Class 66

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). They where classified as a Type 5 locomotive.

Sub-classes
Minor differences between different orders, and different operating companies have resulted in a number of subclasses being defined.undefined

Accidents
On 28 February 2001, 66 521 was involved in the 2001 Great Heck rail crash which resulted in 10 deaths including the driver Stephen Dunn.undefined The locomotive was written off and scrapped as a result of major damage sustained in the accident.undefined

On 9 February 2006, a freight train hauled by English Welsh & Scottish 66 017, derailed at Brentingby Junction near Melton Mowbray. Having passed a signal at danger, the locomotive and the first three wagons were derailed at catch points at the end of the Up Goods Loop. There were no injuries.undefined

On 4 January 2010, a freight train hauled by 66 048 derailed at Carrbridge in snowy weather, blocking the Highland Main Line.undefined Having passed a signal at danger the train was derailed at trap points,undefined subsequently falling down an embankment into trees and injuring the two crew members. The locomotive was hauling container flats from Inverness to Mossend Yard on behalf of Stobart Rail.undefined The line was reopened on 12 January.

On 21 November 2011, 66 111 derailed between Exeter Central and Exeter St David's on working an engineering works service.

On 28 June 2012, GBRf operated 66 734 derailed at Loch Treig whilst working the 6S45 North Blyth to Fort William Alcan Tanks. Due to its position and the environmental risks associated with recovery, after agreement from owners Porterbrook it was cut-up on site and the mechanics recycled as spare parts.undefined

On 1 August 2015, 66 428 was hauling an engineering train that ran into the rear of another engineering train at Logan, Ayrshire. It was severely damaged.undefined The train that was run into was hauled by 66 305.

Preservation
The final seven class 66's to be built for the British market arrived on 12 February 2016 aboard the cargo ship Happy Dragon at Newport docks and consisted of numbers 66 773–779. On 15 February they were towed by 66 708 north to Doncaster Roberts Road depot where they were commissioned and then ultimately put to work. 66 779 remained under a tarpaulin until 10 May 2016 when it was revealed at the NRM York with a special livery and nameplates to commemorate the fact it is the final class 66 ever built for the British market.undefined The locomotive has been painted in BR Lined Green and named Evening Star, in reference to BR Standard Class 9F Locomotive No. 92220 Evening Star was the last BR Locomotive built in Swindon in 1960. It was unveiled in a special ceremony inside the Great Hall at the National Railway Museum in York on the 10 May 2016 before staying there opposite its namesake, No. 92220, for two weeks. At the same ceremony, the boss of GBRf, John Smith, handed the curator of the National Railway Museum a document offering 66 779 to the national collection when it is retired in about 40 years time.undefined