British Rail Class 57

Infobox Locomotive
name = British Rail Class 57
powertype = Diesel-electric


caption = Class 57, no. 57012 "Freightliner Envoy" at Ipswich on 31 January 2004
roadnumber = 57001–57012, 57301–57316 57601–57605
builder = Brush Traction or BR Crewe Works;
Rebuilt by Brush Traction
totalproduction = 33
whytetype = Co-Co
uicclass = Co'Co'
gauge = RailGauge|sg|al=on|lk=on
length = convert|19.38|m|ftin
width = convert|2.79|m|ftin
weight = "57/0 & 57601:" convert|120.6|t|sigfig=3|lk=on
"57/3 & 57602–57605:" convert|117|t|sigfig=3
topspeed = "57/0:" convert|75|mph|0|abbr=on
"57/3 & 57/6:" convert|95|mph|0|abbr=on
builddate = Rebuilt: 1997–2004
primemover = "57/0:" EMD 645-E3
"57/3 & 57/6:" EMD 645-F3B
enginetype = V12 two-stroke diesel
poweroutput = "57/0:" convert|2500|bhp|sigfig=3|abbr=on|lk=on
"57/3 & 57/6:" convert|2750|bhp|sigfig=3|abbr=on
trainbrakes = Air
locobrakeforce = "57/0:" convert|80|LTf|kN|sigfig=3|abbr=on|lk=on
"57/3 & 57/6:" convert|60|LTf|kN|sigfig=3|abbr=on
fuelc
convert|5550|l|abbr=on|lk=on
"57/3 & 57/6:" convert|5887|l|abbr=on|lk=on
trainheating = "57/0:" None
"57601:" Electric Train Supply index 95
"57/3 & 57602–57605:" Electric Train Supply index 100
railroad = Freightliner
Virgin Trains
First Great Western
Cotswold Rail
Direct Rail Services
WCRCThe British Rail Class 57 diesel locomotives were introduced by Brush Traction between 1997-2004. They are rebuilds, with new engines, of former Class 47 locomotives, originally introduced in 1964-5. They are known as "bodysnatchers", or "Zombies" to enthusiasts, by virtue of the fact that the shell (body) of the class 47 has been stripped, rewired and re-engined. [cite web | url = http://www.renownrepulse.com/nicknames.asp | archivedate = 2007-03-24 | archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070324225433/http://www.renownrepulse.com/nicknames.asp | title = Nicknames | author = Renown Repulse Restoration Group]

Description

The Class 57 is a re-engineered locomotive, rebuilt by Brush Traction at Loughborough from redundant Class 47 locomotives. The locomotives are fitted with a refurbished General Motors engine, and a reconditioned alternator, vastly improving reliability and performance. Two variants exist, for freight and passenger operations.

The class has its origins in 1997, when Freightliner ordered an initial six locomotives. In 2000, a prototype locomotive, number 57601, was converted with electric train heating capacities, with a view of obtaining orders from passenger companies.

Current operations

Freightliner

In 1997, Freightliner placed an order for an initial six Class 57/0 locomotives. The first of these was released in 1998, and coincided with the unveiling of the new "British Racing Green" Freightliner livery. After an evaluation period, Freightliner was sufficiently impressed to order a further six locomotives, with plans for an eventual fleet of 25 locomotives. However, in the event, only twelve locomotives were rebuilt, due to the purchase of completely new Class 66 locomotives from General Motors.

The Freightliner fleet sees use over a wide area, serving locations such as Ipswich, Southampton, Birmingham, Cardiff and Leeds. The introduction of the class resulted in the replacement of the Class 47 locomotives on most long-distance intermodal trains.

Freightliner has named all its locomotives, with examples such as 'Freightliner Pioneer' and 'Freightliner Phoenix'.

As of 2007, Freightliner has started to replace its Class 57s with new Class 66 locos. Initially, six Class 57s (the second batch) were returned to their leasing company, and have been redeployed with DRS in July 2007. [cite web | url=http://www.wnxx.com/archive/news/2007/0704.htm |title=Freightliner 57s... |accessdate=2007-07-26] [cite web | url=http://www.wnxx.com/archive/news/2007/0705.htm |title=DRS / Freightliner 57s... |accessdate=2007-07-26] In July, a start was made on taking the remaining six (the original batch) out of service. [cite web | url=http://www.wnxx.com/archive/news/2007/0707.htm |title=Freightliner 57s... |accessdate=2007-07-26]

Advenza Freight

Advenza Freight currently operate two ex-Freightliner locomotives.

References

Further reading