I can't remember who's delivering the 777s so unsure of traction options, but it would require a loco change from DC to AC to use electric
GB are the traction provider, however even with 92 haulage they’d need multiple locomotives.
The 92 fleet as a whole across DB and GB are assigned to:
Tunnel Only.
HS1 / Tunnel only.
Network rail only with route restrictions.
Dellner couplers.
I think only DB have 92s which can work through the tunnel, GB have some which work on HS1, but not NWR.
All in all it’s just easier to stick a 66 on the front, you’ve only got to worry about drivers then.
If you wanted be really eco friendly, you could have a 92 of different flavours from Europe to the a convenient place close to Merseyrail, then plug a 73 onto the stock for the last few miles to the depot.
Surely the "elephant in the room" here is why when I travel to/from Liverpool to Euston are 100% of the freight trains I see diesel hauled?
A good (read "bad") example being the delivery from Dollands Moor to Kirkdale of the new 777's. I'd say 99% of the route is 25kV wired, yet a 66 is always on the front which is completely ludicrous.
Until the short Acton to Willesden section is wired South Wales to East Anglia freightlines will remain 66 hauled as well.
Surely a 73 going through the Thameslink tunnel would be running on the 3rd rail anyway (unless the juice was off)?
Its more about RA than emissions, a 66 is RA 8 vice a 73/31 and some 37s being RA 5.
Hence why when GB had a big job on the Thameslink core some years ago they flooded the job with 73s.