The General Motors / Electromotive Diesel (EMD) class 66 locomotive was ordered by EWS under Wisconsin Central ownership in the mid-1990s, a development of the class 59 locomotives EMD had designed for Foster Yeoman in the mid-1980s. The intention was to replace the several types of ex-BR locomotives EWS had inherited with a standard freight diesel design. 250 locomotives were ordered for EWS. Subsequently EMD secured orders from other British rail freight operators and later European rail freight companies for class 66 or series 66 locomotives with just over 650 having been built.
In the UK class 66s are currently in service with DB Cargo (previously EWS), Freightliner, GB Railfreight (GBRf), DRS and Colas Rail.
Features of the Dapol N gauge class 66 include:
- Detailed body with etched grille and separately fitted handrails
- RP25.72 darkened wheels with pin point bearings
- Improved internal electrical connections
- Independent directional lighting
- DCC Ready with NEXT18 connection
- Accessory bag with optional fittings
- Improved rare earth magnet motor generating up to 50% more torque for enhanced slow running
- Low friction mechanism for efficient quiet running
Megafret wagons were first introduced in 2001 and were initially leased exclusively by Freightliner for operation through the Channel Tunnel and across mainland Europe. Their design with low access loading platforms allowed them to carry standard 40’ and 45’ high cube containers on British Rail W9 load gauge track (maximum 9’ high by 8’6” width) enabling the expansion of the rail market share of the deep sea container business. Each Megafret was built as a twin wagon set permanently coupled together and in pristine condition had a characteristic blue livery. Megafret wagons are still in widespread usage today with all of Britains' rail freight operators.
The Dapol Megafret container wagon models features
- Highly detailed cast metal body to give a well weighted wagon with a low centre of gravity
- Finely modelled wheels featuring an accurate RP25 profile
- NEM couplings with self-centring coupling arm
- Accurate and finely applied liveries