‘Jumbo Train’ success for Freightliner Class 70

Sam Hewitt

–

28th September 2019

FREIGHTLINER’S trial run of a Mendip Rail ‘jumbo train’ using a Class 70 diesel has been hailed as an outstanding success by the operators.

No. 70003 hauled a train weighing 4,624 tonnes between Merehead Quarry in Somerset and Acton Yard in West London on July 17. These trains are currently the heaviest in the UK and are normally powered by Mendip Rail’s fleet of Class 59/0 and 59/1 heavy haul diesels.

Article continues below…
Advert

Enjoy more Railway reading in the monthly magazine.
Click here to subscribe & save.

Freightliner’s No. 70003, replacing a Class 59, prepares for departure from Merehead on July 17 to test the GE machine’s performance on one of Mendip Rail’s ‘jumbo trains’ to Acton Yard in London. FREIGHTLINER

The trial run was in preparation for the start of Freightliner’s bulk haulage contract with Mendip Rail, a joint venture between Hanson UK and Aggregate Industries.

Read more in the September 2019 issue of The RM – on sale now!

Article continues below…
Advert

Advert

Enjoy more of The Railway Magazine reading every month. Click here to subscribe.

Railway Reads

From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.

Article Tags:

Acton Works, Aggregate Industries, Class 59, Class 70, Freightliner, Hanson UK, jumbo trains, Mendip Rail, Merehead Quarry, The Railway Magazine

About the Author

Sam Hewitt is the Digital Content Editor at Mortons Media Group. Email: [email protected]

‘Jumbo Train’ success for Freightliner Class 70

Railway Reads

About the Author

Latest Issue

April 2024

Free Digital Issue

Search

Tags