I've seen many videos of the two class 69s on YouTube, but apparently, on 31st August, with a loaded test train 69001 only got as far as Somerhill tunnel before having to reverse back into Tonbridge west yard. It had 66768 coupled between it and the consist.

Anyone know what the problem was ?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUCAKMzeFmQ

I've now found this explanation.

"69001 showed a ground earth fault indication approaching Somerhill Tunnel, it was reset and power restored but due to the train weight, 1788 tons, was unable to get underway on the incline, the control jumper between 66768 and 69001 was activated but sent spurious signals meaning neither loco was able to power up, it was later found that the jumper from 66768 was defective and that the fault indication received by 69001 was a ghost software indication, the good news from all that being 69001 had no real problem"

Another thing I found is it seems ASLEF have blacklisted the class 69.

No idea why though. :confused:

From another forum - https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads...180582/page-14

Quote:
Latest I've heard is the fleet is blacklisted by ASLEF who have instructed their members not to drive them on safety grounds, as I understand it because the Class 66 type control column takes up more space in the cab, there's not enough room for the driver to get some protection in the event of a head-on collision whereas the Class 56 interior did.

So don't expect them in regular service just yet.

Tony

Sounds rather implausible because even if it were true, non-ASLEF drivers can always do the work.

Do we have any solid evidence of ASLEFs stance, as opposed to rumour from a forum? There's nothing on ASLEF's website.

As you say, other Union's drivers could still be driving them.
Well someone's driving them - I've seen them!

Tony

Thanks for that Tony :)

Technical issues cause GBRf to withdraw Class 69s !

https://www.railmagazine.com/news/ne...draw-class-69s


https://youtu.be/z2NaBhl3NU8