EMD Class 66

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title: "EMD Class 66" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["electro-motive-diesel-locomotives", "co-co-locomotives", "diesel–electric-locomotives-of-germany", "diesel–electric-locomotives-of-egypt", "railway-locomotives-introduced-in-1998", "diesel–electric-locomotives-of-great-britain", "cargonet-locomotives", "diesel–electric-locomotives-of-norway", "standard-gauge-locomotives-of-great-britain", "electro-motive-division-locomotives", "standard-gauge-locomotives-of-france", "standard-gauge-locomotives-of-poland", "standard-gauge-locomotives-of-belgium", "standard-gauge-locomotives-of-the-netherlands", "standard-gauge-locomotives-of-luxembourg", "standard-gauge-locomotives-of-germany", "standard-gauge-locomotives-of-sweden", "standard-gauge-locomotives-of-denmark", "standard-gauge-locomotives-of-norway", "standard-gauge-locomotives-of-gabon", "standard-gauge-locomotives-of-egypt", "diesel–electric-locomotives-of-france", "diesel–electric-locomotives-of-poland", "diesel–electric-locomotives-of-belgium", "diesel–electric-locomotives-of-the-netherlands", "diesel–electric-locomotives-of-luxembourg", "diesel–electric-locomotives-of-sweden", "diesel–electric-locomotives-of-denmark", "diesel–electric-locomotives-of-gabon"] description: "Co-Co diesel locomotive" topic_path: "geography/germany" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EMD_Class_66" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::summary Co-Co diesel locomotive ::

::data[format=table title="Infobox locomotive"]

Field	Value
name	EMD Class 66
powertype	Diesel-electric
buildmodel	EMD JT42CWRM
image	HGK DE 64 Godorf.jpg
imagesize	300px
caption	HGK DE 64 at Godorf Hafen open day.
builder	Electro-Motive Diesel
builddate	1998-present
totalproduction	651+(7)
uicclass	Co′Co′
gauge
length	21.35 m
width	2.64 m
height	3.9 m
locoweight	126.9 t
primemover	EMD 12N-710G3B-T2, 2,420 kW
enginetype	V12 Two-stroke diesel
cylindercount	12
fuelcap	6400 L
transmission	Electric
poweroutput	2420 kW (total)
2268 kW (traction)
tractiveeffort	Starting:
409 kN
except Freightliner 66/6: 467 kN
Continuous:
260 kN @ 25.6 km/h
except for Freightliner 66/6: 296 kN @ 22.5 km/h
tractionmotors	General Motors D43TR Axle Hung (6x)
bogies	HTCR-E
fueltype	Diesel
alternator	Main: General Motors AR8PHEH
Aux.: General Motors CA6B
locobrakes	Air
locale	Western Europe, Egypt and Gabon
nicknames	'Klaas 66' (NL)Klass 66: a play on the English word "class" and the Dutch boys' name "Klaas" and the word SantaKlaus (Dutch:'Sinterklaas'). The nickname came about because the first engine delivered to the Netherlands (HGK DE61) was painted red, a colour normally associated with Santa. 'Scheune' (DE)
::

|name = EMD Class 66 |powertype = Diesel-electric |buildmodel = EMD JT42CWRM |image = HGK DE 64 Godorf.jpg |imagesize = 300px |caption = HGK DE 64 at Godorf Hafen open day. |builder = Electro-Motive Diesel |builddate = 1998-present |totalproduction = 651+(7) |uicclass = Co′Co′ |gauge = |wheeldiameter = |length =21.35 m |width = 2.64 m |height = 3.9 m |locoweight = 126.9 t |maxspeed = |primemover = EMD 12N-710G3B-T2, 2,420 kW |enginetype = V12 Two-stroke diesel |cylindercount = 12 |fuelcap = 6400 L |transmission = Electric |poweroutput = 2420 kW (total) 2268 kW (traction) |tractiveeffort = Starting: 409 kN except Freightliner 66/6: 467 kN Continuous: 260 kN @ 25.6 km/h except for Freightliner 66/6: 296 kN @ 22.5 km/h |tractionmotors =General Motors D43TR Axle Hung (6x) | designer = | serialnumber = | trucks = | bogies = HTCR-E | wheelbase = | axleload = | fueltype = Diesel | consumption = | watercons = | displacement = | alternator = Main: General Motors AR8PHEH Aux.: General Motors CA6B | generator = | locobrakes = Air | trainbrakes = | safety = | operator = | operatorclass = | numinclass = | fleetnumbers = | officialname = | locale = Western Europe, Egypt and Gabon | deliverydate = | firstrundate = | currentowner = | disposition = | nicknames = 'Klaas 66' (NL)Klass 66: a play on the English word "class" and the Dutch boys' name "Klaas" and the word SantaKlaus (Dutch:'Sinterklaas'). The nickname came about because the first engine delivered to the Netherlands (HGK DE61) was painted red, a colour normally associated with Santa. 'Scheune' (DE)

The Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) Class 66 (EMD JT42CWR) are Co-Co diesel locomotives built by EMD for the European heavy freight market. Designed for use in Great Britain as the British Rail Class 66, a development of the Class 59, they have been adapted and certified for use in other European countries. Outside Europe, 40 locomotives have been sold to Egyptian Railways for passenger operation.

A number of locomotives built for Euro Cargo Rail in France with roof-mounted air conditioning are classed Class 77. In Germany ECR units operated for DB Schenker were numbered as class 247, re-classified as class 266 by the Eisenbahn-Bundesamt to match other Class 66 locomotives operating in Germany.

History

United Kingdom

Main article: British Rail Class 66

The class was designed by General Motors-Electro Motive DivisionIn 2005 General Motors sold its locomotive manufacturing division (EMD), the organisation is now named Electro Motive Diesel or EMD for use in the UK, and 250 were sold to English Welsh & Scottish, with orders from Direct Rail Services, Fastline, Freightliner and GB Railfreight.

Mainland Europe

With the locomotives proving successful in the UK, interest came from railway operators in continental Europe. General Motors locomotives in mainland Europe had historically been produced under license by local manufacturers. The high haulage capacity and reliability of the Class 59 (JT26-CW-SS) had led to its use by the German company Häfen und Güterverkehr Köln (HGK). The first mainland Europe order also came from HGK, for two locomotives, followed by TGOJ Trafik (Trafikaktiebolaget Grängesberg-Oxelösunds Järnvägar) in Sweden. Subsequently, many European railway operators bought locomotives.

Class 77

With a high number of orders, EMD modified the locomotive for European ECR operations, including:

• Powered by a 12-cylinder 710 engine that meets EU Stage IIIA emissions regulations, via latest EM2000 control system
• DC traction motors, rated at 3300 hp
• Enhanced gear case, which increases tractive effort to 450 kN, making the locomotive suitable for heavier European trains
• ECR Train Protection System allowing for immediate certification for operation in France, Germany and Belgium, but meaning that they cannot operate in Great Britain
• Additional driver facilities, including cab air conditioning; a microwave and fridge in one cab; additional noise cancelling insulation; a modified seat

Designated JT42CWRM-100 by EMD and registered in France as Class 77, over 100 locomotives have been purchased including 60 by DB Schenker subsidiary Euro Cargo Rail.

Class 66EU

In 2008 EMD announced plans to develop a new variant 'Class 66EU' designed for continental European operations, built within the UIC 505-1 loading gauge as opposed to the restrictive UK loading gauge. A range of European safety systems would be supported including ERTMS, and locomotives would be fitted with a dynamic brake and previous issues with driver comfort were to be addressed. The project was confirmed to be cancelled in 2011. A similar locomotive concept using EMD technology is the Vossloh Euro 4000 and has been delivered to operators in several countries including Norway, France, Spain, Portugal and Israel.

Technical

The locomotive uses standard EMD components - an EMD 710 prime mover, D43 traction motors, radialThe individual bogies are articulated rather than having two bogies connected with a Beugniot lever or equivalent (self-steering) bogies of patented design, which reduce wheel surface and flange wear and are said to improve adhesion and reduce track load.

The class has undergone updates; other than the lower-geared class 66/6 produced for Freightliner, most of the updates have been in relation to conforming to specifications for exhaust particulate emissions. ::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3d/Di_66.405_Trondheim_06.08.05.jpg" caption="CD66 of [[CargoNet]], the air conditioning unit is visible above the cab"] ::

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bd/Egyptian_Railways_(ENR)_Class_66.jpg" caption="[[Egyptian Railways]] Class 66"] ::

Despite being popular with rail operators, especially due to its high reliability, the class has not been universally successful: one recurring problem has been driver comfort. In particular, noise levels (including noise from the cab horn), vibration, and excessive cab-temperatures in hot weather have brought serious complaints. The cab is not isolated from the main frame, causing engine noise to be the dominant background noise; notwithstanding the implications for safety (audibility of warning signals etc.), and the potential for hearing damage in the long term, the conditions drivers face led to threats of industrial action in the UK in 2007, and an agreement for increased pay for drivers using this type of locomotive (in Norway). By modifying using noise absorbing materials EMD succeeded in meeting TSI Noise Certification standards in 2008. Tests on retrofitted cooling systems and improved seating have been carried out on some UK locomotives.

ETCS Equipment

Between 2006 and 2010, 12 locomotives belonging to Mitsui Capital Rail Europe (MRCE), operating in the Netherlands and Germany, were equipped with ETCS, principally to allow them to work on the equipped Betuweroute, comprising the ETCS Level 1 "Havenspoorlijn" in the Rotterdam harbour area and the ETCS Level 2 "A15" route linking Rotterdam to the German border.. The MRCE locomotives were sold to Beacon Rail in 2015. Commencing in 2015, 15 locomotives owned by Ascendos Rail Leasing and 10 locomotives owned and operated by Crossrail Benelux were equipped with ETCS.

Idle reduction

As a fuel-saving and wear-reduction measure operator DB Schenker Rail UK is to fit ninety of its fleet with automatic engine stop start technology by the end of 2015. The modification is provided by ZTR Control Systems of London, Ontario and is expected to reduce engine running hours by about one-third.

Operators

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c6/Class_66_FPL66001.jpg" caption="Freightliner]] PL EMD JT42CWRM #66001 at the station in [[Ruhland]] Germany (May 2008)"] ::

Europe

Certification (homologation) is needed for each country of operation. The locos were initially given a temporary certificate for use in France, and full certification came in 2009 (they had previously operated in France on some routes), Romanian certification came in 2007 The class is certified for operation in Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Poland and Denmark. As of 1 January 2009, certification for use in the Czech Republic and Slovakia was pending.

Africa

They are operated in Egypt by the Egyptian National Railways. They are operated on the Trans-Gabon Railway.

List of operators

::data[format=table]

Owner	Operator	Countries	Designation	Total	Comments
	Beacon Rail (15)
Halifax Asset Finance (33)
Eversholt Rail Group (85)
Porterbrook (60)
Lloyds Bank (4)	Colas Rail
DB Cargo UK
Direct Rail Services
Freightliner
GB Railfreight	Great Britain	Class 66	455	See details in the British Rail Class 66 article
	Euro Cargo Rail	France	Class 66
Class 77	120	65 from parent company DB Cargo UK.
60 further locomotives during 2009 designated Class 77.
Alpha Trains	Freightliner PL (FPL)	Poland	Class 66	7	Part of Freightliner
CB Rail
formerly Porterbrook	Rail4Chem Benelux (R4CB)	Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands & Luxembourg)		26
Heavy Haul Power International (HHPI)	Germany
Crossrail Benelux	Belgium
Häfen und Güterverkehr Köln (HGK)	Germany	Class 266
ERS Railways (ERSR)	Netherlands
Railion Nederland (RN)
Deutsche Leasing	Rail4Chem Benelux (R4CB)	Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands & Luxembourg)		1
Egyptian National Railways (ENR)	url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/10/commissioning-of-egyptian-jt42cwrm-begins.html	title=Commissioning of Egyptian JT42CWRM begins	work=Railway Gazette International	date=2009-05-20	archive-date=8 December 2019
GM/Opel leasing	Häfen und Güterverkehr Köln (HGK)	Germany	Class 266	2
GM/GMAC leasing	Heavy Haul Power International (HHPI)		1
Eversholt Rail Group	TGOJ Trafik (TGOJ)	Sweden	T66 713	1	Leased to IKEA rail AB, from 2012–07 to Rush Rail source
url=http://www.cflcargo.dk/	title=(home)	access-date=7 June 2011	archive-date=31 March 2008	archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331115605/http://www.cflcargo.dk/	url-status=dead}}
CargoNet (CN)	Norway	CD66	6	Problems with driver cabin conditions (see above)
Named Di9 as per Di series in procurement documents, in practice also called CD 66
To be replaced by Vossloh Euro 4000s on the Nordland Line
Häfen und Güterverkehr Köln (HGK)	Germany	Class 266	5
ERS Railways (ERSR)	Netherlands			5
KBC lease group	Crossrail Benelux	Belgium		4
MRCE		~5
ERS Railways (ERSR)	Netherlands		~6
Häfen und Güterverkehr Köln (HGK)	Germany	Class 266	~2
Afzet Container Transport System (ACTS)	Netherlands		1
Dortmunder Eisenbahn (DE)	Germany
Veolia Cargo / Connex (VC)	Netherlands & France
Trainsport AG (TS)	Belgium
Rail4Chem (R4C)	Germany
NedTrain	Netherlands
Setrag	Gabon		6	Two units built 2008, shipped July 2011. Four further units built and exported by 2012.
::

References

Notes

Citations

Sources

References

1. "Class 66 :: Electro-Motive Diesel JT42CWR". Rogier Immers.
2. "CROSSRAIL Class 66 in Marienborn".
3. "JT42CWRM Fact Sheet".
4. (14 March 2012). "DB Schenker withdraws last Class 217 locomotives". Railway Herald.
5. "Class 66 (subsection 'History')".
6. (21 June 2011). "Akiem adds Class 77s to lease fleet".
7. Roden, Andrew. (September 2008). "EMD plans new route for Class 66".
8. (4 October 2011). "EMD to produce passenger demonstrator loco".
9. (April 1996). "Proceedings of the 1996 ASME/IEEE Joint Railroad Conference".
10. (2000). "Proceedings of the 2000 ASME/IEEE Joint Railroad Conference (Cat. No.00CH37110)".
11. "EMD Class 66 Product information sheet".
12. "The implications of the physical agents directive (noise): summary".
13. (30 April 2007). "Boycott threat over 'dirty' locos". BBC News.
14. "Agreement between the NLF and CargoNet".
15. Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc. (EMD). "Updated Class 66 European Locomotive is First to Achieve TSI Noise Certification in Europe".
16. (21 March 2007). "Positive moves on Class 66 cabs".
17. "Update on SQUASH".
18. (2 October 2014). "Class 66 locos to get engine stop-start technology". Railway Gazette International.
19. "Details of Class 66 modifications made for working in France".
20. EMD. "(EMD) Announces French Homologation Has Been Achieved For the Euro Cargo Rail Class 66 Locomotives".
21. EMD. "Electro-Motive Diesels (EMD) certifies its Class 66 (JT42CWRM) locomotive in Romania".
22. "Diesel Locomotives".
23. "Freightliner PL".
24. (March 2023). "Angel Trains Enters the Polish Rail Freight Market}}{{Dead link".
25. "Angel Trains presentation".
26. "The Definitive Fleet List of Euro Class 66 locos - giving works numbers, running numbers, names, operators and international IDs. (up to November 2007)".
27. (2009-05-20). "Commissioning of Egyptian JT42CWRM begins". Railway Gazette International.
28. Electro-Motive Diesel. "Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc (EMD) Rolls Out The New JT42CWRM for Egyptian National Railways (ENR)".
29. "Locomotive listing on sub-page".
30. (March 2022). "(home)".
31. "CargoNet diesellokomotiv type CD66".
32. "Norwegian rolling stock database page (with images)".
33. (September 2017). "Årlig møte med ledelsen i CargoNet AS TILSYNSRAPPORT (annual audit report) CargoNet 2002}}{{dead link".
34. (26 September 2011). "World rolling stock market September 2011".

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