Having covered first-generation BR diesels last month, TIM SHACKLETON moves forward in time to point camera and airbrush at Freightliner’s sizeable fleet of EMD Class 66s. Photography, Tim Shackleton.
We now have a right royal choice of ‘OO’ gauge Class 66s, each with their own plus-points and negatives, and each a unique interpretation of the same thing. Not all Freightliner ‘66s’ are identical either - there are standard (66501-66581, 6660166622) and low-emission versions (66582-66599, 66623-66625, 66951-66957), with a variety of light clusters, cab windows and other differences. But one of the things I like most about these machines is that, with very few exceptions, they all carry much the same livery.
Above: The Hatton’s Class 66 combines great refinement of detail with a well-executed chassis. From the quality of the add-on detail pack to the exquisite bodyside grilles, it’s a big step forward - but bits will insist on dropping off.
In my professional life I’ve done a lot of work on corporate identity schemes - Volkswagen, British Gas, Royal Mail - and consistency of application is something I’ve always understood and valued. At one time GBRf’s Class 66s shared a similar conformity but in my view, at least, it seems to h…
