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Class 68 Progress, what's the latest?

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fgwrich

fgwrich

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ac6000cw said:
I suspect the generators are more about reducing fuel costs (allowing the loco to be shut down) than noise, so I assume they will stay.
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Agreed, and if there the Gen Sets that I think they are (Volvo Penta Marine Engines) then they are fairly quiet anyway. I'd say after all the work gone into them that they'll be staying in the DVTs too.
 
starrymarkb

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cossie4i said:
Don't move next to a Railway then if you don't want to hear trains
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I think most people have no problem with passing trains, but if a service change means a 67 parked idling outside your house all night I can understand complaints. The yard at Paignton for example has signs saying "Residential area - Engines MUST be shut down"

IIRC another driver for the MTU program on FGW was noise complaints around Paddington as frequencies had increased massively since privatisation.
 
brick60000

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ac6000cw said:
Probably more likely to be a 57 Thunderbird ? (DRS provide all the WCML ones now)
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Could be indeed, especially as one was out yesterday (I think!) running between Crewe and Nuneaton.
 
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alanf

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Tomorrow an 0Z28 is running Carlisle to Carlisle I think it goes to Battersby Junction then Low Gates Northallerton then back to Carlisle via Stockton both ways
 
Mintona

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Anybody know if any of the other 68s will be out and about tomorrow, a bit further south? Thanks.
 
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GB

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VSTP schedules in for today which looks like it could be the 68 at Norwich.

DRS 0Z68 1005 Norwich CP - Kings Lynn
DRS 0Z69 1321 Kings Lynn - Norwich CP
 
Kite159

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tom1681 said:
This was a 47 move. 68004 came to Crown Point for fuel around 3pm today and then returned to Norwich station. It was still there at 8pm.
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68004 was still in Norwich yesterday around mid-day, blocked in by a 90 set.

First time seeing one in the metal and they look quite good.

Bring on the Chiltern 68s
 
andyb2706

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Kite159 said:
First time seeing one in the metal and they look quite good.

Bring on the Chiltern 68s
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I have to kind of agree with you. When I saw photos of them I thought they were a bit weird looking but after seing a few on the West Coast they do look quite good and DRS have done well with their new livery.

I'm also waiting for the Chiltern 68's. Don't think I am going to be able to get all the Chiltern 67's before they change over but as soon as possible I will be starting on the 68's.
 
ModernRailways

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andyb2706 said:
I have to kind of agree with you. When I saw photos of them I thought they were a bit weird looking but after seing a few on the West Coast they do look quite good and DRS have done well with their new livery.

I'm also waiting for the Chiltern 68's. Don't think I am going to be able to get all the Chiltern 67's before they change over but as soon as possible I will be starting on the 68's.
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I would agree too. My only problem with the design is they look like beasts - as in they look like a strong loco to pull big heavy loads - and to me that lets them down. I just don't think they would look right when pulling a rake of MK3s. I think it's why I really like the Class 70, it's a powerful workhorse to pull big heavy loads and is built like a beast. I just think they don't look suited to their actual role.

It's probably just me thinking that though. :p
 
Aictos

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If it's of any interest,a DRS Class 68 was out and about on the Fen Line last week as one of my colleagues spotted it running light engine though Downham Market.

Not sure on the loco number though sorry :(
 
Boothby97

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HLE 13 said:
If it's of any interest,a DRS Class 68 was out and about on the Fen Line last week as one of my colleagues spotted it running light engine though Downham Market.



Not sure on the loco number though sorry :(
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That will be 68004.
Only seen one so far, having passing Gresty Bridge on a passenger service, can't wait to see them on the mainline :)
 
Sunbird24

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Just a quick update from Valencia this morning.
68014 is now in Chiltern livery with cabside numbers, white on the dark grey at No 1 end and black on light grey at the No 2 end but no numbers on the yellow end panels yet. It also has works plate 2692/2014.
68001 now has works plate 2679/2014 at the No 2 end (previously it had 2680/2013 which was also carried by 68002!) and it is painted in base blue with yellow ends and black roof. It is still without any vynils or other numbers and has no name plate.
68012/13/15 were not seen.
 
Sunbird24

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Loki said:
I suspect we should be seeing some development on the 88s soon.
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I think they will need to complete the 68 add-on option for 68016-68025 first as they have to be delivered before the end of the year as they are only IIIA compliant.
The 88s are due next year so I would expect construction to start more towards the end of this year. Currently the factory is on summer tickover as most workers here take the whole of August off. Who can blame them when temperatures frequently exceed 40ºC in the afternoons!
Average output is around 7-8 locos a month and current orders in progress include not only 68s but Euro 4000s for Europorte and South Africa and Euro Duals for South Africa.
 
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mwmbwls

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ModernRailways said:
I would agree too. My only problem with the design is they look like beasts - as in they look like a strong loco to pull big heavy loads - and to me that lets them down. I just don't think they would look right when pulling a rake of MK3s. I think it's why I really like the Class 70, it's a powerful workhorse to pull big heavy loads and is built like a beast. I just think they don't look suited to their actual role.

It's probably just me thinking that though. :p
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Depends on your definition of beasts - With the bulging cheeks and rhomboid side windows - I was thinking Hamster,Gerbil,Chipmunk
 
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The Planner

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Fair bit of compatability work for the 88s I suspect for OLE and EMC issues yet. Gauge wont be an issue unless the pantograph doesnt sit flush when down on non wired lines.
 
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ry34081

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Speaking to a employee at Moor st the other day it seems Chiltern will now be getting two more from the next batch to be in service from December making a total of 8 for chiltern and that the tender did include a possiblity to take a further 5 next year. Anyone no any more about this
 
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jopsuk

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The tender was indeed for up to 13- but there seems to be little or no news on refurbishing additional rakes and converting DVTs.
 
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