The Class 68 is coming!

Tom Quayle · Post by **Tom Quayle** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 1:12 pm

Freightliner has order 30 brand new locos with thin centre bodies like the 58's but with systems like a 66 so could this be a boney shed? There due into service 2012 I think with no indication givern to where but the are expected to replace the 86's and 90's. The are said to be the greenest diesel freight locos ever but is that just the Freightliner livery?

Ben · Post by **Ben** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 2:51 pm

Surley the 86s and 90s are greener because they run on electricity! Replacement of these therefore seems pointless!

Bullhead · Post by **Bullhead** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 2:57 pm

Ben wrote:Surley the 86s and 90s are greener because they run on electricity! Replacement of these therefore seems pointless!

Depends how the electricity is generated. And remember that a diesel can access non-electrified routes, so that's greener than having a gang of hedgehog-squashing lorries doing the same job.

Post by **richard** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 9:05 pm

Dapol announced that they were making the Class 68 in N. I assume the 2012 date is a "production model" release. I can't remember the details, but I'm pretty certain Dapol were aiming for a much earlier release of their model and said it would be shortly after the prototype enters service.

I think all the new diesels are pushing for fuel efficiency and reduced emissions these days. Look at the Green Goats and GenSet switchers here in the US.

Richard

Tom Quayle · Post by **Tom Quayle** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 10:37 am

Apparently the main reson for 86 and 90 replacement is realiabilty the same as with the 47s and the 66s. 57003 is back in service with Freightliner working its 1st train for a while last Wesdnesday from Southampton