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‘Jumbo Train’ success for Freightliner Class 70

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FREIGHTLINER’S trial run of a Mendip Rail ‘jumbo train’ using a Class 70 diesel has been hailed as an outstanding success by the operators. 

No. 70003 hauled a train weighing 4,624 tonnes between Merehead Quarry in Somerset and Acton Yard in West London on July 17. These trains are currently the heaviest in the UK and are normally powered by Mendip Rail’s fleet of Class 59/0 and 59/1 heavy haul diesels.  

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Freightliner’s No. 70003, replacing a Class 59, prepares for departure from Merehead on July 17 to test the GE machine’s performance on one of Mendip Rail’s ‘jumbo trains’ to Acton Yard in London. FREIGHTLINER

The trial run was in preparation for the start of Freightliner’s bulk haulage contract with Mendip Rail, a joint venture between Hanson UK and Aggregate Industries. 

Read more in the September 2019 issue of The RM – on sale now!

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