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).