Good afternoon everyone. With Matt recently confirming (on the lastest WCML Over Shap broadcast) that the Freighliner licence is now available, I thought I'd list some possible rolling stock associated with this brand. These locomotives would be used for freight traffic on a variety of possible UK routes (diesel and electrified). This would provide some much needed variety to the UK freight fleet in TSW! I'd like to point out that the licence only covers the original (1995, post privatisation) "green-yellow" livery. It doesn't cover the current "black-yellow-orange" of the actual Genesee & Wyoming management (since 2015)! Here are some of my ideas: - BR Class 66 Freightliner edition Diesel-electric mainline locomotive. Our beloved/hated Class 66, with an active fleet of 114 specimens (Freightliner). The operator adopts the 66/4, 66/5, 66/6 and the latest 66/9 units. They differ in small aesthetic details, such as headlights, as well as some technical features (such as maximum speed). The liveries adopted are the original "Green-Yellow" and the more recent "Powerhaul". It would just be an adaptation of the current present in TSW! - BR Class 70 GE PowerHaul Diesel-electric mainline locomotive. Powerful and modern series of diesel-electric locomotives, produced by GE between 2008 and 2017. 20 of the 37 specimens are in service with Freightliner. Powered by a powerful V16 diesel engine, combined with electric traction, it's one of the most powerful diesel locomotives in service in the UK. Its maximum speed reaches 75mph. Freightliner has adopted here (for the first time) the new "Powerhaul" livery. - BR Class 90 Electric mainline locomotive. Iconic class of British multi-role electric locomotives, apex of national production, between 1987 and 1990. They're a direct evolution of the Class 87, improved and modernized. Of the 50 examples produced, 25 are in service with Freightliner. It's powered by 25kV AC OHLE, with a maximum speed of 110mph. It's used on many electrified lines, but "she"'s at home on long direct national routes (such as WCML and ECML). Initially they wore the "Green-Yellow" livery, later updated in the new "Powerhaul" one. More ideas: - BR Class 57 Diesel-electric refurbished locomotive. In service with Freightliner until 2011. - BR Class 86 Electric mainline locomotive. 30 specimens of class 86/6, in service until 2021 (some of them). Class 90, 57 and 86 could also be supplied with other liveries, such as EWS/DB Cargo UK (90 and 86) or DRS (57). Let me know yours,if you liked my proposal! Feel free to comment and correct any of my possible mistakes!
Would definitely like to see a more varied range of British freight locos, swapping out the 66 where ever possible.
I want the Class 70, and the rest of these ideas, too. Maybe a Freightliner loco pack with a few new pieces of freight rolling stock?
I'd say that's absolutely possible! It would be nice to create a pack with a recycled locomotive, like the 66 or 86 (if it comes as DLC on WCMLOS), adapting them to their respective Freightliner versions. Maybe with a new wagon (Freightliner owns intermodals, medium-sided wagons etc...). Or a brand new engine, like Class 70. There are many possibilities! I also found out that 2025 will be Freightliner's 60th year of operation (1965-2025). A commemorative livery has already been created on this 70! That would be a nice little detail!
Class 70 would be top,of the list. 86 wise, seems almost certain that will be JT’s add on to complement WCMLOS, albeit in earlier BR Blue guise.
Freightliner is probably one of my favourite liveries, so it's great to see the licence has been obtained. I personally would like to see a class 90 or 86 for the southern section of the WCML, but any future freightliner content would be amazing.
