First Class 68 loco undergoing testing

Direct Rail Services (DRS) has announced that the first of its new fleet of Class 68 locomotives is undergoing testing in the Czech Republic.

Locomotive 68001 is currently undergoing testing at the Velim test track ahead of delivery to the UK in the second quarter of next year while the first locomotive in full DRS livery, 68002, awaits delivery to the UK for testing in the new year.

The vehicle, which is expected to have completed testing in three months’ time, is the first of an order of 15 locomotives placed with manufacturer Vossloh Espana.

Neil McNicholas, managing director of Direct Rail Services, said: “This is another important milestone in the strategic development of Direct Rail Services.

“The Class 68 locomotives are set to further extend DRS’s capabilities and give our clients an even faster and more efficient service.

“The Class 68 is just the first component of a wider DRS fleet strategy designed to ensure that we can offer our clients the most efficient and flexible service well into the future.”

Correction: 68001 is currently undergoing performance testing in Velim, not 68002 (pictured).