An Unpleasant Experience
I took this picture at Highbury and Islington station from the second footbridge, that links the platforms to the Emergency Exit.
An Approaching Class 66
I have talked about the noise of Class 66 locomotives before in this post, where I said this.
It is important that rail locomotives are improved, as the current mainstay, the Class 66 is not liked by those who live on busy freight routes, due to its noise. I’ve also talked to drivers, who feel they have other problems too.
I could have been more critical. The Class 66 to the left of the picture was pulling a heavy freight train and passed under me, whilst working hard.
The noise was bad, but not as bad as the stink of the exhaust of the massive diesel engine.
I remarked on this to a member of the station staff, who was tidying up underneath the bridge and he said he hated them.
As there are now alternatives, surely pure diesel engines like the Class 66, that don’t meet the latest environmental regulations, should at lest be banned from operating in heavily-populated built-up areas.
In fact, as this line is electrified, what is a Class 66 doing on this line anyway?
The Anonymous Widower 
[…] of paths to freight, especially on the northern lines. A lot of these trains are still hauled by unfriendly Class 66 diesel locomotives. Alternative electric locomotives or the new Class 88, should be an aspiration for all lines that […]
Pingback by London Overground’s 2026 Map « The Anonymous Widower | September 12, 2014 |
[…] Class 66 locomotive used on UK railways is not a friendly beast as it makes a lot of noise and smell. There is a Wikipedia section on Cab Design Problems, which says […]
Pingback by The Noisy Class 66 Locomotive « The Anonymous Widower | November 6, 2014 |
[…] But if we are going to have long freight trains winding their way across the country and through London like these vans, we must do a few things to improve life for the neighbours of rail lines. After all, the standard freight motive power of a Class 66 diesel locomotive is a smelly and noisy beast. […]
Pingback by Government Calls For More Strategic Rail Freight Interchanges « The Anonymous Widower | December 18, 2014 |