IRJ at InnoTrans 2024: STADLER presented the first of its new six-axle freight locomotives for the British market during a ceremony at InnoTrans on September 25.
The class 99 will be used by freight operator GB Railfreight. Leasing company Beacon Rail has financed the new fleet and has 30 locomotives on order with options for 20 more.
The locomotive is described by GB Railfreight CEO John Smith, who was present during the ceremony, as “the new class 66” and is envisaged as the replacement for diesel traction for many freight flows.
The 6.17MW electric 25kV ac unit is also equipped with a 1.79MW Cummins 16-cylinder QSK50 diesel engine. Testing at Velim in the Czech Republic is planned later this year and in Britain from May 2025.
