Class 66V diesel No. 66591 will be the first of the class to be fitted with the European Train Control System (ETCS) in order to make the locomotive compatible with future signalling on the East Coast Mainline as part of the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP).

The fitment of the system to 66591 is in collaboration between Freightliner, who owns the locomotive and technology company Siemens.

The trial fitting of the ETCS to a class 66 will ensure that any problems with the system can be ironed out before more of the class can be fitted with the system.

This will make the fleet compatible as railways move towards a national network of ETCS working, and it will improve the reliability of moving freight by rail, which will reduce carbon emissions by taking lorries off the roads.

With 66591 being an evolved variant of the original class 66 feet, with different wiring, bracketry and positioning of existing locomotive fittings, which enables the class 66V fleet to undertake a greater range of freight services being compatible at moving both wagon and container trains. Whereas some of the core class 66 fleet can only handle a certain type of freight traffic only.

This partnership between Freightliner and Siemens is a landmark moment in UK fright haulage by rail. It will enable the fitting and testing of the ETCS to be carried out as quickly and smoothly as possible.

Freightliner will install this system to 66591 in house at the Leeds Midland Road Vehicle Maintenance Facility.

This will make them the first freight company in the UK to install the ETCS system on one of its own locomotives, this is thanks to experience, knowledge and skills of the internal fitment team, who know the differences and variants of class 66 fleet owned by Freightliner.

The fitment team will receive support from Freightliner’s ERTMS Engineers and the Siemens Mobility team, who have come up with designs and plans on the installation of the ETCS system to a 66V.

The work on 66591 is due to start in late June 2024.

“I’m excited for this continued collaboration on the programme and I’m confident that our learnings to date, combined with Freightliner’s expertise will support the smooth fitment of the Class 66V locomotive. Ultimately this retrofit of digital signalling equipment will transform rail travel and transport as delivering wider societal and community benefits afforded by digital signalling.”

Matt Kent, Director of Operations for Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility