English Electric Class 37 Co-Co. Locomotive.

They Just keeps Going.

The D6600 1960's (1960-66) built Deisel-Electric's are still in British operation today, apart from N-Irleand. These engines were re-calssified as 37/4 from the standard 37/0, there are now 37/5, 6, 7, and the newest Network Rail 97/3. 

From passenger service hauling in the 1960's to around 1990, they know are used in all frieght movements, to the Royal Scots train and part of the cambrian Nuclear flask trains. 

Meanwhile they are to be found all over the system in various private colours, and only 12 of them carry name plates.

With a speed of 90 mph top speed, they were restricted to 85 and now to 80mph. These 107 ton engines are some of the most reliable to be kept in over 50 years of service.

Road Trains. Part-Two.

Problems.

The problems with road traffic is the quality of the roads, from Highways to dirt tracks. This is what limits the use of heavy haulage traffic who need to keep on the smooth, rather than getting stuck on broken ground. 

Russia, China, America, Brazil and many other better developed nations can take advantage of this type of long distant haulage and there are many new concepts coming on the the commercial market. The moving of machinery is the main need for some road trains, but it can be animals and general goods that would be cheaper than flying or sailing them in?

The one disadvantage seems to be the side moving bus development is still not available to heavy haulage and would be of benefit to expand into countries with worse road conditions?

Road Trains. Part-One.

Haulage.
Generally most trucking in Europe is a combination of one vehicle plus a trailer, but in Australia, Canada and the United States along with Russia and China there are more possibilities to have a number of trailers forming a train.

What limits haulage is other alternatives such as shipping and railways, because in the long term they are much cheaper on fuel costings.

The movement of livestock is perhaps one of the best usages for this type of haulage in the outback of Australia, were the alternatives are limited.

Trucks....

They come in all shapes and sizes and we can't really do without them?


The truck, Juggernaut, lorry is truly a most invaluable machine for the movement of all types of goods, from small loads in a local vicinity to big loads across vast distances. No matter where in the world you go, you will find them at work. 


Monster carriers are used in modern quarrying and in similar heavy construction sites. In Australia cattle, sheep are moved across distances in road trains. But it is probably ore that is one of the commonest uses found for trucks. 


Shipping and trains also play their part for the very vast distances, but otherwise it will be a truck of some description in the local area. With the development of newer types, new engines and better cab design, trucks have come a long way. 


But the future for them will be the development of improved fuel, re-performance and new sources of power, instead of diesel, petrol?