Gary H

 

 

People often compare the Lindsey to Kingsbury which often loads to 30 bogie tanks which a shed handles no problem compared to a 60. But from what I hear it is working on full power all the way there. That is not what a shed was designed for, pulling heavy freight trains day in day out. Therefore that is putting excess stress and strain on the engine which cannot be good for it, especially as that is not what the engine was designed to do. So in short they can cope on some of these heavier workings but for how long? As mentioned by other members they are already showing signs of wear and tear so this will only make it worse, especially as it has been less than a year since sheds took over the heavier workings!

It must not be forgoton that todays big companys are run by bean counters, not railwayman like they were in the good old days. Thats fact. They wont care a hoot about a loco type, 60, 66 or otherwise in the slightest or if it works in run 8 all day, as long as it gets there. Hell, most of the time they dont even care about their employees If these big companys can see a saving in the short term, they go for it. Dont let anyone try to tell you any differant! That 'big rail company' i work for is certainly no differant! Its all just a numbers game nowadays.

How do you convert the TE in the spec to good old pounds?

Considering our feather weight axle loading compared with the US, the spec is prety impressive has to be said.

The highest starting TE loco we had until now was the Class 59 at 113'000 pounds starting TE. The class 70 comes out at 122'000 pounds, should be more than enough grunt for the trains we have here.

Putting things into perspective, an EMD SD90MAC has a starting TE of over 200'000 pounds but is obviously alot heavier.

Its all about having enough weight on those drivers!

The 70 is slowly growing on me but i cant help but think a livery without those curvy bits would sit much better.

A big pluss is the typical GE traction motor scream when at speed

Indeed they are. I was wondering what sort of tonnage trains these are intended for? Will, with their 3,700 hp, they be the most powerfull locos to grace uk rails and thus be able to out tug a tug?

Theres already a loco here that does that anyway, its called a class 59.