Description
The reduction in European freight traffic volumes prompted GBRf to purchase three unused Class 66s in late 2012 from Crossrail Benelux N.V. As a result, 66747 arrived via the Channel Tunnel in a convoy with 66748 & 66749 on 20 December 2012, all three being in European all-over plain grey livery. Adapted to UK specification at Midland Railway Centre by EMD, the work was completed by the beginning of August 2013 and after several years in traffic 66747 was named Made in Sheffield at a dedicated naming ceremony that took place at DP World's Thurrock 'London Gateway' site on 9 July 2019.
The ceremony marked the collaboration between GBRf and Newell & Wright in providing freight services into Newell & Wright's Rotherham Terminal, the NWT livery having been applied a few days earlier on the 5th July.
