New Class 70 70002 working Portbury - Rugeley coal

Freightliner Powerhaul Class 70 locomotive number 70002 is seen working the 6M55 Portbury to Rugeley Power Station loaded coal service this afternoon.
The train was almost two hours down by the time it reached the outskirts of Leamore, Bloxwich, in the West Midlands.
I believe this is the first revenue-earning working by this class of locomotive.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Freightliner Powerhaul
• Class 70
• 70002
• Portbury Rugeley coal
• Bloxwich
• New Loco

[thelocomotiveworks]

ugh... this thing looks like a bulky version of a class 58

[DownGrand1967]

@thelocomotiveworks Well I never disliked 58s.... often saw them on the MGR's around Bescot...

[madmax200769]

Eeek! it sounds just like a council street sweeper! LOL

Did anyone mention that this is one hell of an ugly, kludge-festered boil of a design??

[SteamboatWilley]

@DownGrand1967

I don't know if this thing has a nickname yet (besides the official "Powerhaul" designation). "Road Sweeper" could catch on!

He's not exactly flying in this clip. Is there a speed restriction?

I agree with those who would prefer a British design. When are Brush going to get back in the game?

[thepofmeister]

great post! : )

[QuBeTwo]

@SteamboatWilley I agree. Brush are all we have left yet they seem content to just do refitting and overhauling :(.

[andysim232]

it may look awfull but its made so that if the train hits anything its less likley to end up in the cab. Also it does look like a 58 =)

[DownGrand1967]

@7676yhn Dreadful ! Could be worse....

[DownGrand1967]

@Xantec Yep, maybe...

[DownGrand1967]

@sturmovikdragon Thanks for the comment. Hell, I can't wait to see 'our' Class 70s shooting flames !!

[sturmovikdragon]

@Xantec In the united states the railroads came first so they often cut right through the center of towns and cities. All I know is when there's a coal train working up the heavy grade out of Baltimore in a cut, the roar of the 2-4 4400hp GE's on the front make my appartment shake. There's nothing between the exhaust manifold and the exhaust stack on a GE which it why they are known to shoot fire.

[Xantec]

@sturmovikdragon

probably necked the noise down with mufflers, unlike USA, many railways are within walking distance of cities and towns

[Xantec]

@RCdash9

would sound better if they had stuffed a valenta in it :D