Class 66 Europe/UK conversions

[umontu]

Every year the railhead treatment season arrives a number of class 66's return from mainland europe. Before they start working they need to be converted; at least I've always read this.

My question is what are these conversions?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bindonlane/5798465930/in/photostream/

Besides the red and white and the black and yellow panels I can't see any big differences between the UK 66's and the French ones.

 

[Boothby97]

I think it's just signalling/safety equipment, but could be wrong
Thanks, Sam

 

[sarahj]

It seems they need to take the AC unit off the top of the cab as its over gauge with it on.

 

[starrymarkb]

Lights and cab equipment. Don't think the EWS exports have it

 

[cj_1985]

It seems they need to take the AC unit off the top of the cab as its over gauge with it on.

as has already been mentioned, any of the 66/0s that return to the UK in the Autumn have not got any Air Conditioning modules fitted above the cabs... only As built Euro spec 66s (where gauge permits this kit ie not in Poland) have Air Con fitted in that form.

Take a look at pictures of GBRfs 66747-66749 when they entered the UK, you can clearly see where the Air Con modules were previously fitted.


as for the modifications for one of the 66/0s returning to the UK... I think (as has been mentioned) the safety systems would need changed/isolated/reactivated ... but I have read about other modifications made to the 66/0s for use in the likes of france... ISTR some sort of lubrication kit being mentioned and I also think its different brake blocks... but I could be mistaken

 

[Smudger105e]

as has already been mentioned, any of the 66/0s that return to the UK in the Autumn have not got any Air Conditioning modules fitted above the cabs... only As built Euro spec 66s (where gauge permits this kit ie not in Poland) have Air Con fitted in that form.

Take a look at pictures of GBRfs 66747-66749 when they entered the UK, you can clearly see where the Air Con modules were previously fitted.


as for the modifications for one of the 66/0s returning to the UK... I think (as has been mentioned) the safety systems would need changed/isolated/reactivated ... but I have read about other modifications made to the 66/0s for use in the likes of france... ISTR some sort of lubrication kit being mentioned and I also think its different brake blocks... but I could be mistaken

You are correct in all the items above. The Eurocargo locos have cast iron blocks, KVB signalling equipment, French radios, lifting brackets on every loco, flange lubricators, no air supported drivers seat, different brake timings (incl overcharge) some desk controls are different, headlight switching is different, emergency equipment such as flags, dets and T/C clips are also not UK/French compatable. UK equipment is isolated for use in France, such as AWS/TPWS.



The process for UK to French conversion (and French to UK) is a time consuming and exacting process, for obvious reasons.

 

[Derek Wilson]

Just how busy are these loco's when in Europe?
Baffles me how they can manage without them for the leaf-fall season, then need them back straight after!!
Or do they not run freight trains during that period, due to leaves all over the track.

 

[455driver]

They probably work the remaining ones harder, it is very well doing that for a few weeks but too long and they will start failing.

 

[Yew]

Its a shame we dont gave more 20's to run RHTT duties, It always strikes me as odd seeing 2x66 working a tiny train..

 

[RichmondCommu]

Its a shame we dont gave more 20's to run RHTT duties, It always strikes me as odd seeing 2x66 working a tiny train..

Well the FOC'S wouldn't bid for the work if they didn't think it was worth their while.

 

[MCW]

I think it is a waste of power personally.... but hey, if it's cost effective to employ 2x66 then so be it...

 

[Boothby97]

I think it is a waste of power personally.... but hey, if it's cost effective to employ 2x66 then so be it...

Well there aren't enough smaller/older locomotives which are mainline operational and are avalible during the autumn. Most are busy on freight/passenger/charter contracts all year round

 

[umontu]

Great responses guys.
I hope most of these conversion issues will go away with ETRMS

 

[cj_1985]

Iirc, its worth remembering that the RHTT wagons are only wired to allow locos with certain Multiple working systems to work TNT.

An old BR system (green spot or blue star iirc) and the AAR fitted to the likes of the class 66s, 67s and the class 70s

Although feel free to correct me if my memory isnt firing on all cylinders