The Class 08 will go down in history as one of the most dependable shunters ever built. While all Class 08 shunters were built by British Railways they are actually based on an earlier LMS design. With 996 of these shunters built, they are still a common sight on mainline yards and sidings, and a common sight on heritage railways, with the number preserved almost outnumbering those currently in service.

With no thought given to aesthetics, the Class 08 was a utilitarian workhorse of the railways, with its longevity speaking volumes to its performance. While not intended for mainline duties, some of the Class in the south could be seen trundling up the mainline if there was a short distance between yards that stock needed to be moved between, assuming no express services needed to occupy the track at the time.

Originally outshopped into BR service as D3790, this Derby built member of the class began it's service life at shed 15C. Renumbered as 08623 in February 1974, this class member still survives today as a working example of a Class 08 in DB Schenker service.

While perhaps recognised as GBRf No.4, this example of the Class 08 shunter was officially known by the BR TOPS number 08818, a number that it was given in February 1974. Initially wearing the number D3986, the Derby-built locomotive would serve with BR before being transferred to EWS at the onset of privatisation. Purchased by Harry Needle Railroad Company in 2000, the locomotive was named ‘Molly’.  As of 2022, HNRC leased the locomotive to GBRf, where the locomotive is still in service.

Entered Service 1960

The Class 50 locomotives, built by English Electric at the Vulcan Foundry in Newton-le-Willows between 1967-1968 were the last purpose-designed mixed-traffic locomotive built in the UK. 50 examples were built in total. Upon their introduction they were used on the West Coast Main Line (WCML). The aim was to speed-up passenger timings on the then non-electrified portion up to Glasgow, and to haul express passenger trains at 100 mph. By 1974, the entire line had been electrified so the locomotives were re-deployed to other regions as had been planned. When delivered, the Class 50s were leased to British Rail by a subsidiary of English Electric. They were later sold to the British Railways Board.

The Class 50s proved to be incredibly powerful, indeed following the full electrification of the WCML and the introduction of more powerful DMUs in the late 1980’s they were almost pointlessly powerful, and they began to be withdrawn as their roles were handed to more efficient DMUs. All examples of the Class were named which was rather unusual for corporate BR diesel locomotives, and in the end 18 examples have been preserved.

50007 ‘Sir Edward Elgar’ started life as D407 in 1968, being named Hercules after a Royal Navy ship in 1978. The locomotive would go on to become Sir Edward Elgar in 1984, a name that it would keep into recent preservation, carrying it from withdrawal in 1991 until 2014 when it reclaimed its original name of Hercules. Hercules is now based at the Severn Valley Railway.

The Class 50 locomotives, built by English Electric at the Vulcan Foundry in Newton-le-Willows between 1967-1968 were the last purpose-designed mixed-traffic locomotive built in the UK. 50 examples were built in total. Upon their introduction they were used on the West Coast Main Line (WCML). The aim was to speed-up passenger timings on the then non-electrified portion up to Glasgow, and to haul express passenger trains at 100 mph. By 1974, the entire line had been electrified so the locomotives were re-deployed to other regions as had been planned. When delivered, the Class 50s were leased to British Rail by a subsidiary of English Electric. They were later sold to the British Railways Board.

The Class 50s proved to be incredibly powerful, indeed following the full electrification of the WCML and the introduction of more powerful DMUs in the late 1980’s they were almost pointlessly powerful, and they began to be withdrawn as their roles were handed to more efficient DMUs. All examples of the Class were named which was rather unusual for corporate BR diesel locomotives, and in the end 18 examples have been preserved.

50007 ‘Sir Edward Elgar’ started life as D407 in 1968, being named Hercules after a Royal Navy ship in 1978. The locomotive would go on to become Sir Edward Elgar in 1984, a name that it would keep into recent preservation, carrying it from withdrawal in 1991 until 2014 when it reclaimed its original name of Hercules. Hercules is now based at the Severn Valley Railway.

The Class 50 locomotives, built by English Electric at the Vulcan Foundry in Newton-le-Willows between 1967-1968 were the last purpose-designed mixed-traffic locomotive built in the UK. 50 examples were built in total. Upon their introduction they were used on the West Coast Main Line (WCML). The aim was to speed-up passenger timings on the then non-electrified portion up to Glasgow, and to haul express passenger trains at 100 mph. By 1974, the entire line had been electrified so the locomotives were re-deployed to other regions as had been planned. When delivered, the Class 50s were leased to British Rail by a subsidiary of English Electric. They were later sold to the British Railways Board.

The Class 50s proved to be incredibly powerful, indeed following the full electrification of the WCML and the introduction of more powerful DMUs in the late 1980’s they were almost pointlessly powerful, and they began to be withdrawn as their roles were handed to more efficient DMUs. All examples of the Class were named which was rather unusual for corporate BR diesel locomotives, and in the end 18 examples have been preserved.

Locomotive 50040 started life as D440 and would go on to receive the name Leviathan after a Royal Navy ship in 1978. The locomotive would go on in service until 1990, at which point it was withdrawn and stored awaiting confirmation of its fate. In June 2008, with most useful parts removed, the cutters torch descended on 50040 at Sims Metal Management in Halesowen some 80 miles from where it was constructed.

The Class 50 locomotives, built by English Electric at the Vulcan Foundry in Newton-le-Willows between 1967-1968 were the last purpose-designed mixed-traffic locomotive built in the UK. 50 examples were built in total. Upon their introduction they were used on the West Coast Main Line (WCML). The aim was to speed-up passenger timings on the then non-electrified portion up to Glasgow, and to haul express passenger trains at 100 mph. By 1974, the entire line had been electrified so the locomotives were re-deployed to other regions as had been planned. When delivered, the Class 50s were leased to British Rail by a subsidiary of English Electric. They were later sold to the British Railways Board.

The Class 50s proved to be incredibly powerful, indeed following the full electrification of the WCML and the introduction of more powerful DMUs in the late 1980’s they were almost pointlessly powerful, and they began to be withdrawn as their roles were handed to more efficient DMUs. All examples of the Class were named which was rather unusual for corporate BR diesel locomotives, and in the end 18 examples have been preserved.

Locomotive 50040 started life as D440 and would go on to receive the name Leviathan after a Royal Navy ship in 1978. The locomotive would go on in service until 1990, at which point it was withdrawn and stored awaiting confirmation of its fate. In June 2008, with most useful parts removed, the cutters torch descended on 50040 at Sims Metal Management in Halesowen some 80 miles from where it was constructed.

This model will feature directional and cab lighting. Night and day headlights will also be included.

All variants of the Class 66 lighting have been tooled for both UK and European variants. The headlights will be prototypical for your model.

All the Class 66 models have 12 axles for the current pick-up and both bogies are motor driven. The UK variants of the Class 66 will not be fitted with traction tyres. 

European variants will be fitted with one traction tyre per bogie.

History:

The Class 66 is one of the most ubiquitous diesel classes in the UK. 480 examples were built for the UK market with additional examples being imported from other countries pools to bolster the amount in service in the UK. The Class 66 is a progression of the privately commissioned Class 59 that Foster Yeoman had constructed to replace their aging and failing BREL locomotives. The Class 66 shares the same body as the 59 but has uprated internals.

In May 1996 EWS placed an order for 250 units to be built in London, Ontario. These would set EWS back £375 million, with the first units arriving relatively quickly in early 1998. The locomotives would be in service from the point they touched down at Newport Docks, with the locomotives shipped already filled with water and fuel. The last such example arrived in the UK in spring 2016.

Class 66 number 66714 entered service in 2003 after arriving in the UK from Canada earlier in the same year. The locomotive became part of the GB Railfreight fleet immediately upon its arrival and has remained on their roster ever since introduction. It is one of their over 100 strong fleet that can often be seen hauling heavy goods trains around the national network. The locomotive was named almost upon its introduction, carrying the name ‘Cromer Lifeboat’ in honour of the lifeboat station of the same name.

This model will feature directional and cab lighting. Night and day headlights will also be included.

All variants of the Class 66 lighting have been tooled for both UK and European variants. The headlights will be prototypical for your model.

All the Class 66 models have 12 axles for the current pick-up and both bogies are motor driven. The UK variants of the Class 66 will not be fitted with traction tyres. 

European variants will be fitted with one traction tyre per bogie.

History:

The Class 66 is one of the most ubiquitous diesel classes in the UK. 480 examples were built for the UK market with additional examples being imported from other countries pools to bolster the amount in service in the UK. The Class 66 is a progression of the privately commissioned Class 59 that Foster Yeoman had constructed to replace their aging and failing BREL locomotives. The Class 66 shares the same body as the 59 but has uprated internals.

In May 1996 EWS placed an order for 250 units to be built in London, Ontario. These would set EWS back £375 million, with the first units arriving relatively quickly in early 1998. The locomotives would be in service from the point they touched down at Newport Docks, with the locomotives shipped already filled with water and fuel. The last such example arrived in the UK in spring 2016.

Class 66 number 66714 entered service in 2003 after arriving in the UK from Canada earlier in the same year. The locomotive became part of the GB Railfreight fleet immediately upon its arrival and has remained on their roster ever since introduction. It is one of their over 100 strong fleet that can often be seen hauling heavy goods trains around the national network. The locomotive was named almost upon its introduction, carrying the name ‘Cromer Lifeboat’ in honour of the lifeboat station of the same name.

This model will feature directional and cab lighting. Night and day headlights will also be included.

All variants of the Class 66 lighting have been tooled for both UK and European variants. The headlights will be prototypical for your model.

All the Class 66 models have 12 axles for the current pick-up and both bogies are motor driven. The UK variants of the Class 66 will not be fitted with traction tyres. 

European variants will be fitted with one traction tyre per bogie.

History:

The Class 66 is one of the most ubiquitous diesel classes in the UK. 480 examples were built for the UK market with additional examples being imported from other countries pools to bolster the amount in service in the UK. The Class 66 is a progression of the privately commissioned Class 59 that Foster Yeoman had constructed to replace their aging and failing BREL locomotives. The Class 66 shares the same body as the 59 but has uprated internals.

In May 1996 EWS placed an order for 250 units to be built in London, Ontario. These would set EWS back £375 million, with the first units arriving relatively quickly in early 1998. The locomotives would be in service from the point they touched down at Newport Docks, with the locomotives shipped already filled with water and fuel. The last such example arrived in the UK in spring 2016.

66097 arrived in the UK in 1999 as part of the original EWS order and would passed into DB Schenker ownership when EWS rebranded. The locomotive is in the striking cherry red livery and is currently based out of Toton in Nottingham. The locomotive is not, and has never been, named.

This model will feature directional and cab lighting. Night and day headlights will also be included.

All variants of the Class 66 lighting have been tooled for both UK and European variants. The headlights will be prototypical for your model.

All the Class 66 models have 12 axles for the current pick-up and both bogies are motor driven. The UK variants of the Class 66 will not be fitted with traction tyres. 

European variants will be fitted with one traction tyre per bogie.

History:

The Class 66 is one of the most ubiquitous diesel classes in the UK. 480 examples were built for the UK market with additional examples being imported from other countries pools to bolster the amount in service in the UK. The Class 66 is a progression of the privately commissioned Class 59 that Foster Yeoman had constructed to replace their aging and failing BREL locomotives. The Class 66 shares the same body as the 59 but has uprated internals.

In May 1996 EWS placed an order for 250 units to be built in London, Ontario. These would set EWS back £375 million, with the first units arriving relatively quickly in early 1998. The locomotives would be in service from the point they touched down at Newport Docks, with the locomotives shipped already filled with water and fuel. The last such example arrived in the UK in spring 2016.

66097 arrived in the UK in 1999 as part of the original EWS order and would passed into DB Schenker ownership when EWS rebranded. The locomotive is in the striking cherry red livery and is currently based out of Toton in Nottingham. The locomotive is not, and has never been, named.

This model will feature directional and cab lighting. Night and day headlights will also be included.

All variants of the Class 66 lighting have been tooled for both UK and European variants. The headlights will be prototypical for your model.

All the Class 66 models have 12 axles for the current pick-up and both bogies are motor driven. The UK variants of the Class 66 will not be fitted with traction tyres. 

European variants will be fitted with one traction tyre per bogie.

History:

The Class 66 is one of the most ubiquitous diesel classes in the UK. 480 examples were built for the UK market with additional examples being imported from other countries pools to bolster the amount in service in the UK. The Class 66 is a progression of the privately commissioned Class 59 that Foster Yeoman had constructed to replace their aging and failing BREL locomotives. The Class 66 shares the same body as the 59 but has uprated internals.

In May 1996 EWS placed an order for 250 units to be built in London, Ontario. These would set EWS back £375 million, with the first units arriving relatively quickly in early 1998. The locomotives would be in service from the point they touched down at Newport Docks, with the locomotives shipped already filled with water and fuel. The last such example arrived in the UK in spring 2016.

66779 is the last example of the class built for the British railways, and it has the plaque, name and livery to prove it. Named ‘Evening Star’ after the last steam locomotive built in Britain the locomotive is presented in a lined brunswick green livery, a livery commonly seen on express passenger steam engines and as was on the 9F Evening Star when it was outshopped. The locomotive is in GB Railfreight service and will be donated to the National Collection upon the locomotives withdrawal.

This model will feature directional and cab lighting. Night and day headlights will also be included.

All variants of the Class 66 lighting have been tooled for both UK and European variants. The headlights will be prototypical for your model.

All the Class 66 models have 12 axles for the current pick-up and both bogies are motor driven. The UK variants of the Class 66 will not be fitted with traction tyres. 

European variants will be fitted with one traction tyre per bogie.

History:

The Class 66 is one of the most ubiquitous diesel classes in the UK. 480 examples were built for the UK market with additional examples being imported from other countries pools to bolster the amount in service in the UK. The Class 66 is a progression of the privately commissioned Class 59 that Foster Yeoman had constructed to replace their aging and failing BREL locomotives. The Class 66 shares the same body as the 59 but has uprated internals.

In May 1996 EWS placed an order for 250 units to be built in London, Ontario. These would set EWS back £375 million, with the first units arriving relatively quickly in early 1998. The locomotives would be in service from the point they touched down at Newport Docks, with the locomotives shipped already filled with water and fuel. The last such example arrived in the UK in spring 2016.

66779 is the last example of the class built for the British railways, and it has the plaque, name and livery to prove it. Named ‘Evening Star’ after the last steam locomotive built in Britain the locomotive is presented in a lined brunswick green livery, a livery commonly seen on express passenger steam engines and as was on the 9F Evening Star when it was outshopped. The locomotive is in GB Railfreight service and will be donated to the National Collection upon the locomotives withdrawal.

This model will feature directional and cab lighting. Night and day headlights will also be included.

All variants of the Class 66 lighting have been tooled for both UK and European variants. The headlights will be prototypical for your model.

All the Class 66 models have 12 axles for the current pick-up and both bogies are motor driven. The UK variants of the Class 66 will not be fitted with traction tyres. 

European variants will be fitted with one traction tyre per bogie.

History:

The Class 66 is one of the most ubiquitous diesel classes in the UK. 480 examples were built for the UK market with additional examples being imported from other countries pools to bolster the amount in service in the UK. The Class 66 is a progression of the privately commissioned Class 59 that Foster Yeoman had constructed to replace their aging and failing BREL locomotives. The Class 66 shares the same body as the 59 but has uprated internals.

In May 1996 EWS placed an order for 250 units to be built in London, Ontario. These would set EWS back £375 million, with the first units arriving relatively quickly in early 1998. The locomotives would be in service from the point they touched down at Newport Docks, with the locomotives shipped already filled with water and fuel. The last such example arrived in the UK in spring 2016.

Delivered into Newport Docks on board the MV Stellanova in April 2004, 66850 first went into service with Freightliner, before being transferred to operations with Colas in June 2011. In August 2013, 66850 was named 'David Maidment OBE' at the National Track Plant Exhibition at Long Marston, in a naming ceremony honouring the founder of the 'Railway Children' charity.

Railway Children was founded in 1996, following Maidment's encounter with a young girl begging on a railway station in India and he has since dedicated his life to raising awareness of the plight of children living alone and at risk on the streets and railway platforms.

This model will feature directional and cab lighting. Night and day headlights will also be included.

All variants of the Class 66 lighting have been tooled for both UK and European variants. The headlights will be prototypical for your model.

All the Class 66 models have 12 axles for the current pick-up and both bogies are motor driven. The UK variants of the Class 66 will not be fitted with traction tyres. 

European variants will be fitted with one traction tyre per bogie.

History:

The Class 66 is one of the most ubiquitous diesel classes in the UK. 480 examples were built for the UK market with additional examples being imported from other countries pools to bolster the amount in service in the UK. The Class 66 is a progression of the privately commissioned Class 59 that Foster Yeoman had constructed to replace their aging and failing BREL locomotives. The Class 66 shares the same body as the 59 but has uprated internals.

In May 1996 EWS placed an order for 250 units to be built in London, Ontario. These would set EWS back £375 million, with the first units arriving relatively quickly in early 1998. The locomotives would be in service from the point they touched down at Newport Docks, with the locomotives shipped already filled with water and fuel. The last such example arrived in the UK in spring 2016.

Delivered into Newport Docks on board the MV Stellanova in April 2004, 66850 first went into service with Freightliner, before being transferred to operations with Colas in June 2011. In August 2013, 66850 was named 'David Maidment OBE' at the National Track Plant Exhibition at Long Marston, in a naming ceremony honouring the founder of the 'Railway Children' charity.

Railway Children was founded in 1996, following Maidment's encounter with a young girl begging on a railway station in India and he has since dedicated his life to raising awareness of the plight of children living alone and at risk on the streets and railway platforms.

This model will feature directional and cab lighting. Night and day headlights will also be included.

All variants of the Class 66 lighting have been tooled for both UK and European variants. The headlights will be prototypical for your model.

All the Class 66 models have 12 axles for the current pick-up and both bogies are motor driven. The UK variants of the Class 66 will not be fitted with traction tyres. 

European variants will be fitted with one traction tyre per bogie.

History:

The Class 66 is one of the most ubiquitous diesel classes in the UK. 480 examples were built for the UK market with additional examples being imported from other countries pools to bolster the amount in service in the UK. The Class 66 is a progression of the privately commissioned Class 59 that Foster Yeoman had constructed to replace their aging and failing BREL locomotives. The Class 66 shares the same body as the 59 but has uprated internals.

In May 1996 EWS placed an order for 250 units to be built in London, Ontario. These would set EWS back £375 million, with the first units arriving relatively quickly in early 1998. The locomotives would be in service from the point they touched down at Newport Docks, with the locomotives shipped already filled with water and fuel. The last such example arrived in the UK in spring 2016.

Locomotive number 66789 is a named example of the class, named in honour of British Rail who managed the national network between 1948 and 1997, dates which are also commemorated on the name plate. The locomotive is in the employ of GB Railfreight, who have had the locomotive painted in BR Blue with a large logo and yellow ends, a glimpse perhaps of what a Class 66 locomotive may have looked like in BR service.

This model will feature directional and cab lighting. Night and day headlights will also be included.

All variants of the Class 66 lighting have been tooled for both UK and European variants. The headlights will be prototypical for your model.

All the Class 66 models have 12 axles for the current pick-up and both bogies are motor driven. The UK variants of the Class 66 will not be fitted with traction tyres. 

European variants will be fitted with one traction tyre per bogie.

History:

The Class 66 is one of the most ubiquitous diesel classes in the UK. 480 examples were built for the UK market with additional examples being imported from other countries pools to bolster the amount in service in the UK. The Class 66 is a progression of the privately commissioned Class 59 that Foster Yeoman had constructed to replace their aging and failing BREL locomotives. The Class 66 shares the same body as the 59 but has uprated internals.

In May 1996 EWS placed an order for 250 units to be built in London, Ontario. These would set EWS back £375 million, with the first units arriving relatively quickly in early 1998. The locomotives would be in service from the point they touched down at Newport Docks, with the locomotives shipped already filled with water and fuel. The last such example arrived in the UK in spring 2016.

Locomotive number 66789 is a named example of the class, named in honour of British Rail who managed the national network between 1948 and 1997, dates which are also commemorated on the name plate. The locomotive is in the employ of GB Railfreight, who have had the locomotive painted in BR Blue with a large logo and yellow ends, a glimpse perhaps of what a Class 66 locomotive may have looked like in BR service.