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GBRf GBRailfreight (part of Europorte) Train operator website https://www.gbrailfreight.com GBRf’s freight trains includes intermodal services (*) bulk traffic, including coal; steel, infrastructure materials; rail industry services; construction materials; petrochemicals and metals. (*) GBRf transportation of freight using an intermodal container or vehicle can use different modes of transportation (e.g. rail, ship, and truck), without the freight being handled directly when changing modes e.g. by using containers. A history of the GBRf Railfreight company * My Main Railways Index * Email: chem55555@hotmail.com
Nostalgic Steam Train Photos from the 1960s
*
Trainspot locations
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TOPS class links
[Author
and photographer
©
Dr Phil Brown PhD
plus notes help from AI these days, page updated
May19th 2026] *
A 2 x duo of Class 20 locomotives 'top and tailing' a two tanker train near the GBRf depot at Peterborough. GBRf Class 20 locos are used to take London Underground stock to and from Derby for maintenance, and for the delivery of newly built trains. LU use special couplings and to interface with the GBRf Class 20 locos with the 'barrier' tanker wagons that have normal couplings at one end and LU couplings the other.
GBRf Class 66 locomotives at Peterborough GBRf MTD (July 2019)
GBRf Class 66 locomotive 66754 hauling a Middleton Towers to Barnby Dun Roc Glos mineral freight train of hopper wagons through Grantham station (July 2019)
GBRf Class 66 diesel locomotive 66784 was named "Keighley & Worth Valley Railway 50th Anniversary 1968-2018" at Keighley station and doubled headed with 25059 on a special diesel run as part of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, 50th Anniversary gala week celebrations in June 2018
Peterborough (July 2019) A GBRf Class 66 locomotive 66767 with intermodal freight train from Mexborough N&W GBRf to Felixstowe North GBRf
A GBRf Class 66 locomotive hauling a WBB Minerals freight train of gypsum north through Doncaster station (July 2015)
In the evening light at Ely station (08/03/17) a GBRf diesel heads west with an inter modal freight train from Felixstowe North GBRf to Masbrough N&W.
GBRf Class 66 diesel locomotive hauling the Selby - Felixstowe inter-modal freight train, south through Doncaster station
A GBRf Class 66 hauled freight train passing south through Newcastle with a heavy haul train of coal hopper wagons.
GBRf diesel hauling a Network Rail train of ballast wagons through Leicester station heading for Whitemore recycling plant (18/01/17)
GB Railfreight freight train: A GBRf Class 66 hauled heavy haul of coal hopper wagons passing through York on the Holgate Yard loop.
GBRf diesel locomotive with a freight train of biomass from Tyne Coal Terminal GBRf to DRAX Aes GBRf power station terminal, here just west of Low Gates level crossing in Northallerton, just before joining the East coast Mainline in April 2015
GBRf Class 66 locomotive running light at Stratford Station in its GB Railfreight colours of blue and yellow.
A northbound diesel locomotive hauled GBRf GB Railfreight train of empty coal hopper wagons freight train, coming off the Leeds line at Colton Junction, south of York, August 2013
The fastline coal hopper wagons used by GBRf. GB Railfreight currently operates coal services run for Drax Power by delivering imported coal from the Port of Tyne to the company’s Yorkshire power plant and also operates of daily coal trains for EDF Energy from collieries in the Midlands to the electricity generator’s West Burton and Cottam power stations in Nottinghamshire, so GBRf are a major transporter of fossil fuel as coal.
A diesel hauled GBRf GB Railfreight freight train heading north with empty coal hopper wagons, here seen in the early morning light at Colton Junction south of York August 2013, hauled by a Class 66 blue/yellow livery of GBRf
A GB Railfreight Class 66 GBRf operated service passes west through Stratford Station with a west-bound intermodal freight train.
A Class 66 powered GBRf Railfreight train of ballast hopper wagons entering the east end of Newcastle Station from the north.
A GB Railfreight GBRf GB Railfreight freight train of full coal hopper wagons, heading south on the East Coast mainline south of York. The blue/yellow liveried GBRf locomotive also has painted on it 'Metronet Renewing the Tube'.
A GBRf heavy freight train of full coal hopper wagons, south of York, heading for the Midland power stations.
(above and two pics below) A grey liveried GBRf locomotive hauled train of GBRf VTG hopper wagons, heading north towards York at Colton Junction. This is the 'empties' freight train from GB Railfreight's Tyne Dock to Drax Power station train of biomass fuel.
The new biomass renewable fuel wagons for Drax Power Station, Ferrybridge C Power Station is hoping to operate a biomass fuelled generator by 2015 and these trains are hauled by GBRf GB Railfreight freight locomotives.
GBRf diesel locomotive hauling full hopper wagons of coal south, below empties returning north (south of Northallerton June 2015)
GB Railfreight GBRf freight train, A southbound TransPennine express passenger train passing on the left at Colton Junction.
GB Railfreight Class 66 diesel-electric freight locomotive returning to Tyne Dock? with empty coal hopper wagons.
A Freightliner hauled coal freight train from Tyne Coal Terminal Gbrf to Lynemouth Power Stn (Gbrf) passing through Newcastle station in March 2016
A GBRf (GB Railfreight) intermodal container freight train heading northbound through Nuneaton station.
Two blue liveried GBRf freight diesel locomotives at Peterborough stabling point (maintenance base depot) managed by GB Railfreight.
GB Railfreight: A blue liveried GBRf freight locomotive and grey liveried GBRf freight locomotive at Peterborough stabling point managed by GB Railfreight.
A GB Railfreight GBRf operated freight train heading south through Doncaster station with an intermodal container train from Leeds to Ipswich
A GB Railfreight GBRf operated Class 66 locomotive entering Doncaster station, hauling a (GB Railfreight) coal train south onto the Sheffield line.
A GB Railfreight GBRf operated locomotive passing north at quite high speed with a freight train through Northallerton station.
A GB Railfreight GBRF hauled renewable biomass freight train passing south through York Station, GB Railfreight operated service from the Port of Tyne to Drax Power station (Drax Power Ltd)
GB Railfreight GBRf Class 66 diesel locomotives at their depot just north of Peterborough station.
Class 66 GB Railfreight diesel locomotive GBRf operated Class 66/7 66747 heading north with a coal hopper freight train through York station
GBRf Class 66 diesel locomotives at Peterborough
GBRf Class 66 locomotive hauling a Tyne Dock - Cotham coal train by Doncaster station.
GB Railfreight GBRf diesel hauling an intermodal freight train south through Peterborough station heading south-east for Felixstowe (29/11/16) A history of GB Railfreight operations and locomotive power Here is a full, structured, deeply detailed history and operational profile of GB Railfreight (GBRf) — one of the most dynamic, enthusiast‑friendly, and fast‑growing freight operators in the UK. GB Railfreight (GBRf), founded in 1999, has grown from a small open‑access operator into the third‑largest rail freight company in the UK, known for its colourful locomotive fleet, diverse traffic, enthusiast‑friendly culture, and rapid expansion into intermodal, aggregates, biomass, infrastructure, and charter operations. 1. Origins (1999–2003): A New Kind of Freight OperatorFounding
Early operations
First locomotives
2. Expansion Under FirstGroup (2003–2010)In 2003, GB Railways was bought by FirstGroup, and GBRf became part of a major transport conglomerate. Growth areas
Fleet expansion
GBRf became known for its friendly staff, enthusiast‑friendly approach, and willingness to use unusual traction. 3. Europorte Era (2010–2016): Continental InfluenceIn 2010, GBRf was sold to Europorte, part of Groupe Eurotunnel. Key developments
GBRf became the fastest‑growing freight operator in the UK. 4. Modern Era (2016–Present): Independent Growth & InnovationIn 2016, GBRf was sold to Infracapital, and in 2019 to Equitix, both infrastructure investment groups. Today GBRf is:
Reputation
5. Locomotives of GBRf — Past & PresentGBRf has one of the most diverse locomotive fleets in the UK. A. Core Fleet (Present)Class 66
Class 69 (rebuilt from Class 56)
Class 73/9
Class 92
Class 60 (small sub‑fleet)
B. Heritage & Specialist Fleet (Past & Present)Class 20s
Class 47s
Class 50s (hired)
Class 37s (hired)
6. Traffic & OperationsGBRf handles a huge variety of freight flows. A. Intermodal
B. Aggregates
C. Biomass
D. Steel
E. Infrastructure
F. Passenger Support
7. Trainspotting GBRf — Where and What You’ll SeeGBRf trains can be seen all over the UK, but hotspots include: East Coast Main Line
Midlands
London & South East
Scotland
North East & Yorkshire
8. Enthusiast HighlightsGBRf is beloved by enthusiasts because:
Summary Timeline
MY HERITAGE RAILWAY PAGE buttons below
My Archive Steam Photos from the 1960s A history of the GBRf Railfreight company Email: chem55555@hotmail.com docspics images of GB Railfreight GBRf freight trains photos of GB Railfreight GBRf freight trains photographs of GB Railfreight GBRf freight trains pictures of GB Railfreight GBRf freight trains © Dr Phil Brown * Treyn Railway Holidays to France, Italy and Spain from GB Railfreight GBRf freight trains Booking tickets for Great Railway Journey luxury Rail Trip holidays Train travel in Europe Rail holidays from GB Railfreight GBRf freight trains to the USA & Canada luxury train through the Rocky Mountain Canadian rail railway holidays through the Rockies US Cities by train from GB Railfreight GBRf freight trains Continental rail holidays to France Germany Italy Austria Switzerland Glacier Express Treyn Holidays from GB Railfreight GBRf freight trains from Eurostar to Paris Brussels Avignon Turin Turino Rome Roma Florence Firenze TGV fast trains Railway travel holidays special steam excursions from GB Railfreight GBRf freight trains great steam heritage line and offers luxury Pullman coach dining trains GB Railfreight GBRf freight trains Travelling by train always seems a pleasure, especially if through wonderful scenery to GB Railfreight GBRf freight trains in England, Scotland, Wales or on holiday in the rest of Europe! The railway trip from GB Railfreight GBRf freight trains involves seeing or travelling behind a 'real' steam locomotive in action and there is nothing like the sight and sounds of a steam train to invoke feelings of nostalgia in some of us to GB Railfreight GBRf freight trains even more luxury by having a special trip out on a steam dining train! England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland top class hotels in GB Railfreight GBRf freight trains dining out travel tours top tourist destinations tourist information on GB Railfreight GBRf freight trains weekend breaks mini-breaks family holidays restaurants touring coach trips from GB Railfreight GBRf freight trains continental tours cruise ships pleasure cruises summer breaks spring breaks continental winter breaks European winter holidays spring holidays summer holidays European Rail tours Railway travel holidays special steam excursions from GB Railfreight GBRf freight trains A great steam heritage line and offers luxury Pullman coach dining trains European Rail tours US and Canadian Railway travel holidays special steam excursions to GB Railfreight GBRf freight trains A great steam heritage line and offers luxury Pullman coach dining trains Travelling by train from GB Railfreight GBRf freight trains always seems a pleasure, especially if through wonderful scenery either in England, Scotland, Wales or on holiday in the rest of the railways of Europe! The railway trip involves seeing or travelling behind a 'real' steam locomotive or heritage diesel in action on a special trip from GB Railfreight GBRf freight trains Booking Eurostar Continental Rail Travel Tour Tickets Stuttgart Brussels Eurostar Brussels from GB Railfreight GBRf freight trains by TGV to Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International Stratford International, St Pancras International Paris Gare du Nord Paris Gare de Lyon Paris Gare de L'est Paris Gare Montparnasse by Eurostar from GB Railfreight GBRf freight trains London to Paris, Eurostar London - Brussels Eurostar London to Lille deals bargain city breaks GB Railfreight GBRf freight trains Great Railway Journey holidays in Italy, Spain and France by TGV booking from GB Railfreight GBRf freight trains Booking Eurostar Continental Rail Travel Tour Tickets to the Continent eg Paris Brussels Avignon or railway tours across France, Holland, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Russia, Asia or China for a travel spectacular GB Railfreight GBRf freight trains 'TRAINSPOTS' Good trainspotting and photographic locations Barnetby Station, North Lincolnshire * Carlisle Station * Clapham Junction Station, London * Colton Junction, south of York * Coventry * Crewe Station * Doncaster Station, South Yorkshire * Grantham * Hellifield station - Carlisle to Settle line * Lancaster station * Leicester station * Newcastle Station * Northallerton Station * Nuneaton Station * Peterborough * Sheffield Station * Stratford Station, East London * Tamworth * Warrington Bank Quay station * Wigan North Western - WCML * York Station See other TOPS classes of diesels and electrics * Class 01 * Class 02 * Class 03 * Class 04 * Class 08 * Class 09 * Class 10 * Class 11 * Class 14 * Class 20 * Class 24 * Class 25 * Class 26 * Class 27 * Class 31 * Class 33 * Class 35 * Class 37 * Class 40 * Class 43 * Class 44 * Class 45 * Class 47 * Class 50 * Class 52 * Class 55 * Class 56 * Class 57 * Class 58 * Class 60 * Class 66 * Class 67 * Class 68 * Class 70 * Class 71 * Class 73 * Class 76 * Class 77 * Class 84 * Class 86 * Class 87 * Class 88 * Class 90 * Class 91 * Class 92 * Derby Lightweight * Class 101 * Class 108 * Class 114 * Class 117 * Class 120 * Class 121 * Class 122 * Class 127 * Class 141 * Class 142 * Class 144 * Class 150 * Class 153 * Class 155 * Class 156 * Class 158 * Class 159 * Class 165 * Class 166 * Class 170 * Class 172 * Class 175 * Class 180 * Class 185 * Class 195 * Class 196 * Class 197 * Class 220 * Class 221 * Class 222 * Class 252 * Class 313 * Class 315 * Class 317 * Class 319 * Class 320 * Class 321 * Class 322 * Class 323 * Class 325 * Class 331 * Class 332 * Class 333 * Class 334 * Class 350 * Class 357 * Class 360 * Class 365 * Class 373 * Class 375 * Class 376 * Class 377 * Class 378 * Class 379 * Class 380 * Class 387 * Class 390 * Class 395 * Class 414 * Class 423 * Class 442 * Class 444 * Class 450 * Class 455 * Class 458 * Class 460 * Class 465 * Class 466 * Class 489 * Class 507/508 * Class 700 * Class 730 * Class 755 * Class 800 * Class 801 * Class 802 * Class 803 * Class 805 * Class 3000 * |
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