Powerhaul locos have arrived
 

The first two of Freightliner's Class 70 Powerhaul locos finally made it to Newport Docks yesterday (Sunday 8 November) - I was at the official press event, representing a shipping journal.

I've tried to attach a couple of photos but I'm not sure that the attachment process has worked. Email me at [email protected] if you can't see them and I'll send you a couple.

Apparently, four more locos are on their way and are due to arrive by Christmas. There will be a further six by Christmas 2010; the remainder of the 30-strong order has yet to be confirmed.

Freightliner told me that they were considering firing up the two that have arrived and letting them leave under their own power, but that was still to be decided.

Then the first will go into service on the Portbury Rugeley coal haul and the second on the Felixstowe-Birmingham intermodal route (probably via the North London Line).

Oh that means I might get to see one.Any idea when that might start ?

From what they were saying, providing there are no unexpected snags, the in-service trials on the Portbury-Rugeley run might start within a couple of weeks or so - slightly later for Felixstowe-Birmingham.

I will keep my eyes open along the A12.

Im sorry but what an ugly loco i thought 67 were bad but this one takes the biscuit

Funny my van is the same colour..

ccmmick.

Im inclined to agree Mick awful design

They have sort of lost it when designing these. but they are primarily for freight arent they? when designing passenger trains they seem to consult arty design specialists. But with this it looks like they consulted practicality and nothing else, and im not even sure how practical that design is :confused:! are these odd machines supposed to be replacing our reputable friend the class 66? because they're not even old and they've been ,and still are, extremely successful. I don't think they will be a replacement for anything, but when the time comes to replace a well known class of loco, I hope they'll listen to our feedback on the fashion front... think what the new class 66 could end up looking like :eek:...

With it being painted I think it looks not to bad. At least it is noticeable. Something different I suppose!!

High Visibility Vests are noticeable. They are ALSO unsightly. And The Elephant Man was different.... and he never pulled anything!

Wonder who will produce the first model: Bachmann, Heljan, Hornby or Dapol?!

Best wishes,

John H-T.

Do you mean my van i think Bachmann are working on it now.

ccmmick

Tell you what I am about 1,000% more likely to buy a model of your van in 4mm than I am to buy a model of the 70!

Best wishes,

John H-T.

hi all my first post... i must say these ugly things are just that .could have designed them better. as for model i wouldn't touch it.

American locos for Freightliner arrive in Britain.

http://tinyurl.com/yd85fll

Scrap the lot and bring back 9Fs

ccmmick

I dont know how long a lease there is on the class 66 locos but once they run out, the new 'greener' locos will take over and the old locos move to pastures new. I put one of shimbleshanks pictures as my desktop background at work just to try and get accustomed to the new b...... in town but my beer goggles dont work too well yet. Plus I keep getting comments like - what are they, urghh really ugly! I think they are talking about the class 70's there.

Aerodynamics are certainly not an aspect here.
I hope that they fail completely and we can all attend a public scrapping!

I think you might be to late.
ccmmick.

OMG
bet they sound as c... as well

Now we know you work for Somerfields. lol!

Thats right mate 35 years on the railway 24/7 now two days a week driving a van.

I have never had so much time on my hands.

ccmmick.

Obviously you have inside info! The short wait is over! Bachmann are to produce the Class 70 in N gauge and 00. They have the full backing of Frieghtliner so drawings should not be a problem! If you are really lucky(?) you could have one in your stocking for Christmas 2011, or perhaps 2010 given the speed the 00 Standard Class 3 has made it into production!

......... and there was me thinking you were talking about your van! Silly me.

Best wishes,

John H-T.

Yes i did mean my van.

I would not waste my money a class 70 in 00 gauge a nice steam loco yes and my van in 00.

I have been in Cardiff for a few days poor old father in law just passed away
I took my camera just in case i did see one of these ugly beasts.

ccmmick.

Sorry to hear about your Father in Law.

Best wishes,

John H-T.

Thanks for that John H-T.

ccmmick.

70005 was at LNWR Crewe yesterday. photo to follow

I kept an open mind on the Class '70s. I would not judge them until I actually saw one. I have been told power and comfort wise they are very good. On Tuesday I saw one for the first time. My only question is were they designed by a class of 5 year olds with a big box of colouring crayons. For a flagship locomotive Freightliner must be disappointed if the truth were to be told!

They now seem to have comfortably acquired (contrary to ideas suggested on this forum) the nickname 'Ugly Bettys'.

Not'easy' on the eye at first sight, but there is definately something about them! There's also'58' looks to them as well in places(Not the ends obviously!), talking of '58's' I remember thinking they looked like a couple of 'cut and shunt' 20's at the time they appeared! But practicality over looks is the order these days...Westerns STILL the best looking Diesel ever, IMHO.....

I always liked the 58 in their grey/red livery.