Technical
The locomotive uses standard EMD components of its era - an EMD 710 prime mover, D43 traction motors, radial (self-steering) bogies of patented design which reduces wheel surface and flange wear and is also said to improve adhesion and reduce track load.
The class has undergone various updates; other than the lower geared class 66/6 version produced for Freightliner, most of the updates have been in relation to conforming to the ever increasing specifications for exhaust particulate emissions.
Despite being popular with rail operators, especially due to its high reliability, the class has not been universally successful: one recurring problem, both in operation in the UK and mainland Europe, has been the issue of driver comfort. In particular, noise levels (including noise from the cab horn), vibration, and excessive cab-temperatures in hot weather have brought serious complaints. In particular, the cab is not isolated from the main frame causing engine noise to be the dominant background noise; notwithstanding the implications for safety (audibility of warning signals etc.), and the potential for hearing damage in the long term, the conditions drivers face led to threats of industrial action in the UK in 2007, and an agreement for increased pay for drivers using this type of locomotive (in Norway). By modifying using noise absorbing materials EMD succeeded in meeting TSI Noise Certification standards in 2008. Tests on retrofitted cooling systems and improved seating have been carried out on some UK locomotives.
Read more about this topic: EMD Class 66
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