Quote:
Originally Posted by LesG
My opinion as a train driver, (which will probably count for zilch), is that like the 66, when EWS ordered the loco other companies waited to see what the loco would,
a. Look like and
b. The reliability of the loco.
Once the loco had proved itself as a biuld, ship it to the UK and start work all the other freight companies joined the band wagon. I think that this new class 68 will have the same start to life in the UK.
In other words let the loco prove itself then watch the order book swell.
Les
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FOC's probably didnt give a damn what the sheds looked like, their main concerns being:
Off the shelf loco - EWS did the hard work (none in the cab admittedly) of getting the design within the loading guage of UK railways - yes I know the body is almost a 59, but thats were the similarity ends. The 66 is a different animal inside (yes - im trained on both types!) In fact, the first Freightliner ones, 66501 - 66505 were actually destined for EWS.
Route Availability - A shed can go almost anywhere....ask any grumbling lineside photographer.
Fuel Consumption - Cheap to run
Maintainance & Reliability - Cheap to run, minimal maintainance, standardized spares pool.
Sadly, the cabs are what let them down. Noisy, draughty in winter, SCORCHIO in summer........but hey, the beancounters dont have to concern themselves with the comfort and health of the trained monkies driving their trains....
As for the new GE locos, well the jury will be out until we've had a full year or so on them. Certainly if they are any good it would be nice to see the sheds sent abroad, or preferably to the bottom of the sea.
What FOC's are concerned about primarilly is unit costs, thats why if the new locos are any good the sheds will be moved on. If there is negligable savings to be made, then the sheds will soldier on until they rot away or start breaking in half........but that story can wait for another day.