The EMD JT42CWR or class 66 locomotives were designed in response to a request from Wisconsin Central for 250 new locomtoives to replace the varied fleet of eldery British locomotives inherited with the purchase of the British rail freight buisness units. The locomotives were developed from the earlier class 59s built for Foster Yeoman, ARC and National Power using Electro-Motives Diesels' newer and more ecconomical 12-cylinder 710 engine in place of the 16 cylinder 645 power unit, still delivering 3,200bhp.
The locomotivbes have proven highly successful in both British and European freight service with over 650 units built.
Tightening environmental rules for new diesel locomotives has brought the class 66 line to a close as the additional exhaust cleaning equipment cannot be fitted inside the UK profile bodyshells and 66779 ordered by GB Railfreight is expected to be the last class 66 built. To mark the end of the class 66 era GBRf have finished this locomotive in the British Railways lined green steam locomotive livery with the British Railways lion holding wheel crest in additon to GBRf logos and named the locomotive Evening Star, echoing the naming of British Railways last-built steam locomotive.
MODEL FEATURES:
- Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
- Era 9
- Beautiful GBRf Locomtoive Green livery
- Etched name plates
- Accessory Pack
- Driver Fitted in the Cab
- Directional Lighting
- SOUND FITTED - See below for function list
- Length 285mm
SOUNDS:
F0 – Directional Head & Taillights (Latch)
F1 - Sound On/OFF (Latch)
F2- Single Horn (Trigger)
F3 – Double Horn (Trigger)
F4 – Air Release (Trigger)
F5 – Notch Up (Latch)
F6 – Notch Down (Latch)
F7 – Shunting Speed (Latch)
F8 - Cab Lights (Latch)
F9 – Flange Squeal (Latch)
F10 – Fan (Latch)
F11- Inertia ON/OFF (Latch)
F12 – Volume Control
F12 – Latch Mutes and un-mutes the sound.
F12- Trigger Increases volume to next pre-set level (1-6). When on level 6, pressing F12 will return to pre-set level 1.
Additional Functions:
Engine Rev - When moving off from a standing start, the engine will rev before moving off.
Brake Squeal - When stopping.
CLASS 66 HISTORY
The Class 66 is a type of six-axle diesel electric freight locomotive developed in part from the Class 59, for use on the railways of the UK. 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). Placing what was termed as "the biggest British loco order since steam days," EWS placed an order for 250 units in May 1996 to be built at the EMD plant in London, Ontario, Canada; the first locomotives were ready in 1998. They were given the Class 66 designation in the British classification system (TOPS). In 1998 Freightliner placed an order for further 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.
Class 66s are synonymous with the contemporary UK rail scene, operating for all the major freight operators including DB, Freightliner, GB Railfreight, Colas Rail, and DRS, and they are set to dominate the domestic locomotive fleet for many years to come.