- Builder
- Bachmann
- Catalogue Number
- 31-586
- Category
- OO Scale Modern Image Locos
- Scale
- OO
- Finish
- Pristine
- Year
- 2010
- Pages
-
- Bachmann 2010 (70)
- Bachmann 2011 (68)
- Bachmann 2012 (71)
- Bachmann 2013 (75)
- Era
- 9 - Privatisation
- DCC
- Ready (21 pin)
- Decoders
- -
- Motor
- -
- Coupling
- -
- Curve
- 2nd Radius (438mm) +
- Length
- 230 mm
- Based on Preserved
- No
- Directional Lighting
- Yes
- Interior Lighting
- Yes
- Pickup in Tender
- No
- Sound Decoder Ready
- No
- Passenger Figures
- No
Bachmann 31-586
British Rail Class 70 70003 Freightliner (Green & Yellow)
Class & Prototype
Class: British Rail Class 70
- Traction: Diesel
- Transmission: Electric
- Built: 2008-2017
- Total Built: 37
The British Rail Class 70, known as the GE PowerHaul, represents General Electric's successful entry into the UK freight market with advanced American locomotive technology. Introduced in 2009 through Freightliner's "Project Genesis" program, these 37 Co-Co locomotives brought cutting-edge efficiency to British freight operations.
Built at GE's Erie, Pennsylvania facility, the Class 70 features the innovative PowerHaul P616 engine producing 3,690hp (2,750kW) with Miller cycle technology for exceptional fuel efficiency. The locomotives deliver 18% better fuel economy than the dominant Class 66 fleet, whilst meeting stringent EU Tier IIIa emission standards through advanced AC traction systems and regenerative braking.
Distinguished by their American-style hood unit appearance and distinctive crashworthy front end, Class 70s operate for Freightliner (70001-70020) and Colas Rail (70801-70810). Their superior performance includes 32% higher starting tractive effort and 61% greater continuous tractive effort compared to contemporary designs.
The class's UK success enabled global PowerHaul expansion to Turkey, South Korea, Finland, and Australia, validating the fundamental engineering excellence. Despite early challenges including the dramatic Newport Docks accident involving 70012, the fleet has proven reliable in demanding freight service.
For modellers, excellent representations are available from Bachmann Branchline (OO gauge) and Graham Farish (N gauge), both featuring DCC compatibility and accurate livery details representing this significant technological milestone in British freight locomotive development.
Prototype: 70003
- Ordered By: -
- Built By: -
- Built At: -
- Built: -
- Withdrawn: -
- Length of Service: -
- Running Numbers: -
- Names: -