Class 59 Profile and Models
59005 at Old Oak Common Depot in August 2000. ©kitmasterbloke
The Class 59s are a fleet of diesel locomotives produced by EMD for three different private freight operators in the UK. They were the first privately owned diesel locomotives to operate regularly on the British mainline and also the first locos built for it in the United States. One member of the class temporarily worked in Germany too, but has since returned to the UK. Designed for reliability and 95% availability, the Class 59 has achieved a 99.8% level during ten years evaluated from the first four locomotives. On 26 May 1991, 59005 set the European haulage record for a single locomotive, with a stone train weighing 11,982 tonnes and 5,415 feet (1,650 m) long. Despite being superceded by the similar looking but more advanced and powerful Class 66, the Class 59s still have a place on various heavy freight workings throughout the UK. |
|
Type of Locomotive |
Diesel-Electric |
Builder |
General Motors Electro Motive Division |
Build Dates |
1985 to 1995 |
Total Built |
15 |
Tractive Effort |
122,000 lbf |
Power Output |
3,300 bhp |
Top Speed |
60 mph (59/0 & 59/1) 75 mph (59/2) |
Wheel Configuration |
Co-Co |
Operated By |
ARC DB Cargo EWS GB Railfreight Foster Yeoman Freightliner Mendip Rail National Power |
Main Duties |
Heavy Freight |
In Service Until |
Present |
Surviving Examples |
15 |
Products awaiting categorisation
Scale | Brand | Image | Construction Type | DCC Capability | Product Code | Product Title | Livery |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
N Gauge | CJM | RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Not set |
59002 View |
Class 59 59002 in Foster Yeoman silver | Foster Yeoman | |
N Gauge | CJM | RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Not set |
59104 View |
Class 59 59104 "Village of Great Elm" in ARC livery | ARC - Amey Roadstone | |
N Gauge | CJM | RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Not set |
59206 View |
Class 59 59206 'Pride of Ferrybridge' in National Power livery | Awaiting Categorisation | |
N Gauge | CJM | RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Not set |
CJM-59101 View |
Class 59 59101 in ARC Yellow/Grey | Awaiting Categorisation | |
N Gauge | CJM | RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Not set |
CJM-59103 View |
Class 59 59103 "Village of Wells" in Hanson Livery | Awaiting Categorisation |