GBRF confirms conversion of Class 56s to Class 69s

[trainmania100]

Considering 69002 lacks any cab fittings, will probably be a few more weeks for her.

69002 Eastleigh Works 16th March 2021

Nice photos carl

 

[XCTurbostar]

Just for reference. I have seen a picture and it is exactly what you would expect: Blue and Yellow BR Large Logo with number.

I find it slightly ironic since 56031 (69002) never wore this original livery!

 

[158722]

Just for reference. I have seen a picture and it is exactly what you would expect: Blue and Yellow BR Large Logo with number.

I find it slightly ironic since 56031 (69002) never wore this original livery!

Order has been changed - 56031 - 69001; 56057/56311 - 69002

 

[XCTurbostar]

Order has been changed - 56031 - 69001; 56057/56311 - 69002

Many thanks. 56057 did, of course, carry the large logo livery! https://flic.kr/p/2kwWvQk

 

[trainmania100]

Many thanks. 56057 did, of course, carry the large logo livery! https://flic.kr/p/2kwWvQk

The 69 seems to have the logo in the middle rather than at the end, also the 69s blue looks a bit too navy, not sure if it's my eyes

 

[FrodshamJnct]

Here she is:

 

[221101 Voyager]

Here she is:

View attachment 95500

This is like a better looking, more aerodynamic version of a class 66 (66789), as they are now very similar after the mods.

 

[ABB125]

All we need now is 66789 and 69002 to double-head something!

 

[221101 Voyager]

All we need now is 66789 and 69002 to double-head something!

Indeed! Fingers crossed I can see 69002 on the WCML!

Do we know if these will operate on all the services a 66 would?

 

[simon7929]

Looks awesome I must admit.

 

[ABB125]

Indeed! Fingers crossed I can see 69002 on the WCML!

Hopefully!

Do we know if these will operate on all the services a 66 would?

I don't see why they couldn't: the engine's the same, but what about tractive effort? Probably similar, I'd have thought?

 

[Ash Bridge]

The 69 seems to have the logo in the middle rather than at the end, also the 69s blue looks a bit too navy, not sure if it's my eyes

Dosen’t look like its an option now to place the logo where it used to be thanks to that additional grill thats been fitted? Agree regarding the shade of blue though!

 

[Roast Veg]

Same RA as a 66, and 5mph faster! No idea about tractive effort.

 

[Grumpy Git]

The classic BR "double-arrow" logo is a cracking design that has really stood the test of time (it's now 56 years old) and actually is a great graphical representation of the industry.

Well done Mr Gerald Barney.

 

[86247]

she looks absolutely hellfire large logo is THE best livery ever seen a on loco well done GBRF.

 

[ABB125]

Personally I think the blue is a bit dark, although that may just be the lighting in the picture.

 

[Mollman]

All we need now is 66789 and 69002 to double-head something!

Lots of galas in 2022 no doubt!

 

[ABB125]

Lots of galas in 2022 no doubt!

Seems likely (assuming the world has reset by next year!).

 

[brownandrew15]

Is there a reason why the Class 69 move today has been diverted at Didcot and is currently waiting outside Swindon? It was meant to come down through Reading and Basingstoke on its way to Eastleigh.

 

[zwk500]

Is there a reason why the Class 69 move today has been diverted at Didcot and is currently waiting outside Swindon? It was meant to come down through Reading and Basingstoke on its way to Eastleigh.

There's a signal failure around Southcote junction, so I'd guess they're sending the loco via Westbury and Salisbury to avoid the congested failure area.

 

[brownandrew15]

There's a signal failure around Southcote junction, so I'd guess they're sending the loco via Westbury and Salisbury to avoid the congested failure area.

Hadn't seen that there had been a signal failure... thanks for the help!

 

[ac6000cw]

Do we know if these will operate on all the services a 66 would?

I don't see why they couldn't: the engine's the same, but what about tractive effort? Probably similar, I'd have thought?

Comparing the performance specs for cl. 56 & 66, I suspect the continuous tractive effort at 16-17 mph will be similar. Starting/maximum tractive effort is probably going to depend more on bogie & motor characteristics (which are unchanged from a 56), and the 56 spec is somewhat lower than a 66 for that.

I guess we'll find out eventually...

 

[Richard Scott]

Comparing the performance specs for cl. 56 & 66, I suspect the continuous tractive effort at 16-17 mph will be similar. Starting/maximum tractive effort is probably going to depend more on bogie & motor characteristics (which are unchanged from a 56), and the 56 spec is somewhat lower than a 66 for that.

I guess we'll find out eventually...

Don't forget 56s are geared for a higher top speed than a 66 so expect 66 would have the edge anyway.

 

[DEAN MURPHY]

Has it left Eastleigh yet? It’s still not showing up as on its way in real train times.

 

[Jacob Didcote]

Has it left Eastleigh yet? It’s still not showing up as on its way in real train times.

Saw a few photos about 20 mins ago on Farcebook of 69002 on the move sandwiched between 66704 and 66798. Currently running over 1 hour late!

 

[Royston Vasey]

Saw a few photos about 20 mins ago on Farcebook of 69002 on the move sandwiched between 66704 and 66798. Currently running over 1 hour late!

Video of the move here

The 69 seems to have the logo in the middle rather than at the end, also the 69s blue looks a bit too navy, not sure if it's my eyes

It's in the right place on the other side!

 

[Bertie the bus]

There are 2 body shells in primer green currently outside EMD Longport for the Class 69 programme. One is from 56038 and the other was reportedly recently delivered. Does anybody know the number of the other please?

 

[ExRes]

There are 2 body shells in primer green currently outside EMD Longport for the Class 69 programme. One is from 56038 and the other was reportedly recently delivered. Does anybody know the number of the other please?

56060 arrived from Marcroft by lorry yesterday

 

[AndrewE]

All we need now is 66789 and 69002 to double-head something!

What matters is the communications gear. Is there a multiple-working standard and set of jumpers that have been adopted?

 

[Bertie the bus]

Thanks for that.