Over the past generation the Class 66 has been one of Britain’s most successful and reliable diesel locomotives. After being introduced in the late 1990s, the Class has been involved in various new contracts and has taken over from the older generation classes such as the Class 56. Now operated by five rival companies, the Class keeps on growing with more success. The Class was first introduced to freight company EWS and the first member to arrive into England was No. 66001 in June 1998. The Type 5 locomotive then starred at an open day at EWS Headquarters at Toton Traction and Maintenance Depot near Nottingham in September 1998.

Ross Taylor uses his excellent photographs to illustrate this fascinating Class.