In the late 1990s, most of the current locomotives in use on the national network were becoming very tired and evermore unreliable. It was during this time that English, Welsh and Scottish Railway (EWS) took over the large bulk of freight operations in the UK and they quickly realised that major changes were needed.
In 1996, they ordered a whole fleet of 250 Class 66 locos, which followed on from the same basic design as the earlier Class 59s. The Class 66 differed in that it was intended for more general use, rather than being used for just one specific purpose. They have now been in service for almost 25 years and have proved themselves to be very reliable and capable locos, with low failures and no serious problems.
This volume covers the Class 66/0s from their early days up to the present at various locations around the UK. With over 230 images, this book highlights the freight work, along with occasional charters and special workings, that the Class 66/0s have operated over the past two decades.
Photographs are each accompanied by a caption and a short introduction to Class 66s is also included. 96 pages.