The Fleet and Maintenance of Diesel Locomotives at Cardiff Canton Freight Depot:

http://www.lococarriage.org.uk/canton.htm

Scroll down to bottom for 'Locomotive Examination Frequencies'.

Thanks Rassy. So it looks like a F exam is about the same as a steam heavy general or in modern terms the 10 year overhaul linked to the boiler certificate.

Best wishes,

John H-T.

Thanks for that, I can stop looking through back numbers of Rail magazine now!

Cheers, 62440.

I think you will find that's exactly what I have tried to say all along on this thread !

What I find strange is that they re-engined class 47s and turned them into 57s when they could have used 56s or even 60s. I find it such a waste that fairly new locos are not being used. Class 58 is another example. Surely other companies could use these. Freightliner could use the class 60s. Also I think there are even class 92s in store, WHAT A WASTE!!

Or even withdraw the 56's used abroad and relace them with more modern and powerful 60's?

Sorry 21Aman. It is just me being thick!

Best wishes,

John H-T.

Freightliner would not be interested in class 60's for several reasons:-
1 - they would have to buy them off DBSchenker-which would cost money.
2 - If they purchased them they then would have to pay to either give them "F" exams (A vertual rebuild) at £500,000 + per loco or re-engine them which would cost more,its cheaper to lease class 70's !
3 - They are a loco with a maximum operating speed of 60 mph(100kph) which is no good for freightliner trains which run at 75mph(120kph).

Well if freightliner don't want them what about Freightliner Heavy Haul for working the heavy infrastructure trains an the cost of the "F" exams would almost be repaid by working longer an heavier trains to recoop the cost sounds like a plan to me an a good 1 at that.

Its a non-starter mate !

Give me a class 60 anytime over the yanky 66.
The 66 is weakkneed and vibrates so much it makes your eyeballs bounce.
Class 60 will waltz a full load of stone from Rylstone Quarry at Skipton as though it was going light engine.
Once it has RR the Train at Skipton, the 60 will be upto full speed of 60mph and you would not think you had 2600 tons behind you.
As the cab is seperated from the engine, the cab is moderatly quiet and nice and warm. The only problem is the electric motor on the cab heater tends to be a little loud on full power.
As for comfort, the seats are fine and will recline, and good for
12 hr ballast job.