I drove a Class 66 with 24 loaded Flat Wagons from Rugby to Wembly once. It was a real disappointment. I was expecting to feel a heavy train 'dragging' behind me, but there was nothing...we could have been running light loco - it was just like the crummy EMU I normally drive. My mate said we had about 1200 tons on, but the 66 handled it easily.
The acceleration and braking was impressive - if it wasn't for the large cab and booming sound it could have been a Networker.
I now understand what the 'Old Boys' meant when they said British-built locos had character, whilst the new American ones don't. But as a driver myself I appreciate that the most important thing is getting the job done and going home, rather than sitting on a broken 'charismatic' loco all night.
FP