Class 67

Class 67
Powertype	Diesel-electric
Builddate	1999–2000
Totalproduction	30
Britishclass	Co-Co
Uicclass	Co'Co'
Length	21.34 m
Width	2.72 m
Height	3.93 m
Weight	126 t
Primemover	CAT 3512B
Topspeed	125 mph (201 km/h)
Poweroutput	2750 kW

Class 67

The Class 67 is a fleet of 30 high-speed diesel-electric locomotives built for express passenger and mail services in the United Kingdom at the turn of the 21st century. Commissioned to replace ageing traction for British Rail successors and prominent operators, they entered service amid evolving franchise structures and infrastructure upgrades affecting Network Rail, Railtrack and predecessor organizations. Their design reflects influences from international manufacturers and has been deployed by operators associated with Virgin Trains, DB Schenker, Freightliner, Arriva and EWS among others.

Development and Design

The Class 67 concept originated from procurement processes involving English Welsh & Scottish Railway interests, Freightliner Group consultations and requirements set by franchise holders such as Virgin Group and FirstGroup. Initial design work engaged contractors tied to Alstom, Siemens, General Electric and Edison Mission Energy supply chains, with construction undertaken by a consortium including NRE and workshops influenced by Brush Traction practices. The adoption of the CAT 3512 family of engines reflected licensing agreements with Caterpillar Inc. and coordination with MTU Friedrichshafen engineering standards. Cab ergonomics and crashworthiness were shaped by guidance from Department for Transport, Rail Safety and Standards Board and European directives invoked after consultations with European Railway Agency delegates. Bogie and suspension design benefitted from studies by Bombardier Transportation engineers and tram-train research from Stadler Rail case studies.

Technical Specifications

The locomotives feature a Co-Co wheel arrangement consistent with UIC classifications used by International Union of Railways observers, and an aluminium-bodied superstructure influenced by GEC Traction component layouts. The prime mover is a V12 derivative in the Caterpillar 3500 series, matched to an alternator compliant with ABB electrical architecture, and controlled by microprocessors developed under licence from Siemens Mobility. Braking systems integrate vacuum/air dual-mode provisions evaluated against standards from Association of American Railroads studies and UIC recommendations. Onboard safety equipment includes TPWS and AWS units certified by Network Rail engineers and CCTV provisions meeting specifications endorsed by Office of Rail and Road assessors. Performance tuning used dynamometer testing protocols similar to those at Ricardo plc and Horiba MIRA facilities.

Operational History

After delivery, the locomotives entered service on express passenger duties for operators linked to Virgin CrossCountry, Virgin Trains West Coast and mail operations contracted by Royal Mail. Later deployment saw reallocation to freight and charter work for DB Schenker Rail UK, Direct Rail Services, and spot hires by Grand Central and Caledonian Sleeper-associated services. Their roles evolved with franchise reorganizations involving Serco and Stagecoach Group; notable assignments included hauling charter trains for Swanage Railway gala specials and rescue duties during disruptions involving HS1 and West Coast Main Line possessions. International interest prompted discussions with operators like Deutsche Bahn and SNCF about gauge and emission adaptations. Incidents and fleet management decisions were overseen by regulators including Rail Accident Investigation Branch and operational audits by Office of Rail and Road.

Liveries and Ownership

The fleet has worn liveries associated with many entities: original schemes connected to EWS marketing, Virgin Trains corporate colours, freight liveries for Freightliner and DB Schenker, and charter liveries applied by Direct Rail Services and private owners such as Cotswold Rail and Adrian Shooter-linked firms. Leasing and sales involved rolling stock companies including Beacon Rail and GB Railfreight negotiations; ownership transfers were recorded in filings with Office of Rail and Road registries and asset management teams at Artemis Rail-style consultancies. Special commemorative liveries have referenced events like the Queen's Golden Jubilee and rail anniversaries promoted by Railway Heritage Trust.

Performance and Reliability

In service evaluations, the locomotives demonstrated high-speed capability up to 125 mph on routes such as the West Coast Main Line and East Coast Main Line under performance monitoring by Network Rail and traincrew reports submitted to ASLEF and RMT unions. Reliability statistics compared fleets against standards set by Top Gear-style media tests and technical audits by Siemens-linked maintenance regimes. Issues reported included cooling system modifications inspired by Caterpillar service bulletins, bogie wear addressed following guidance from Bombardier engineers, and electronic control software updates coordinated with Siemens Mobility and Alstom support teams. Availability improvements followed overhaul programs at depots formerly operated by Brush Traction and Doncaster Works contractors.

Preservation and Models

A number of locomotives have been retained for heritage and charter use by preservation groups affiliated with Railway Heritage Trust and private collectors with ties to Heritage Railway Association events. Model manufacturers including Hornby Railways, Bachmann Europe, Graham Farish and Dapol have produced scale models and limited editions reflecting the fleet's various liveries, often sold through retailers such as Hattons Model Railways and exhibited at shows organized by Warley National Model Railway Exhibition and Model Rail Live. Preservation projects have coordinated restorations in workshops influenced by practices at Crewe Works and volunteer groups with connections to North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

Category:Diesel locomotives of the United Kingdom