Class 88 diagram.
 

I saw a YouTube freight video yesterday, the consist was a class 88 diagram, but they had substituted TWO class 66.

Both the 66s were working.:)

The class 88 must have tighter timings ?

Hi Philip

What month was the video shot?

What was the load, and how heavy (estimate)?

It could just be that they had a couple of 66s which needed to go to the destination anyway.

Cheers, John

It was this week and it was a regular Tesco train which more often than not has a class 88.

Tesco normally insist on "electric" so probably the trailing load reflects the locos power.

If it were a positioning move (for the second 66) the second loco would not normally be powered up.

If I can find the video again I'll post a link.

A class 88 on electric is rated at 5,400HP and a class 66 around 3,000HP at the wheels.

I found this on Wikipedia on the class 88 page.

"it was decided that the first duty of DRS' Class 88 fleet would be the contracted services between Daventry and Mossend on behalf of the supermarket chain Tesco. The service's path has been timed for an electric locomotive, and previously necessitated the use of a pair of Class 68s working in multiple."

Ah you didn't mention it was Tesco. The perishable aspect of Tesco's goods make them time critical.

UK freight trains don't normally rush. Round here the sand train gets to its destination 'when it gets there'. 6 to 8 hours late is not unusual!

But then of course nobody eats sand (well not yet anyway :eek:)

Cheers, John

Just wondering, do Tesco insist on electric because of the timings or is to help with their "green" credentials?

Tony

I believe it's the "green credentials".

It happens from time to time, presumably if there is a temporary shortage (or failure) of Class 88, pairs of diesel locos are used on the Daventry/Mossend (Tesco) services. Can be either Class 68s or Class 66s.