Why aren't 66s used on test trains?

[trainmania100]

I've just been shown a pic from 2012 showing 2 ews 66s at Denmark hill on a test train, probably on a move.
Makes me wonder why 66s aren't used on test trains? Even when DB had the IM trains they continued to hire in locos for the jobs such as drs 37 and GBRf 73s down here. It's always been 37s and 73s why is it primarily these locomotives and not 66s, is it because of the route availability, or the brake connections with coaches or just lack of availability? Thanks

 

[Freightmaster]

Makes me wonder why 66s aren't used on test trains? Even when DB had the IM trains they continued to hire in locos for the jobs such as drs 37 and GBRf 73s down here. It's always been 37s and 73s why is it primarily these locomotives and not 66s, is it because of the route availability, or the brake connections with coaches or just lack of availability?

Top speed is the main issue, as far as I am aware.



MARK

 

[swt_passenger]

I think route availability comes into it as well. There’s a fair number of engineering trains in the south use 73s as well, and I don’t think it’s just nostalgia...

 

[Bertie the bus]

It hasn't always been 37s and 73s. 67s have been regularly used for years (both Colas and DB days), 68s were used until recently, Network Rail's 57s were used as were their 31s and DRS 47s popped up very occasionally too. There was even an 88 on one a couple of weeks ago.

 

[edwin_m]

It hasn't always been 37s and 73s. 67s have been regularly used for years (both Colas and DB days), 68s were used until recently, Network Rail's 57s were used as were their 31s and DRS 47s popped up very occasionally too. There was even an 88 on one a couple of weeks ago.

All these are capable of 90mph or more, although this is debatable in the case of Class 31. The 66 has lower top speed and the heavy haul capability isn't really relevant on a test train that's unlikely to exceed 200 tonnes trailing.

 

[Bertie the bus]

Most test trains are 75 mph and 37s, except 37/6s, aren't 90 mph. 37/0s have always been common and 37/4s are now on DRS operated test trains.

 

[Mollman]

The 66 has lower top speed and the heavy haul capability isn't really relevant on a test train that's unlikely to exceed 200 tonnes trailing.

I think this hits the nail on the head, why use a heavy haul machine for something that is usually around four or five coaches?

 

[Harbon 1]

You'll have trouble powering the coaches as well

 

[43096]

You'll have trouble powering the coaches as well

Test trains have on board generators. How else do they operate when working with (say) a 37/0?

 

[DPWH]

And why use a diesel loco in 3rd rail land if you've got an electric 73 available?

 

[Moodster020]

90mph 37s top trumps 66's 75mph
RA5 37s top trumps 66's RA7
37s operating costs top trumps a 66s operating costs.

Reliability issues are in tandem with maintenance regimes. Like your car, if you don't maintain it properly, it breaks down on you.

The above sums up the whys & whatfors.

 

[Harbon 1]

Test trains have on board generators. How else do they operate when working with (say) a 37/0?

Well, I never knew that!

 

[DarloRich]

I've just been shown a pic from 2012 showing 2 ews 66s at Denmark hill on a test train, probably on a move.
Makes me wonder why 66s aren't used on test trains? Even when DB had the IM trains they continued to hire in locos for the jobs such as drs 37 and GBRf 73s down here. It's always been 37s and 73s why is it primarily these locomotives and not 66s, is it because of the route availability, or the brake connections with coaches or just lack of availability? Thanks

Top speed and route availability are the main reasons

 

[edwin_m]

And why use a diesel loco in 3rd rail land if you've got an electric 73 available?

Perhaps if it is based in Derby, as most test trains are.

 

[Blaahh]

The issue is more... lets hope it stays that way!