Graham Farish Class 66s Arrive

We recently received a delivery consisting of four Graham Farish N Scale Class 66s to the Bachmann warehouse. All four models feature twin flywheel mechanisms, directional lighting and an accessory pack including full buffer-beam detail. Make sure you don’t miss out and contact your local stockist to secure yours now. The 66s included on the delivery are:

• 371-384A – No. 66111 in EWS
• 371-386 – No. 66416 in Freightliner Powerhaul
• 371-387 – No. 66846 in Colas Railfreight
• 371-398 – No. 66779 ‘Evening Star’ in GBRf Brunswick Green

Above: 371-384A – Class 66 No. 66111 in EWS

When English, Welsh & Scottish Railways (EWS) was formed in 1995, they inherited a fleet of ageing locomotives. To improve on performance they initially ordered 250 Class 66 locomotives with the first arriving in 1998. They offered more power, higher reliability and lower operating costs compared the current fleet. Often referred to as ‘Sheds’, they have gone on to become one of the most popular modern designs seen on Britain’s railways with over 400 of them being built.

Above: 371-386 – Class 66 No. 66416 in Freightliner Powerhaul

In 1998 Freightliner placed an order for the locomotives, with GB Railfreight (GBRf) and Direct Rail Services (DRS) shortly following. 20 years on since the first batch of Class 66s arrived, they can still be seen working in every corner of Britain’s railways. In 2016 the last batch of the class was delivered to British soil and No. 66779, being the final Class 66 built for use in Britain, was named ‘Evening Star’ and painted in lined Brunswick Green, echoing the final steam locomotive built by BR.

Above: 371-387 – Class 66 No. 66846 in Colas Railfreight

The locomotive was unveiled at York’s National Railway Museum in May 2016 and was displayed for two weeks opposite its steam namesake, BR Class 9F No. 92220, which was the last steam locomotive built by British Railways. It can currently be found working freight duties and occasional rail tours around Britain and once its working days are up, GB Railfreight will donate the locomotive to the National Railway Museum.

Above: 371-398 – Class 66 No. 66779 ‘Evening Star’ in GBRf Brunswick Green

The delivery included a selection of other railway items from our Branchline & Graham Farish brands which are listed in the table below. Keep an eye out on the news section of our website for further features on these arrivals.