British Rail Class 59
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| British Rail Class 59 | |
 
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| Also called: | JT26CW-SS |
|---|---|
| Builder: | Electro-Motive Diesel |
| Years Built: | 1985-1995 (3 Batches) |
| Number Built: | 15 |
| Replaced By: | Still In Use |
| Engine: | GM EMD 16-645E3C |
| Transmission: | Diesel Electric |
| Wheel Arrangement: | Co-Co |
| Brakes: | Air |
| Length: | 21.40m |
| Width: | 2.65m |
| Height: | 3.91m |
| Weight: | 126 Tonnes |
| Maximum Speed: | 60 mph - 75 mph |
| Engine Horsepower: | 3,300hp |
| Tractive Effort: | 508 kN at 11 km/h (114,000 lbf at 6.8 mph), 290 kN at 23 km/h (65,080 lbf at 14.6 mph) continuous |
| Fuel Capacity: | 4,542 Litres (1200 US Gals) |
| Operators: | EWS Mendip Rail |
The Class 59 Co-Co diesel locomotives were built by General Motors Electro Motive Diesel for private British companies, initially Foster Yeoman (59/0). They were designed for hauling heavy freight and designated JT26CW-SS.
Contents |
[edit] Overview
Following Foster Yeoman's dissatisfaction with the availability and reliability of British Rail's Class 56 diesel freight locomotive, four Class 59/0s were ordered from EMD and arrived in 1986. A new design to the British loading gauge and specifications, derived from the EMD SD40-2, it used the cab layout of the British Rail Class 58 to aid driver assimilation.
They are the first US built (and privately-owned) locomotives to operate regularly on the British main-line. However, EMD powered locomotives have been the mainstay in both the Republic since 1961 and Northern Ireland since 1980.
Following on Foster’s example, ARC purchased four (Class 59/1) and National Power purchased six (Class 59/2) locomotives. Foster Yeoman and ARC merged their rail concerns into Mendip Rail, whilst National Power was taken over by EWS.
Ultimately EMD's diligence and flexibility in designing and constructing such a small order paid off in opening the way for the later, much larger, Class 66 order. This design shares a common body shell but is internally different. The only livery shared between the classes is EWS red and gold, but whereas the 66s have a zigzag gold stripe, the 59's stripe is straight.
[edit] Mendip Rail
To better manage their fleet availability and scale needs, Hanson ARC and Foster Yeoman founded Mendip Rail. The assets are still owned by both parent companies and the staff seconded. Subsequently Mendip Rail has obtained Train Operating Company status. Mendip Rail's Class 59s work services between various destinations, which have changed over time according to demand and specific contracts. They have worked regularly over Southern metals, most notably to the Foster Yeoman terminals at Eastleigh and Botley and Channel Tunnel construction work.
[edit] Class 59 Derivatives
[edit] Class 59/0 – Foster Yeoman
Because of poor reliability and low availability of the various locomotives used by British Rail to haul the stone trains from the West Country, Foster Yeoman began negotiations with British Rail to improve service. Having already supplied their own wagons with a reliability level of 96%, they suggested to British Rail that they could operate their own locomotives. British Rail's problem was the hard tie-in and control of the Rail Unions, but accepted the proposal in principle.
Foster Yeoman invited tenders for the supply of six locomotives from a manufacturer with a proven availability record of 95%. It is untrue that British rail refused to tender, but withdrew having conceded that they had nothing which was of the required combination of power and reliability. Having already operated an EMD SW1001 switcher in the Merehead Quarry with good results, Fosters approached General Motors who were able to demonstrate the required long-term 95% availability. Derived from the EMD SD40-2, the cab layout was based on the British Rail Class 58 for easier driver assimilation. To meet the British loading gauge, an estimated 40,000 to 80,000 man-hours of design work was carried out by EMD. Some compromises were required, the large exhaust silencer required to meet BR noise levels left no room for Dynamic Braking equipment. However, it was possible to retain the all-important Super Series Creep Control which because of its superior traction can eliminate the need for double heading. Foster Yeoman therefore reduced their original requirement from six to four locomotives, ordering four in November 1984, and a fifth in 1988. All five locomotives were custom built by General Motors Diesel Division at their La Grange, Illinois, USA, plant in 1985 and 1989.
In their first ten years of operation the five locomotives between them hauled over 50 million tonnes of aggregates away from Merehead.
[edit] Class 59/1 – Hanson ARC
Built by General Motors Diesel Division at their London, Ontario, Canada, plant in 1990. The four Class 59/1 locomotives owned by Hanson (parent company of the former owners ARC) are similar to the Class 59/0 locomotives of Foster Yeoman. The main differences being a revised head light and marker light layout and the fitting of yaw dampers to permit the maximum speed to be increased to 75 mph.
[edit] Class 59/2 – National Power
Following Foster Yeoman, National Power decided to investigate the possibility of running its own trains, by ordering a single pilot locomotive. Following the trial, National Power ordered a further five locomotives and a fleet of hopper wagons to carry coal and limestone.
Built by General Motors Diesel Division at their London, Ontario, Canada, plant in 1994 and 1995, the six Class 59/2 locomotives differ from the Class 59/1's in several ways. A carbon dioxide fire control system replaces the original Halon system, NiCd batteries replace lead-acid, and the fleet all have drop-head knuckle couplers fitted. A more advanced slow speed control suitable for merry-go-round power station coal train operation has been fitted, as well as yaw dampers for a higher top speed.
In April 1998 EWS took over the National Power rail operations. Now that the locomotives are under EWS management they will be used more widely over the network.
[edit] Trivia
- Designed for reliability and 95% availability, the Class 59 has achieved a 99% level during its life.
- On 26 May 1991 class member 59 005 set the European haulage record for a single locomotive, with a stone train weighing 11,982 tonnes and 5,415 feet long.
- In 1997 one of the Foster Yeoman locomotives, 59 003 Yeoman Highlander was exported to Germany, renumbered as 259 003, and operated by Yeoman/DB, pulling stone trains. It has since moved on to Heavy Haul Power International where it's still working hard on coal trains and pulls the highest train weight of any loco presently in Germany. [1].
- While working the 6A20 Whatley to Acton (West London) stone train 59 103 and the first ten hopper cars derailed at 23:20 on 12 September 2000 between Great Elm Tunnel and Bedlam Tunnel on the single track branch line to the Hanson Quarry at Whatley. The locomotive and the first two hoppers rolled and 59 103 came to rest on the parapet of a small bridge on the driver's side (left by direction of travel) with the trailing truck partially torn off by the following hopper car. The locomotive was pulled upright on 19 September 2000 and removed to Whatley Quarry were an initial assessment of the damage was made and repairs made to make the locomotive safe for removal by road. The locomotive was then moved by road to Derby on 2 November 2000 for further assessment before moving to Eastleigh 8 November 2000 for repairs.
[edit] Fleet details
| Specification | Sub-class | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 59/0 | 59/1 | 59/2 | |
| Built for: | Foster Yeoman | ARC, daughter company of Hanson | National Power |
| Currently owned by: | Foster Yeoman | Hanson | EWS |
| Operated by: | Mendip Rail | Mendip Rail | EWS |
| Built: | 1985 or 1989 by General Motors, USA | 1990 by General Motors, Canada | 1995 by General Motors, Canada |
| Engine: | General Motors 645E3C two stroke of 2460 kW (3300 hp) at 900 rpm | ||
| Main alternator: | General Motors AR11 MLD-D14A | ||
| Traction motors: | General Motors D77B | ||
| Maximum tractive effort: | 506 kN (113,550 lbf) until 14.3 mph | ||
| Continuous tractive effort: | 291 kN (65,300 lbf) | ||
| Power at rail: | 1889 kW (2533 hp) | ||
| Train brakes: | Air brakes | ||
| Brake force: | 69 t | ||
| Dimensions: | 21.35 x 2.65 m | ||
| Mass: | 121 t | ||
| Wheel diameter: | 42 inch | ||
| Design speed: | 60 mph | 60 mph | 75 mph |
| Maximum speed: | 60 mph | 60 mph | 75 mph |
| Fuel capacity: | 4546 litres | ||
| Route availability: | RA 7 | ||
| Electric train supply: | Not equipped | ||
| Multiple working: | AAR System | ||
| Number | Works No | Commissioned by | Build Date | Ship | Arrive UK | Revenue | Owner | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59 001 | Foster Yeoman | MV Fairlift | 21 Jan 1986 | Feb 1986 | Foster Yeoman | Yeoman Endeavour | |||
| 59 002 | Foster Yeoman | MV Fairlift | 21 Jan 1986 | Feb 1986 | Foster Yeoman | Alan J Day | Renamed from Yeoman Enterprise at Merehead Quarry on 21 June 1996 by Alan J Day, Managing Director of Day Aggregates | ||
| 259 003 | 848002-3 | Foster Yeoman | Dec 1985 | MV Fairlift | 21 Jan 1986 | Feb 1986 | Heavy Haul Power International | Originally 59 003, named Yeoman Highlander. Transferred to Germany 1997 | |
| 59 004 | Foster Yeoman | MV Fairlift | 21 Jan 1986 | Feb 1986 | Foster Yeoman | Paul A Hammond | Renamed from Yeoman Challenger at Merehead Quarry on 21 June 1996 by Paul A Hammond, Managing Director of Yeoman Aggregates | ||
| 59 005 | Foster Yeoman | MV Fairlift | 4 June 1989 | June 1989 | Foster Yeoman | Kenneth J Painter | |||
| 59 101 | 878029-1 | Hanson ( formerly ARC ) | MV Stellamare | 20 Oct 1990 | 11 Nov 1990 | Hanson | Village of Whatley | ||
| 59 102 | 878029-2 | Hanson ( formerly ARC ) | MV Stellamare | 20 Oct 1990 | 11 Nov 1990 | Hanson | Village of Chantry | ||
| 59 103 | 878029-3 | Hanson ( formerly ARC ) | MV Stellamare | 20 Oct 1990 | 11 Nov 1990 | Hanson | Village of Mells | ||
| 59 104 | 878029-4 | Hanson ( formerly ARC ) | MV Stellamare | 20 Oct 1990 | 11 Nov 1990 | Hanson | Village of Great Elm | ||
| 59 201 | 918273-1 | National Power | MV Haskerland | 16 Feb 1994 | 26 April 1994 | EWS | Vale of York | ||
| 59 202 | 948510-1 | National Power | MV Condock V | 4 Aug 1995 | Oct 1995 | EWS | Vale of White Horse | ||
| 59 203 | 948510-2 | National Power | MV Condock V | 4 Aug 1995 | Oct 1995 | EWS | Vale of Pickering | ||
| 59 204 | 948510-3 | National Power | MV Condock V | 4 Aug 1995 | Oct 1995 | EWS | Vale of Glamorgan | ||
| 59 205 | 948510-4 | National Power | MV Condock V | 4 Aug 1995 | Oct 1995 | EWS | L Keith McNair | Originally named Vale of Evesham on 14 June 1996 at Ferrybridge. Renamed on 28 March 1998 at Ferrybridge. | |
| 59 206 | 948510-5 | National Power | MV Condock V | 4 Aug 1995 | Oct 1995 | EWS | Pride of Ferrybridge |
[edit] External links
- History of Class59 at SEMG
