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: 68001-68015 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