leasing and given the name 'Dave Meehan'. In March 2021 GB Railfreight renumbered the locomotive 66793 and unveiled a recreation of the British Railfreight Construction livery, featuring contrasting tones of grey, construction sector markings, the classic British Rail double arrow logo and a black mask around the cab's windows.

R30223 DRS, Class 66, Co-Co, 66432 - Era 11

After reviewing the existing privately commissioned Class 59, which was more powerful, highly reliable and with lower operating costs, EWS approached its builder Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), then a division of General Motors. EMD offered their JT42CWR model, which had the same loading gauge-passing bodyshell as the Class 59. The engine and traction motors were different models to enable higher speeds, and the Class 66s incorporated General Motors' version of a "self-steering bogie" ("radial truck", in American usage), designed to reduce track wear and increase adhesion on curves.

The initial classification was as Class 61, then they were subsequently given the Class 66 designation in the British classification system (TOPS). In 1998 Freightliner placed an order for locomotives. They were followed by GB Railfreight, and then Direct Rail Services. The last of more than 500 built over an 18-year period was No 66779, 'Evening Star', delivered to GB Railfreight in spring 2016.

Although sometimes unpopular with many rail enthusiasts, due to their ubiquity and having caused the displacement of several older types of (mostly) British built locomotives, their high reliability has helped rail freight to remain competitive. Rail enthusiasts labelled the type "The Red Death" as they displaced many older types of locomotive while also acquiring the nicknames of "Sheds" for the EWS (now DBS) locomotives (due to their upturned roof looking like a shed roof) with the Freightliner locomotives being called "Freds" as a portmanteau of 'Freightliner and Shed'.

66432 has prominent history with its railtours, particularly the 'Cumbrian Crusader II' and 'The Cat & Dock', double heading each journey with 66843 and 68026 respectively.


R30151 GBRf, HS2 Class 66, Co-Co, 66796 'The Green Progressor' - Era 11

While the Class 66s began their service in 1998, No. 66796s unique livery and service reflect a modern preoccupation with promoting environmental awareness.The HS2 owned locomotive is part of an active drive to promote the environmental benefits of delivering construction materials by rail instead of road, which inspired the name 'The Green Progressor'. The intention is that for every locomotive HS2 uses to transport aggregates and construction materials, up to 76 lorries are removed from the UK's roads and motorway network. 'The Green Progressor' is both innovative and a benefit of tradition; in returning focus to our beloved railways we boost efficiency and reduce emissions.

R30010 Hitachi, Sentinel, 0-4-0, 'Chiaki Ueda' - Era 11

Founded as Ally & MacLellan, Glasgow in 1875 and then later known as the Sentinel Waggon Works Ltd, the company went through various place and name changes until in 1957 Sentinel (Shrewsbury) Ltd was obtained by Rolls-Royce. At that time Sentinel were producing steam locomotives and lorries, but the manufacturing of these vehicles ceased in 1958. In 1959 Sentinel produced a prototype diesel shunter which was operated on the military controlled Shropshire & Montgomeryshire Railway. In total 17 were produced and operated quite successfully during that year.

1963 saw the introduction of the 34 ton chain drive 4 wheel Rolls-Royce diesel powered Sentinel shunter rated at 233 bhp which was later uprated to 255bhp. As time progressed the design was modified with all manner of variations, including 6 and 8 wheel coupled locomotives which found service in collieries, dockyards, quarries and foundries, with others being exported and operated on Portuguese Railways. Over the years, as these locomotives were retired, many found their way on to preserved railways where they continue to provide stalwart service.

Locomotive build No. 10089 was constructed in 1962 before undergoing a complete refurbishment in 2007 to be delivered to Hitachi for shunting work at Ashford, primarily involving the high speed class 395 Javelina EMUs. The locomotive was named after the chairman of Hitachi Europe, 'Chiaki Ueda'.