Class 66

Kent Rail

Class 66

South Eastern Division

Light engine at Dartford

They may be faster than their Class 59 sisters, but the Class 66s are not as powerful, having a maximum

tractive effort of 92,000lb / foot compared with the former's 122,000lb / foot. However, both classes weigh

in at 126 tons. On 10th November 2004, No. 66104 was seen light engine, passing platform 1 at Dartford

at a cautiously slow speed, as it approaches a stop signal at the end of the platform. Light engine movements

of classes 59 and 66 seem, at times, to be more common along the route than laden freights. David Glasspool

No. 66178 at London Victoria

There is also the interesting spectacle of Class 66s on passenger workings on the South Eastern

Division. On 12th May 2004 No. 66178 is seen at London Victoria fronting the prestigious ''Orient

Express''. Class 66s are not fitted with electric train heating (ETH), thus a generator coach is used

on passenger services which employ this locomotive type. The generator coach is at the rear of the

train and, on this occasion, is a gutted BR Mk 1 brake, painted in EWS colours. David Glasspool

No. 66204 at Hoo Junction

On 20th November 2004, No. 66204 is seen stabled in the yard at Hoo Junction, the engine

having been left running. Although the quaint Class 08 and 09 shunters are still fairly large in

service numbers, EWS has begun employing main line locomotives, primarily the Class 66, to

undertake depot / yard shunting duties. As a result of this, many examples of the delightful

shunter have been withdrawn, subsequently going into store. Two Class 08s and one Class 09

are still retained at Hoo Junction, the next nearest examples being at both Hither Green and

Sheerness Steel Works. David Glasspool

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