Class 66 Freightliner (60th Anniversary) 66601 - DCC Sound Fitted

66601 arrived aboard the ‘M.V. Stellanova’ on 13 November 2000. The 66/6 sub-class was built with a lower gear ratio, enabling heavier trains to be hauled, albeit at lower speeds due to higher tractive effort. There were 25 examples of this sub-class, numbered 66601–66625, some of which have since been exported for use with Freightliner Poland. 66601 was named “The Hope Valley”to mark the partnership between Freightliner and Blue Circle Cement. Like 66501, it retained its original paint until 2025, when it was repainted dark green with commemorative decals at Eastleigh, emerging in March 2025. This locomotive has now received the modified driver’s door handle arrangement, with the upper handle plated over.