Class 99s set for Caledonian Sleeper

Newly nationalised Caledonian Sleeper has confirmed the continuation of its partnership with GB Railfreight until 2030. 

The new seven-year deal came into force on June 25, as the Sleeper operator passed into Scottish government control, replacing the previous contract with Serco. 

Announcing the deal, GBRf also confirmed that its new Class 99 locomotives could replace Class 73/9s and Class 92s once they are approved for use. Stadler Rail’s Valencia plant is due to start deliveries of the Co-Co electro-diesels in 2025. Deployment on CS trains will depend on them gaining approval for passenger use and route clearance. 

With 6MW (8,050hp) available from 25kV AC overhead supply and around 2,100hp in diesel mode, the ‘99s’ could in theory be capable of handling both the London-Glasgow/ Edinburgh trunk sections and ‘Highlander’ portions to Aberdeen and Inverness, although GBRf has not yet said how the new locomotives might be deployed. 

Read this article in full in RAIL issue 987 here

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