British Rail Class 68
| Company type | Subsidiary (formerly Vossloh España) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Railway locomotive manufacturing |
| Predecessor | Vossloh España |
| Fate | Renamed from Vossloh España to Stadler Rail Valencia |
| Headquarters | Valencia , Spain |
Area served | United Kingdom (Class 68 production) |
| Products | Diesel-electric locomotives (Class 68 / UKLight) |
| Owner | Stadler Rail |
| Parent | Stadler Rail |
The Class 68 is a versatile mainline diesel-electric locomotive designed for mixed traffic, manufactured by Stadler Rail Valencia (previously known as Vossloh España) specifically for Direct Rail Services (DRS) in the United Kingdom. This model is derived from the Stadler Eurolight platform and is marketed under the name UKLight.
On 5 January 2012, DRS placed an order for fifteen Class 68 locomotives, with the initial unit delivered in January 2014. A subsequent series, representing Stadler’s first full production run, was finalized by April 2016. A third set was completed by July 2017. The Class 68 has been followed by related locomotives such as the Class 88 and Class 93.
Since its deployment, the Class 68 has been utilized in both passenger and freight operations, including DRS’s nuclear flask transportation and various charter services. Several units have been subleased to other operators like Chiltern Railways, Abellio ScotRail, and TransPennine Express, often fitted with Association of American Railroads (AAR) push-pull configurations for passenger service.
Origins
In the 2000s, Direct Rail Services (DRS) faced challenges with its aging fleet of British Rail Class 20 diesel locomotives, which were becoming increasingly inefficient and outdated. To improve profitability and operational efficiency—particularly for its primary role in transporting nuclear materials—DRS explored alternative locomotive options. Although newer models such as the British Rail Class 66 were acquired, these proved less than ideal due to elevated operational expenses, reliance on two-stroke engines that failed to meet newer EU emissions standards, and substandard cab environments. These factors raised doubts about their appropriateness for hauling nuclear waste trains.
By 2009, DRS determined that a completely new locomotive design was essential to fulfill its operational requirements through to 2036 without reliance on subsidies, while also expanding its fleet capacity. Various manufacturers and platforms were reviewed, including Brush Traction, General Electric, Bombardier, and Siemens—with particular attention given to the British Rail Class 70. However, DRS’s relatively modest order size constrained available options. Leasing firm Beacon Rail suggested Spanish builder Stadler Rail Valencia, which expressed willingness to develop a custom locomotive based on its existing Eurolight model.
Stadler proceeded to adapt a EUROLight demonstrator to conform with the British loading gauge and DRS’s specifications, conducting trials at the Velim railway test circuit in the Czech Republic. Adjustments encompassed modifications to the bodyshell, mechanical components, electrical wiring, and equipment to ensure compliance with UK standards. While the original EUROLight had a maximum speed of 75 mph, DRS required a top speed of 100 mph; this was achieved by repositioning axle-hung traction motors onto the locomotive body to decrease unsprung mass. Drawing on experience gained from producing the British Rail Class 67, Stadler completed development within approximately eighteen months, securing DRS’s confidence in the new design.
Additionally, DRS specified an electric train supply capable of delivering up to 500 kW to enable hauling of large trains comparable to the British Rail Class 390. The propulsion system complies with Stage III A European emission standards but does not meet the more stringent Stage III B requirements. Although DRS initially preferred a Co-Co wheel configuration, they accepted a four-axle layout after tests showed that the EUROLight’s low center of gravity and well-balanced weight distribution minimized axle load transfer and provided steady tractive effort necessary for heavy haulage.
Order and production
On 5 January 2012, DRS placed an order with Vossloh for fifteen Eurolight locomotives capable of 100 mph, intended for both intermodal freight and passenger operations. These units were to be leased through Beacon Rail, with deliveries commencing in late 2013. The contract's total value was around £45 million. By February 2013, the locomotives received the TOPS classification Class 68, while Vossloh and later Stadler referred to the model as UKLight.
The period from placing the order to the arrival of the first Class 68 spanned 28 months. The final design was not settled at the time of ordering; selecting the powertrain required an additional four months. The engine selected was a Caterpillar Inc. C175-16, a 16-cylinder unit producing 3800 hp, combined with an ABB traction system consisting of a six-pole brushless synchronous alternator and ABB Bordline CC1500 DE converters. The Class 68 utilizes the same vehicle control unit and driver advisory system as the standard EUROLight platform and fulfills DRS's demanding adhesion criteria, delivering a peak tractive effort of 317 kN.
Locomotive number 68001 was tested at the Velim Test Centre located in the Czech Republic before being shipped to the United Kingdom. The second locomotive, 68002, was the first to arrive on UK soil in January 2014.
In September 2014, DRS opted to acquire ten more locomotives under an existing option. Later, on 28 July 2015, Vossloh España announced an additional order from DRS for seven further units.
Direct Rail Services
The Class 68 is a versatile locomotive engineered to handle both passenger and freight duties. Trial operations commenced in February 2014, initially running between Carlisle and Crewe. By mid-2014, DRS predominantly assigned Class 68 locomotives to container freight services and contract work for Network Rail.
Class 68s were first deployed for passenger service during DRS special trains at the 2014 Ryder Cup held at . These locomotives are also regularly tasked with hauling DRS nuclear flask trains. Industry analyses recognize the Class 68 as highly effective for these specific roles.
Chiltern Railways
Starting December 2014, Chiltern Railways began sub-leasing six Class 68 locomotives (numbers 68010 through 68015) from DRS, fully replacing older Class 67 units on routes along the Chiltern Main Line between and . This £15 million agreement modernized Chiltern’s traction fleet significantly.
These locomotives carry Chiltern’s distinctive silver Mainline livery and are fitted with Association of American Railroads (AAR) push-pull systems, allowing operation with Mark 3 coaching stock. Additionally, two units still in DRS livery (68008 and 68009) have been equipped with push-pull technology to facilitate operational flexibility.
Abellio ScotRail
Abellio ScotRail leased two Class 68 locomotives (68006 and 68007) to haul six-car formations of Mark 2 coaches on peak-time services along the Fife Circle Line. These locomotives, adorned in Saltire livery, were in service from 1 April 2015 until 29 May 2020, when compliance with PRM-TSI regulations ceased due to the non-compliant status of the Mark 2 coaches.
TransPennine Express
TransPennine Express (TPE) initially leased fourteen Class 68 locomotives (68019–68032) from DRS for deployment on the to corridor. Following further deliveries and comprehensive staff training, these locomotives were also assigned to to services, where they hauled five-car formations of Mark 5A coaches equipped with a driving trailer.
TPE's Class 68 fleet was distinctive in lacking the traditional yellow front ends, in line with updated regulations. In August 2023, TPE declared its intention to retire the Class 68 locomotives and Mark 5A rolling stock as part of the December 2023 timetable changes. Despite this, the sets remained under lease until May 2024 and are slated for storage until 2026. At that point, thirteen Class 68s compatible with Mark 5A coaches, alongside the coaches themselves, will be transferred to Chiltern Railways. This transition will replace older Mark 3 carriages and their associated Class 68 locomotives due to compatibility needs.
Fleet
Prior to delivery, names were assigned to the first nine Class 68 locomotives; subsequently, most others—excluding units 68011 and 68014—have also been named. Among the notable examples are locomotive 68010, christened Oxford Flyer in 2016 to commemorate Chiltern Railways' new London-Oxford route; 68033, named The Poppy in 2021 in tribute to the Royal British Legion's 100th anniversary; and 68006, which was renamed Pride of the North in recognition of Direct Rail Services' efforts in Northern England and Scotland.
| Class | Operator | Sub-leased to | Number Built | Year Built |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 68 | Direct Rail Services | Direct Rail Services | 14 | 2013–2017 |
| Chiltern Railways | 6 |
Named locomotives
The following table lists the names assigned to Class 68 locomotives:
| Number | Name | Operator | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 68001 | Evolution | Direct Rail Services | |
| 68002 | Intrepid | Direct Rail Services | |
| 68003 | Astute | Direct Rail Services | |
| 68004 | Rapid | Direct Rail Services | |
| 68005 | Defiant | Direct Rail Services | |
| 68006 | Pride Of The North | Direct Rail Services | Formerly ScotRail |
| 68007 | Valiant | Direct Rail Services | Formerly ScotRail |
| 68008 | Avenger | Direct Rail Services | |
| 68009 | Titan | Direct Rail Services | |
| 68010 | Oxford Flyer | Chiltern Railways | |
| 68011 | Chiltern Railways | ||
| 68012 | 'Amy Owen' | Chiltern Railways | |
| 68013 | 'Peter Wreford-Bush' | Chiltern Railways | |
| 68014 | Chiltern Railways | ||
| 68015 | 'Kev Helmer' | Chiltern Railways | |
| 68016 | 'Fearless' | Direct Rail Services | |
| 68017 | 'Hornet' | Direct Rail Services | |
| 68018 | 'Vigilant' | Direct Rail Services | |
| 68019 | 'Brutus' (name removed) | Direct Rail Services | |
| 68020 | 'Reliance' | Direct Rail Services | |
| 68021 | 'Tireless' | Direct Rail Services | |
| 68022 | 'Resolution' | Direct Rail Services | |
| 68023 | 'Achilles' (name removed) | Direct Rail Services | |
| 68024 | 'Centaur' (name removed) | Direct Rail Services | |
| 68025 | 'Superb' (name removed) | Direct Rail Services | |
| 68026 | 'Enterprise' (name removed) | Direct Rail Services | |
| 68027 | 'Splendid' (name removed) | Direct Rail Services | |
| 68028 | 'Lord President' | Direct Rail Services | |
| 68029 | 'Courageous' (name removed) | Direct Rail Services | |
| 68030 | 'Black Douglas' (name removed) | Direct Rail Services | |
| 68031 | 'Felix' (name removed) | Direct Rail Services | Named after Huddersfield station cat |
| 68032 | 'Destroyer' (name removed) | Direct Rail Services | |
| 68033 | 'The Poppy' | Direct Rail Services | |
| 68034 | 'Rail Riders 2020' | Direct Rail Services |
See also
- Stadler Euro Dual, the electro-diesel model derived from the Class 68, procured by DRS as the .