Dapol’s Biofuel class 68 in Chiltern Railways Greener Future Livery

In this video we take a look at Dapols class 68 in the attractive Chiltern Railways Biofuel livery.
Chiltern Railways has launched vegetable oil powered trains on its network – the first instance of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) being used in passenger service in the UK. 

The operator’s Class 68 locomotive-hauled trains will be powered with this innovative fuel, derived from used cooking oils, tallows and other recyclable wastes, rather than conventional diesel, drastically reducing the impact the trains have on the environment and air quality across its network.  

HVO fuel is made almost entirely from used cooking oils and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% and air particulates by 85%. A fossil free drop-in alternative to conventional diesel fuel, HVO contains few impurities and burns cleanly. It can reduce other emissions such as NOx and Carbon Monoxide, depending on engine type and usage.
Although HVO fuel is more expensive to buy than conventional diesel, Chiltern has decided to switch to using HVO fuel as part of its plan to modernise and decarbonise its operations through the Right Route 2030 vision. This ambitious proposal sets out how fleet renewal and modernisation over the next decade will make journeys easier, greener and better for Chiltern customers. 

All HVO fuel used by Chiltern Railways has been previously used and recycled to power part of its fleet, and the conversion is another exciting opportunity to both decarbonise and improve customer experience.  

The Class 68 locomotives being fuelled with HVO haul six Mark III coaches when they are in passenger service, providing seating for more than 300 customers in a spacious interior. Chiltern has 25 of these coaches, and 89 vehicles in the Class 165 diesel fleet that is 33 years old, and 85 vehicles in the Class 168 diesel fleet that is 23 years old.

The Class 68 was been developed by DRS to provide a high speed freight and passenger solution to today’s demand for low emissions and efficient transportation. The locomotive offers excellent fuel economy, low emissions. The locomotive has also the necessary electrical installation to provide heating and lighting on passenger services. These locomotives are now popular performers throughout much of the UK rail network.

Features of the Class 68 include:
Finely moulded body with many separately added fine details
DCC ready
Cast wheels with fine relief and appropriate colouring
Heavy metal chassis and all wheel pick up
NEM pockets as standard
Independently controllable and switchable directional lighting

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