British Rail Class 66
Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox locomotive
The British Rail Class 66 is a type of six-axle diesel-electric freight locomotive developed in part from the Template:Brc, for use on UK railways. Since its introduction the class has been successful and has been sold to British and other European railway companies. In Continental Europe it is marketed as the EMD Class 66 (JT42CWR).
History
Background
On the privatisation of British Rail's freight operations in 1996, Wisconsin Central Transportation Systems under the control of Ed Burkhardt bought a number of the newly privatised rail freight companies: Transrail Freight, Mainline Freight, Loadhaul, and later, Railfreight Distribution and Rail Express Systems; thus controlling 93% of UK rail freight. After a public relations exercise involving the input of the general public, the company was named English Welsh & Scottish Railway (EWS).<ref name="RGzSav"/>
EWS inherited a fleet of 1,600, mainly diesel, locomotives, with an average age of over 30 years; 300 had been cannibalised for spares. Typical of the fleet, the Template:Cvt Class 47s needed a major overhaul every seven years, costing £400,000; yet had an average daily availability of less than 65% with only 16 days between major failures. To enable it to offer its stated lower pricing to customers, EWS needed to reduce operating costs and increase availability.<ref name="RGzSav"/>
Order and specification
After reviewing the existing privately commissioned Template:Brc, which was more powerful, highly reliable and with lower operating costs, EWS approached its builder Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), then a division of General Motors. EMD offered their JT42CWR model, which had the same loading gauge-passing bodyshell as the Class 59. The engine and traction motors were different models to enable higher speeds, and the Class 66s incorporated General Motors' version of a "self-steering bogie" ("radial truck", in American usage), designed to reduce track wear and increase adhesion on curves.<ref name="RGzSav"/>
Placing what was termed as "the biggest British loco order since steam days",<ref name="RGzSav"/> EWS placed an order for 250 units in May 1996 to be built at the EMD plant in London, Ontario, Canada at a cost of £375 million. Financed by Locomotion Capital (later Angel Trains), the first locomotives were ready in early 1998; the fastest delivery of an all-new locomotive type by GM.Template:Sfn<ref name="s6">Template:Cite web</ref> Initially, the locomotives were expected to be allocated the TOPS Class 61, the Class 66 designation was confirmed in July 1996.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
The EMD 710 12-cylinder diesel engine is a development of a two-stroke engine used for over 20 years, whilst the EM2000 control equipment is the same as that used on the Iarnród Éireann 201 Class. EWS reduced the locomotive's time into operation through specifying cab systems laid out like the Class 59, whilst increasing availability with a fuel tank of Template:Convert capacity, compared to Template:Convert on a standard Class 47.<ref name="RGzSav"/>
United Kingdom
The first locomotive shipped to the UK arrived at Immingham in June 1998,<ref name="s6"/> taken to Derby for testing. The second was taken to AAR's Pueblo Test Centre for endurance testing, before shipping to the UK. The locomotives then shipped at a rate of 11 per month into the UK via Newport Docks, until the order was completed in December 2001. After unloading, EWS engineers then simply took off the tarpaulin, unblocked the suspension, and finally as each was shipped with water and fuel, connected the batteries, before starting the engine and handing the locomotive into service. The ability to simply start up '66s' on the dockside and drive them under their own power to depots to enter service was nothing short of a revelation compared with many other BR locomotives, particularly the Template:Brc.Template:Sfn<ref name="RGzSav"/>
Each locomotive is specified and guaranteed to 95% availability, aiming for a minimum of 180 days mean time between failures. It is designed to cover 1.6 million km between major rebuilds, equivalent to 18 years' service, with each major rebuild costed at £200,000.<ref name="RGzSav"/>
In 1998 Freightliner placed an order for locomotives. They were followed by GB Railfreight, and then Direct Rail Services. The last of more than 500 built over an 18-year period was No 66779, Evening Star, delivered to GB Railfreight in spring 2016.Template:Sfn
Although sometimes unpopular with many rail enthusiasts, due to their ubiquity and having caused the displacement of several older types of (mostly) British built locomotives, their high reliability has helped rail freight to remain competitive. Rail enthusiasts labelled the type "The Red Death" as they displaced many older types of locomotive<ref>Template:Cite Q</ref> whilst also acquiring the nicknames of "sheds" for the EWS (now DBS) locomotives (due to their upturned roof looking like a shed roof)<ref name="sheds">Template:Cite Q</ref> with the Freightliner locomotives being called "Freds" as a portmanteau of Freightliner and Shed.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Continental Europe
Template:Main The Class 66 design has also been introduced to Continental Europe where it is currently certified for operations in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, France, and Poland, with certification pending in the Czech Republic and Italy. They currently operate on routes in Sweden and Denmark and between Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands and Poland. As a result of its well-known British identity, EMD Europe markets the locomotive as "Series 66".
UK importation
By 2011, following an increase in UK rail traffic after the 2008 Global Economic Crisis, EMD were struggling to source critical components of the locomotive — specifically castings. The final units of the Class 66 were produced in the London, Ontario plant that year following an industrial dispute and the introduction of new EU crash and emissions regulations which culminated in the cessation of production.
Due to a reduction in European freight volumes and migration of several operators to electric traction using multi-current locomotives such as the Alstom Traxx and Siemens Eurosprinter, since mid-2012, a number of EMD Series 66 locomotives have been imported by GBRf and converted to UK type specifications. To date:<ref name="Imports">Template:Cite news</ref>
- 2012: Three ex-Dutch locos, which have been numbered 66747–749. The former identities of these were DE6316, DE6313 and DE6315 respectively.
- 2013: Two ex-German "Rush Rail" locomotives, which have been numbered 66750 and 66751. The former identities of these were DE6606 (also used in Sweden with the number T664025) and DE6609 (also 2906) respectively
- 2019: Three ex-Swedish locomotives, which have been numbered 66790–792. The former identities of these were T66403, T66404 and T66405 respectively.
- 2024: Eleven locomotives from France, which have been numbered 66306–316.<ref name="ORR-66306-16">Template:Cite web</ref>
Emission compliance
Numbers 66752-779 were the last Class 66s ordered for service in Great Britain because of increasingly stringent emission regulations. 66779 was the last Class 66 ever to be built. Although the Class 66s meet stage 3a of the regulations, they do not meet stage 3b. Stage 3b would have required additional exhaust treatment equipment that could not easily be accommodated within the UK loading gauge. The same restrictions apply to the Template:Brc and Template:Brc. The restriction does not apply to second-hand locomotives, provided that they are imported from within the European Union. The purpose of the regulation was to put a cap on the total number of non-compliant locomotives in the EU.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Current operators
Colas Rail
Colas Rail took over the ex-Advenza Cemex Cement flow after the company went bust, initially using the five former Advenza Freight and Direct Rail Services locomotives 66406-410 which had been renumbered 66841-845. Subsequently, as part of a deal with GB Railfreight, Colas Rail replaced them with five ex-Freightliner 66573-577 which were renumbered 66846–850. The five ex-Direct Rail Services class 66s were transferred to GB Railfreight and renumbered 66742–746.
DB Cargo UK
DB Cargo UK bought out EWS. Their Class 66 fleet includes four locomotives capable of banking heavy trains over the Lickey Incline. On these specific locomotives, the knuckle coupler has been modified to allow remote releasing from inside the cab, whilst in motion. It also includes fifteen locomotives fitted with RETB signalling equipment, for working in northern Scotland and RETB-fitted branchlines.<ref name="P5Comb2008">Template:HarvnbTemplate:Page needed</ref> A few DB Cargo UK Class 66s are now working in Europe as part of DB Cargo France and DB Cargo Polska.<ref name="The Railway Magazine"/>
Direct Rail Services
Direct Rail Services (DRS), which at the time was a subsidiary of British Nuclear Fuels (BNFL), ordered ten Class 66/4 locomotives (66401–410) in 2002, employed on new Anglo-Scottish traffic, some with Stobart Rail. In 2006, ten more T2 specification units (66411–420) were delivered, a further ten (66421–430) in late 2007, and four more (66431–434) in 2008.
After the first 20 Class 66s operated by DRS were transferred to Freightliner and GB Railfreight, leaving just 14 in their fleet, DRS leased the five former Fastline Freight locomotives.
Freightliner
Freightliner followed EWS by initially ordering five new Class 66/5 locomotives, and have continued to order in small batches. As of 2020, the Class 66/5 fleet had reached 89 examples; 66521 was withdrawn after the 2001 crash at Great Heck and later scrapped.
In 2000 a new Class 66/6 sub-class was built, with a lower gear ratio, enabling heavier trains to be hauled, albeit at slower speed. There are presently 25 examples of this class, numbered 66601-625. Some of these locomotives have since been exported for use with Freightliner Poland.
During 2004 the company took delivery of the most recent Class 66/9 sub-class of the locomotive, which are a low-emission variant. All new locomotives for all companies are now of the low-emission "T2" type. The seven such locomotives as 66951-957.
In 2011, Freightliner took on Direct Rail Services' 66411-420.
GB Railfreight
GB Railfreight initially leased seventeen Class 66/7 locomotives, before increasing its fleet to 32. During April 2006 five more low-emission locomotives (numbered 66718-722) were delivered, liveried for use on the Metronet/Transport for London contracts. A further order for five more locomotives (66723-727) was delivered in early 2007, and another five locomotives (66728–732) in April 2008. 66733-746 are formed of Class 66s from Direct Rail Services, Freightliner and Colas Rail. In 2011 66720 was painted in a special "Rainbow" livery.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> In June 2012, 66734 derailed at Loch Treig whilst working 6S45 North Blyth–Fort William and was consequently cut up on site and scrapped.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In September 2013, GB Railfreight announced a new order of a further 8 Class 66/7 locomotives from EMD, the first of the class to be built at EMD's Muncie, Indiana plant. On 2 February GBRf ordered a further 13 locomotives. These 21 locomotives are numbered 66752–772.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead link</ref> Numbers 66752–756 were shipped from America and arrived at Newport Docks in July 2014. No. 66752 has been named The Hoosier State, a nickname for Indiana.<ref name="ReferenceA">Template:Cite magazine</ref> A further seven locomotives (66773–779) were later added to the fleet, utilising six power units that had been in the UK, plus one recovered from the scrapped 66734. The presence of these power units in the UK circumvented European emission compliance regulations and permitted them to be exported to EMD Muncie for installation in further class 66 bodyshells.Template:Citation needed
The final Class 66 built, 66779, remained under a tarpaulin until 10 May 2016 when it was revealed at the NRM York with a special livery and nameplates to commemorate the fact it is the final Class 66 ever built for the British market.Template:Sfn<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The locomotive has been painted in BR Lined Green and named Evening Star, in reference to BR Standard Class 9F 92220 Evening Star which was the last BR steam locomotive to be built. It was unveiled in a special ceremony inside the Great Hall at the National Railway Museum in York on 10 May 2016 before staying there opposite its namesake, No. 92220, for two weeks. At the same ceremony, the CEO of GBRf, John Smith, handed the curator of the National Railway Museum a document offering 66779 to the national collection when it is retired in about 40 years time.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
In addition to those locomotives sourced from domestic operators (Direct Rail Services, Freightliner, Colas Rail and DB Cargo UK), eight further locomotives have been obtained from European operators. A further five have been purchased from Heavy Haul Power International and will be transferred from Germany beginning in April 2021. The locos will go to Doncaster to be converted to UK specification.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Former operators
Advenza Freight
Template:Unreferenced section Advenza Freight, a Cotswold Rail subsidiary, operated Class 66841-844. They were primarily used on Advenza's scrap and cement flows. The locomotives originated from the batch that Direct Rail Services returned.
Advenza Freight ceased operations in October 2009 and the Class 66s returned to storage. These locos were housed at Gloucester Carriage Sidings where Advenza Freight was based.
Fastline
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Fastline operated intermodal services between Doncaster and Birmingham International Railfreight Terminal (BIFT), and Thamesport, in North Kent, using refurbished Template:Brc locomotives. The company ordered five Class 66/3 locomotives to operate a coal flow from Hatfield Colliery, which were delivered in 2008.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Following the demise of Jarvis in 2010, and Fastline going into administration on 29 March 2010,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> these locomotives were placed in storage, being towed to Direct Rail Services' Carlisle Kingmoor and Crewe Gresty Lane depots for storage. During 2011, DRS repainted the five ex-Fastline locomotives and added them to their own fleet, keeping their original numbers.Template:Citation needed
Driver reception
The British train drivers' union ASLEF has complained that the locomotives are unfit and unsafe to work in, citing excessive heat, noise levels and poor seating.
In April 2007, ASLEF proposed a ban on their members driving the locomotives during the British summer 2007 period. Keith Norman, ASLEF's general secretary, described the cabs as "unhealthy, unsafe and unsatisfactory". Research showed that in July 2006, when the weather had been extremely hot, the number of incidents where a driver had passed a signal at danger (SPAD) increased.<ref name="cab1">Template:Cite news</ref> EWS entered into discussions and made amendments to a series of trial locomotives,<ref name="cab1"/> GB Railfreight and Freightliner also investigated cab improvements.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> In June 2007, progress on the issue led ASLEF to withdraw its threat of industrial action.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In Norway, CargoNet related complaints about the noise levels in the CD66 variant of the Class 66 resulted in higher pay rates for drivers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Accidents and incidents
- On 28 February 2001, 66521 was involved in the 2001 Great Heck rail crash/Selby rail crash which resulted in 10 deaths including the driver Stephen Dunn.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The locomotive was written off and scrapped as a result of major damage sustained in the accident.<ref name="GHWO">Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 9 February 2006, a freight train hauled by English Welsh & Scottish 66017, derailed at Brentingby Junction near Melton Mowbray. Having passed a signal at danger, the locomotive and the first three wagons were derailed at catch points at the end of the Up Goods Loop. There were no injuries.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 4 January 2010, a freight train, hauled by 66048, derailed at Template:Rws in snowy weather, blocking the Highland Main Line.<ref name="BBC844120">Template:Cite news</ref> Having passed a signal at danger the train was derailed at trap points,<ref name="RAIB">Template:Cite web</ref> subsequently falling down an embankment into trees and injuring the two crew members. The locomotive was hauling container flats from Inverness to Mossend Yard on behalf of Stobart Rail.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> The line was reopened on 12 January.<ref name="NR">Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 21 November 2011, 66111 derailed between Exeter Central and Exeter St Davids on working an engineering works service.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- On 28 June 2012, GBRf operated 66734 derailed at Loch Treig whilst working the 6S45 North Blyth to Fort William Alcan Tanks.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Due to its position and the environmental risks associated with recovery, after agreement from owners Porterbrook it was cut-up on site and the mechanics recycled as spare parts.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref name="QTS">Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 1 August 2015, 66428 was hauling an engineering train that ran into the rear of another engineering train at Logan, Ayrshire. It was severely damaged.<ref name="Logan">Template:Cite web</ref> The train that was run into was hauled by 66305.<ref name="Loganreport">Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 14 August 2017, 66713 was hauling a freight train that derailed near Template:Rws, due to defective suspension on the wagon that was first to derail. The railway between Ely and Template:Rws was closed for a week.<ref name="RAIBEly">Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 4 September 2018, 66230 was hauling a freight train which collided with a vehicle on a level crossing at Dollands Moor Freight Yard, Kent. One cab was extensively damaged in the post-impact fire.<ref name="RAIBDollands">Template:Cite web</ref> The locomotive was stored in Toton TMD.Template:Citation needed
- On 23 January 2020, 66154 was hauling a freight train which derailed at Wanstead Park and ran for Template:Convert before stopping near Template:Rws station.<ref name="RAIBWanstead">Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 23 March 2020, 66057 ran through a buffer stop at the end of a siding at Template:Rws and was derailed. The derailment caused the locomotive to foul the main line, and a Template:Brc diesel multiple unit, unit number 170 107, collided with the derailed locomotive at around Template:Convert. No one was injured.<ref name="RAIBBromsgrove">Template:Cite web</ref> The driver of the locomotive was subsequently convicted of an offence contrary to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. He was sentenced to 8 months' imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.<ref name="ORR100123">Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 11 November 2020, 66603 was hauling a freight train that derailed at Template:Rws.<ref name="Rail111120">Template:Cite magazine</ref> The derailment was caused by broken rail fastenings which allowed the track to spread.<ref name="RAIBSheffield">Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 19 August 2021, 66754 was hauling a freight train which collided with a tractor on a level crossing between Template:Rws and Template:Rws in Cambridgeshire. The locomotive and three wagons were derailed.<ref name="BBC58269427">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=RAIBWhittleseyOpen>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 24 December 2021, 66779, working a train from Hams Hall (near Birmingham) to London Gateway derailed on the down Thames Haven line while on the approach to the port near to Stanford-le-Hope in Essex.<ref name="Gateway">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="RAIBGateway">Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 5 July 2022, 66729 was hauling a freight train that passed a signal at danger and ran into the rear of another freight train near Loversall Carr Jn, Doncaster.<ref name="Loversall">Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 19 October 2022 66739 was hauling a loaded cement train from Clitheroe Castle Cement Gb to Carlisle N.Y. when eight wagons derailed at Petteril Bridge Junction with one crashing into the River Petteril and one half way down the embankment.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 5 April 2024, 66776 passed a red signal and was derailed at Template:Rws.<ref name="BBC68738960">Template:Cite news</ref>
Sub-classes
Template:Original research section Minor differences between different orders, and different operating companies have resulted in a number of subclasses being defined.Template:Citation needed
| Subclass | Quantity | Loco nos. | Operators | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 66/0<ref name="s6"/> | 223 | Template:Ubl | DB Cargo UK |
|
| 5 | Template:Ubl | Direct Rail Services | On long-term lease from DB Cargo UK, all in DRS livery.Template:Citation needed | |
| Class 66/3 | 16 | Template:Ubl | GB Railfreight | Template:Ubl |
| Class 66/4 | 10 | 66411–420 | Freightliner | Acquired from Direct Rail Services in 2011. 66411, 66412 & 66417 exported for use by Freightliner PL.<ref name="The Railway Magazine"/> |
| 14 | 66421-434 | Direct Rail Services | Intended use is on intermodal traffic. Occasionally used on nuclear flask traffic.<ref name="s6"/> | |
| Class 66/5 | 81 | Template:Ubl | Freightliner |
|
| Class 66/6 | 28 | Template:Ubl |
| |
| 10 | 66651-660 | DB Cargo UK |
| |
| 4 | 66687
66689 66693 66694<ref name=":4" /> |
GB Railfreight |
| |
| Class 66/7<ref name=":3">Template:Cite magazine</ref> | 99<ref name=":3" /> | 66701–776, 66778, 66780-792, 66795-799<ref name="Rail Magazine">Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref name=":4" /> | GB Railfreight | Operates on coal, intermodal services and also engineering / departmental work for Transport for London and Network Rail on London Underground and National Rail lines.<ref name="s6" />
|
| Class 66/8 | 5 | 66846–850 | Colas Rail | Formerly Freightliner 66573–577. |
| Class 66/9 | 7 | 66951–957 | Freightliner | A lower emission variant – fuel capacity reduced to compensate for the increased weight of other components.<ref name="s6"/> |
Names
Template:More citations needed section
| Number | Name | Operator | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 66005 | Maritime Intermodal One | DB Cargo UK | <ref name="Intermodal">Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 66035 | Resourceful | Unveiled at the 2018 Severnside Open Day.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66047 | Maritime Intermodal Two | <ref name="Intermodal"/> | |
| 66051 | Maritime Intermodal Four | <ref name="Intermodal"/> | |
| 66090 | Maritime Intermodal Six | <ref name="Intermodal"/> | |
| 66091 | accurascale | Named after the model railway company at the DB Cargo UK Rail 200 Heritage Weekend at Midland Railway – Butterley in July 2025<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66100 | Armistice 100 (1918-2018) | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66142 | Maritime Intermodal Three | <ref name="Intermodal"/> | |
| 66148 | Maritime Intermodal Seven | <ref name="Intermodal"/> | |
| 66162 | Maritime Intermodal Five | <ref name="Intermodal"/> | |
| 66175 | Rail Riders Express | Named at Toton on 20 March 2020.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | |
| 66190 | Martin House Children's Hospice | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66200 | The Jeremy Vine Show | Named at The Greatest Gathering in Derby after the famous BBC Radio 2 presenter.<ref name="The Railway Magazine-2025">Template:Cite magazine</ref> | |
| 66307 | Ipswich Town | GB Railfreight | <ref name="Football">Template:Cite news</ref> |
| 66308 | Signalman Willie Taylor | Named on 1 May 2024 at Carlisle Station to mark 40 years since he prevented a fatal rail collision.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | |
| 66413 | Lest We Forget (denamed) | Freightliner | Name transferred to 66623 in 2023.<ref name="Naming Dec 2023">Template:Cite magazine</ref> |
| 66415 | You Are Never Alone | <ref name="Smith"/> | |
| 66418 | Patriot | Named in 2016 in honour of the 20,000 railwaymen that lost their lives in the First World War.<ref name="auto">Template:Cite magazine</ref> | |
| 66419 | Lionesses' Roar | Named in honour of the England women's national football team.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> | |
| 66421 | Gresty Bridge TMD | Direct Rail Services | Previously carried by 20305.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> |
| 66422 | Max Joule | Name unveiled at the 2022 Direct Rail Services Open Day.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | |
| 66424 | Driver Paul Scrivens | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66425 | Nigel J Kirchstein | <ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> | |
| 66428 | Carlisle Eden Mind | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66429 | Charlie Brise | Named after a former DRS employee and TSSA union representative.<ref name="RailwaysIllustrated259"/> | |
| 66431 | Kingmoor TMD | <ref name="RailwaysIllustrated259"/> | |
| 66433 | Carlisle Power Signal Box | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66501 | Spirit of 65 – Celebrating 60 years of Freightliner | Freightliner | Named in March 2025 to celebrate 60 years of Freightliner.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 66503 | The Railway Magazine | Named in 2004 with another plate (Celebrating 125 years 1897–2022) added below in 2022 to celebrate the magazine's anniversary.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66508 | City of Doncaster | <ref name="Naming Dec 2023"/> | |
| 66509 | Josiah's Wish | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66522 | East London Express (denamed) | <ref name="Smith"/> | |
| 66526 | Steve Dunn (denamed) | Named after freight driver who was killed in the Selby rail crash.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Naming Dec 2023"/> | |
| 66528 | Madge Elliot MBE (Borders Railway 2015) | Named after veteran rail campaigner Madge Elliot.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Smith"/> | |
| 66533 | Template:Ubl | Different name carried each side.<ref name="Smith">Template:Cite book</ref> | |
| 66534 | OOCL Express | Named on 21 November 2001 at Manchester.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66540 | Ruby | <ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> | |
| 66552 | Maltby Raider | Named in 2004 to celebrate Freightliner's achievement of 0.75 million tonnes of coal from Maltby Main Colliery.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66587 | As One We Can | Named and repainted in Ocean Network Express' (ONE) pink livery in 2019 to celebrate Freightliner's partnership with ONE.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66594 | NYK Spirit of Kyoto | <ref name="Smith"/> | |
| 66614 | Poppy | Named in 2016 in honour of the 20,000 railwaymen that lost their lives in the First World War<ref name="auto"/> | |
| 66619 | Derek W Johnson MBE | Named after Chairman of Johnson Stevens Agencies Ltd.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66623 | Lest We Forget | Name transferred from 66413 in 2023.<ref name="Naming Dec 2023"/> | |
| 66701 | Whitemoor (denamed) | GB Railfreight | Named on 23 May 2004 at Whitemoor depot.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 66705 | Golden Jubilee | Additionally carried a Union Jack in its livery until 2016.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66706 | Nene Valley | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66708 | Glory to Ukraine | Named on 6 April 2022 and partially painted in the colours of the Flag of Ukraine.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | |
| 66709 | Sorrento | Named and repainted in Mediterranean Shipping Company's corporate colours in 2012 to celebrate the 10-year partnership anniversary with GB Railfreight.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> | |
| 66710 | Karen Harrison | Named at the Greatest Gathering after the first woman in Britain to be appointed as a train driver.<ref name="The Railway Magazine-2025"/> | |
| 66711 | Sence | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66713 | The Forest City | Named in reference to the Class 66's birthplace in London, Ontario.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Better source needed | |
| 66714 | Cromer Lifeboat | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Better source needed | |
| 66715 | Valour | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Better source needed | |
| 66716 | Locomotive & Carriage Institution 1911-2011 | Named on the Nene Valley Railway.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66718 | Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill of Imber in the County of Wiltshire | Originally named Sir Peter Hendy CBE in 2013, it was repainted in a black livery with the current name adopted in May 2023.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | |
| 66719 | Michael Portillo | Named at the Greatest Gathering after the British journalist and broadcaster that hosted railway documentaries such as Great British Railway Journeys and Great Continental Railway Journeys.<ref name="The Railway Magazine-2025"/> | |
| 66720 | Wascosa | <ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> | |
| 66721 | Harry Beck | Named after the designer of London Underground's Tube map.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66723 | ZA723 Chinook | Named after the helicopter in 2008.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66725 | Sunderland | <ref name="Football" /> | |
| 66726 | Sheffield Wednesday | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66728 | Institution of Railway Operators | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66729 | Derby County | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66731 | Capt. Tom Moore – A True British Inspiration | Named in April 2020 in honour of the 100th birthday of Captain Tom Moore.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite magazine</ref> | |
| 66733 | Cambridge PSB | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Better source needed | |
| 66734 | Platinum Jubilee | Repainted in purple livery in 2022 and named to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> | |
| 66736 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66738 | Huddersfield Town | <ref name="Football"/> | |
| 66739 | Bluebell Railway | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66740 | Sarah | Named after Sarah Whurr in 2014, working for GBRF's finance team.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Better source needed | |
| 66741 | Swanage Railway | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Better source needed | |
| 66742 | Port of Immingham Centenary 1912-2012 | Unveiled by Michael Portillo.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66744 | Crossrail | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66747 | Made in Sheffield | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | |
| 66748 | St Michael's Mount | Named and repainted in the "Belmond Britannic Explorer" luxury livery and named in honor of the famous tidal island landmark in Cornwall.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66749 | Christopher Hopcroft MBE | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66750 | Bristol Panel Signal Box | <ref name="White">Template:Cite news</ref> | |
| 66751 | Inspiration Delivered | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66752 | The Hoosier State | A nickname for the American state of Indiana.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> | |
| 66753 | EMD Roberts Road | <ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> | |
| 66754 | Northampton Saints | Named at Wellingborough Aggregates Terminal on 22 April 2015.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66755 | Tony Berkeley OBE | <ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> | |
| 66756 | Royal Corps of Signals | <ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> | |
| 66757 | West Somerset Railway | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | |
| 66758 | The Pavior | Named in honour of the Worshipful Company of Paviors.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66763 | Severn Valley Railway | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66764 | Major John Poyntz Engineer and Railwayman | Named on 16 June 2021 in honour of last RE Inspector of Railways.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite news</ref> | |
| 66765 | Julie Carn | <ref name="Naming 2 August">Template:Cite magazine</ref> | |
| 66766 | Gail Richardson | <ref name="Naming 2 August"/> | |
| 66767 | King’s Cross PSB 1971–2021 | Named on 25 April 2021 at Kings Cross station.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66769 | League Managers Association | Carries the Prostate Cancer UK logo. Named in August 2021.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | |
| 66770 | Darius Cheskin | <ref name="RailwaysIllustrated259">Template:Cite magazine</ref> | |
| 66771 | Amanda | Named in a ceremony at Cleethorpes station in August 2019 in honour of staff member Amanda Wilson.<ref name="maria">Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66772 | Maria | Named in a ceremony at Cleethorpes station in August 2019 in honour of staff member Maria Dennison.<ref name="maria"/> | |
| 66773 | Pride of GB Railfreight | Name chosen by Matthew Parris in recognition of LGBT+ employees across the rail industry.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66775 | Template:HMS | Named in a ceremony at HMNB Devonport in July 2017.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66778 | Cambois Depot 25 Years | <ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> | |
| 66779 | Evening Star | Last class 66 to be built. Gifted to the NRM.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66780 | The Cemex Express | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66781 | Template:Numbered list | Template:Numbered list | |
| 66783 | The Flying Dustman | Named in March 2018 to mark the partnership between Biffa and GB Railfreight.<ref name=":2">Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66784 | Keighley & Worth Valley Railway | <ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>Template:Page needed | |
| 66785 | John Ellis | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66786 | Cambridge University Railway Club | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66787 | Three Bridges ASC | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Better source needed | |
| 66789 | British Rail 1948-1997 | Named to commemorate the 70th anniversary of British Rail and painted in BR 'large logo' blue.<ref>Template:Cite tweet</ref>Template:Better source needed | |
| 66790 | Louise | <ref name="Ladies Naming">Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66791 | Settle & Carlisle 150 | To celebrate 150 years of freight on the Settle to Carlisle line<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66792 | Collaboration | <ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> | |
| 66794 | Steve Hannam | <ref>Template:Cite tweet</ref>Template:Better source needed | |
| 66795 | Bescot LDC | Named in October 2021 following the completion of an upgrade to the Bescot Local Distribution Centre.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66796 | The Green Progressor | Named in September 2021.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | |
| 66798 | Justine | <ref name="Ladies Naming"/> | |
| 66799 | Modern Railways Diamond Jubilee | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | |
| 66847 | Terry Baker | Freightliner | <ref>Template:Cite tweet</ref>Template:Better source needed |
| 66849 | Wylam Dilly | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 66850 | David Maidment OBE | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Better source needed | |
| 66957 | Stephenson Locomotive Society 1909–2009 | GB Railfreight | Named at Shildon, on 30 March 2009, as part of the Stephenson Locomotive Society's 100th anniversary celebrations.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
Models
In 2006, Hornby Railways launched its first version of the BR Class 66 in OO gauge range in a variety of liveries.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2008, Bachmann produced a OO gauge model of 66411 Eddie the Engine in DRS Stobart livery.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> In 2013, following on from Bachmann's OO gauge EWS and Freightliner liveried models of the Class 66, Bachmann introduced a DCC-ready version of 66846 in Colas Rail livery.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Since 2019, Hattons have offered a variety of paint schemes for their class 66 model in OO gauge.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Both Graham Farish<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> and Dapol produce models of the Class 66 for British N gauge.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
In 2008, Aristocraft introduced a G scale version of the Class 66 in GB Railfreight livery<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> and in Freightliner livery.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Notes
References
Sources
Further reading
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