*Free 1st Class UK Delivery*

Bachmann 32-735 Class 66 66209 EWS Weathered

The characterful class 66 'shed' in the iconic EWS livery.

This beautifully detailed loco is superbly proportioned. It is powered by a super-smooth motor with all-wheel pick-up and drive giving stunning performance, particularly noticeable at low speeds.

The loco is 21-pin DCC ready, with directional lighting and sprung buffers.

OO gauge.

In 1996 EWS decided to replace their freight locomotive fleet with 250 GM locomotives based on the successful Class 59 but with a new 3000hp power unit, a top speed of 75mph, radial steering bogies and computer control systems. The locomotives were delivered between April 1998 and June 2000. The new 126 tonne locomotives were very successful. The improved reliability and availability quickly lead to the rapid withdrawal of BR designed Classes 31, 33, 37, 56, 73 and eventually 58.
Other rail freight operators were quick to spot the advantages of the new design and now Freightliner, GB Railfreight and DRS own and operate these locomotives. Between the four companies there are now over 350 Class 66s operating in the UK. At least 24 have now been named with most owned by Freightliner and GB Railfreight. There are also external variations to be found with two types of lighting units, buckeye and conventional hooks, horn grille modification, and different combinations of lashing eyes welded on the front of the buffer beam.
Recent environmental regulations have led GM to develop a low-emission version of the Class 66. The design incorporates a larger cooler group, modified roof grille, extra side door with step, shorter fuel tank to compensate for the larger cooler group and reinforced side cab windows. All new orders for Class 66 post 2005 are now supplied to this design. One such diesel is the new DRS/Stobart Rail No 66411 'Eddie the Engine' Enthusiasts have nicknamed them 'sheds' because of their shape and the class can now be found working all over the UK network. The success of the 66 has now spread right across Europe with EWS and Freightliner now operating trains in other countries.