Primary purpose was to see the DRS class 68's which are leased to Greater Anglia as cover for DMU's which are being refurbished. These locomotives are based in the north west and I had not yet seen one. hence this trip. This class 158 was my train from Peterborough, seen in Norwich. My first sighting of a 68 was 68024 Centaur in the siding as spare loco. Behind is a veteran class 37, several are still in use with various operators Greater Anglia class 90015 Colchester Castle on a service to London 170 and 153 dmu's on local services 68005 Defiant arrived with one of the replacement services On the other end of the train was 68002 Intrepid. These trains have a loco at each end to speed turnaround time, although only the leading loco is in use each time.
The driver allowed me into the cab to take photos. A very modern control desk. Built by Vossloh and fitted with Caterpillar engines. They look and sound great! My ride back to Peterborough arrives
Big beasts those 68s We have them on peak time passenger services here in Edinburgh and Fife. Just single locos though that I think operate on turn round loops at one end of their run. Make an impressive noise inside an enclosed station! Donald Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk
That control desk is sure a far cry from what I am used to seeing! And a regular key? Wow. Thanks Alan!
Caterpillar engines ? Aren't these rather 2-stroke EMDs? As now EMD is a Caterpillar's subsidiary.... Dom
They have Caterpillar C175-16 engine rated at 3,800hp. They sure sound like 4-stroke, and quite loud Maximum speed 100 mph. The driver said they are very capable locomotives, but due to the high control desk and bottom of windshield, the view close to the loco when coming to stand near another object (buffers, another vehicle, etc) is quite restricted.
