Class 67 & 68 Locomotives

Class 67 was ordered by the newly-privatised EWS as a 125mph replacement for elderly Class 47s on mail and charter trains. They were built by Alstom in Spain as sub-contractor to General Motors in America, the main mechanical components being similar to the Class 66. Deliveries commenced in late 1999 and entered service the following year. The class has tended to be a victim of circumstance for much of its career. Work was found in the form of charter work, royal duties and some freight, while some were stored. The diesel legs of the Scottish Sleepers went over to 67 haulage, then more passenger work for Chiltern and other operators, however to a large extent they have now been replaced by new Class 68s once again leaving the 67 with a shortage of work. Class 67 and 68 Locomotives gives a brief history of the Class 67 locomotives and a pictorial record of their varied career so far, and looks at the new Class 68.