British Rail Class 60

British Rail Class 60
David Ingham · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Name	British Rail Class 60
Powertype	Diesel-electric
Builder	Brush Traction; British Rail Engineering Limited
Builddate	1989–1993
Totalproduction	100
Wheelarrangement	Co-Co
Primemover	Mirrlees MB275T
Transmission	Electric (Brush)
Operator	British Rail, EWS, Freightliner, DB Cargo UK, GB Railfreight

British Rail Class 60 is a heavy freight diesel-electric locomotive designed for high tractive effort and sustained hauling of bulk minerals and intermodal trains on the British network. Originally commissioned by British Rail in the late 1980s, the class entered service during a period of transition involving Network SouthEast, Regional Railways, and the wider restructuring that preceded Railtrack privatisation. Known for its distinctive angular bodyshell and robust frame, the type became a mainstay for freight operators including EWS and later DB Schenker, serving routes linking Port of Felixstowe, Immingham Port, and the West Coast Main Line freight flows.

Design and Development

The Class 60 programme was initiated by British Rail to replace ageing motive power such as Class 56 and to meet demands from heavy haul users like British Steel and the British Coal successor companies. Brush Traction and British Rail Engineering Limited collaborated on a design influenced by earlier Brush projects and international heavy freight developments such as designs from General Motors (EMD) and Alco. The Mirrlees MB275T prime mover was selected after comparative studies involving suppliers including English Electric and Rolls-Royce plc. Prototypes underwent trials on corridors used by Anglo-Scottish freight flows, with acceptance trials overseen by Railtrack engineers and British Railway Board committees.

Technical Specifications

Class 60 locomotives feature a Co-Co wheel arrangement derived from heavy freight practice used by builders like Electro-Motive Division and Sulzer designs. The main generator and traction package was supplied by Brush, incorporating six traction motors with individual axle control comparable to systems in contemporary Siemens and ABB equipment. The Mirrlees MB275T provided approximately 3,100 bhp, with continuous tractive effort suited to heavy coal and ore trains serving destinations such as Port Talbot, Redcar, and Briton Ferry. Onboard braking includes air systems compatible with British Rail standard rolling stock and provisions for multiple-working with classes approved by Railtrack standards. The resilient frame and suspension were engineered to lower track forces on infrastructure such as the Settle–Carlisle line and busy freight corridors.

Operations and Service History

First deliveries entered service in 1990, and the fleet rapidly became central to movements of aggregates, steel, and intermodal freight across terminals like Teesport, Holyhead, and Liverpool docks. Operators including EWS deployed Class 60s on heavy block trains for clients such as Tata Steel and Cemex. Under ownership changes involving Freightliner Group acquisitions and the takeover by DB Schenker (later DB Cargo UK), the class saw redeployments to routes linking Immingham, Grangemouth, and cross-country flows via Doncaster and Crewe. Some units were frequently rostered for engineering trains supporting upgrades by Network Rail and for trials on electrification schemes involving Transpennine routes.

Accidents and Incidents

Throughout their service, several Class 60s were involved in operational incidents, including derailments near freight yards such as Mossend and collisions at junctions like Doncaster North Junction. Investigations were typically conducted by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and involved stakeholders including Network Rail and operating companies like EWS. Contributory factors in incidents ranged from signal failures associated with Solid State Interlocking upgrades to track defects on heavy-haul corridors. Notable damage events necessitated extended workshops periods at facilities operated by Brush Traction and Doncaster Works.

Modifications and Rebuilds

Over time the class received modifications to improve reliability and emissions, including engine retrofits following reliability campaigns led by operators such as EWS and DB Cargo UK. Upgrades included improved cold-start systems informed by experience on Scottish routes serving Grangemouth, revised cooling packs to address issues on routes to Immingham, and installation of modern train protection equipment compatible with ERTMS pilot schemes. Individual locomotives underwent heavy overhauls at facilities operated by Brush Traction and independent companies like Wabtec-affiliated workshops, with some units being repurposed for engineering duties after braking and multiple-working alterations.

Withdrawal, Preservation and Disposal

As freight patterns shifted and newer classes such as Class 66 and Class 70 expanded, a proportion of the Class 60 fleet was progressively withdrawn and stored at depots including Tinsley and scrapyards such as Stoke facilities. Preservation groups and heritage organisations including societies linked to National Railway Museum and independent preservation trusts acquired selected examples for static display or occasional heritage use on lines like the Great Central Railway and Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. The remaining operational locomotives continue in service with DB Cargo UK and GB Railfreight for specific heavy-duty roles, while others were dismantled and recycled under contracts with firms operating at Daw Mill-era scrap facilities.

Models and Cultural Impact

The Class 60 has been modelled by manufacturers such as Hornby and Bachmann for layouts depicting industrial scenes around Teesside and South Wales terminals, and appears in rail simulation software alongside models of Class 66 and Class 70. Photographers and enthusiasts frequent locations like Frodingham Yard and Stirling to document workings, contributing to literature in magazines published by groups such as Railway Magazine and Modern Railways. The class also features in discussions at forums run by societies including the Railway Correspondence and Travel Society and in exhibitions at venues associated with Transport Heritage Network.

Category:Diesel-electric locomotives of Great Britain