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The Class 68

Direct Rail Services invited members of the rail press to inspect first hand the new and stunning Vossloh Class 68 diesel-electric locomotive at their Crewe Gresty Bridge depot on 11 March 2014. Our thanks go to DRS, Vossloh and Caterpillar for allowing access to this locomotive prior to its official hand over and use on the main line.

Technical Details
TOPS number range:            68001-68025
Built by:                                 Vossloh Espania, Valencia, Spain
Years introduced:                  2014
Wheel arrangement:             Bo-Bo
Weight:                                 86 tonnes
Height:                                 12ft 6½in (3.82m)
Length:                                 67ft 3in (20.50m)
Width:                                   tba
Wheel diameter:                   43¼in (1,100mm)
Min curve negotiable:           4 chains (80.46m)
Engine type:                         Caterpillar C175-16
Engine output:                      3,750hp (2,800kW) at 1,740rpm
Starting tractive effort:          71,264lb (317kN)
Continuous tractive effort:    tba
Cylinder bore:                       6.9in (175mm)
Cylinder stroke:                    8.7in (220mm)
Maximum speed:                 100mph (160km/h)
Brake type:                          Air Disc, EP, dynamic, regen
Brake force:                         65.2 tonnes
Bogie type:                           Vossloh Fabricated
Route availability:                 7
Axle load:                             21.5 tonnes per axle
Heating type:                       Electric - 500kW  Index - 100
Multiple coupling:                Within class (two locos only) (unique system)
Traction alternator:              ABB WGX560
Traction motor type:            ABB 4FRA6063
No of traction motors:          4 x ABB frame mounted
Fuel tank capacity:              1,100gal (5,000lit)
Lub oil capacity:                  117gal (530lit)
Water capacity:                    67gal (304lit)
Sanding equipment:             Pneumatic
Operator:                             Direct Rail Services
Depot allocation:                 Crewe Gresty Bridge
Owner:                                 Beacon Rail