The autumnal increase in the Class 60 fleet sees the first of the overhauled locomotives face their first leaf fall season.
The programme so far this year now means that they will face their first Autumn, a time of year where the usual freight workhorses, Class 66 locomotives, are used elsewhere. This causes the Class 60 locomotives to come out in greater numbers, with as many as twenty available in November, comparative to six or seven in Spring and Summer.
So far, 60007, 60011, 60040, 60054, 60074 and 60099 have been made it into the “Super 60” fleet. 60011 and 60054 have been repainted into DB Schenker’s house red, and 60007 has received the same red, with a “Switch onto Safety” message on its body sides. It has also been dedicated to Tom Kendall. No. 60040 is in a maroon colour and dedicated to the Territorial Army, whilst 60074 is still in a light blue livery being dedicated to the Teenage Cancer Trust. 60099, arguably the most famous, is in a silver livery, with branding of a considerable DB Schenker customer, Tata Steel.
This time of year also means that Class 60 locomotives leave their usual heartlands of the East Midlands, Humberside, Tyneside, Merseyside and Peak Forest in favour of other routes. Examples have included 60010 working into and out of Hither Green (an old depot for the type in South East London), and 60040 working stone trains to Dagenham.
On November 2nd of this year, 60099, the most notable of the class, worked a stone train from Mountsorrel in the East Midlands, to Broxbourne in Hertfordshire.
Train travel in the UK should be a pleasure, not a headache. So if you’re taking a train on the UK railway, start your journey here. We’ve lots of hints, tips and advice to help you find your way around, travel smoothly and arrive in style by train.
Welcome to our #railchat page. Our #railchat discussions take place over on Twitter, with our resident expert Phil Marsh. If you would like to get involved, please do join us, and use the dedicated hashtag #railchat. See our previous discussions below:
Our rail network would be nothing without them. From Stephenson's Rocket to British Rail Class 92 and beyond, explore the facts, information and anecdotes behind the steam, diesel and electric locomotives that built the age of the train.
Book in advance with redspottedhanky.com and save 85% advanced bookings.
From £21.00
Book in advance with redspottedhanky.com and save 92% on advance bookings.
From £6
Latest Tweets
Facebook