Since the delivery of the first unit to English, Welsh and Scottish Railway (now DB Schenker Rail UK) in 1998, EMD has supplied more than 650 class 66s to freight operators and leasing companies across Europe. GB Railfreight has acquired 78 of the 2.46MW output six-axle locomotives over the last 15 years.
In addition to the locomotives for Europe, EMD has also supplied 40 locomotives to Egyptian National Railways, while Setrag operates six class 66s in Gabon.
EMD has ceased production of the class 66 because the EMD 710 series power unit which has been employed throughout the build is not compliant with EU Stage IIIB emissions standards.
Photo: Richard Gennis
