66601 & 66618 The Network Rail High Output Ballast Cleaner (HOBC) at Bamfurlong - 01/03/2026

One of Britain's biggest freight trains makes a stunning appearance seen heading south along the west coast main line through Bamfurlong south of Wigan on the afternoon of Sunday 1st Match 2026.

Freightliner locomotives top and tailing 66601 with 66618 haul that around half mile in length train south from Oxenholme to Crewe after an overnight stint on another typical Saturday night job seen here running back home and a few minutes early here having painfully sat in a goods loop north of Preston for around 90 minutes. One of those things needing to set off before it reaches Preston can be a pain sometimes. Been wanting to see this train for a while so worth it. It's a patient hobby this ,,,


The Network Rail High Output Ballast Cleaner (HOBC) train is an massive, specialized engineering train used for rapid, overnight track maintenance in the UK. Often hauled by pairs of Freightliner Class 66 locomotives, these trains clean or replace track ballast, renew sleepers, and improve track geometry, covering up to a mile of track per night with minimal disruption.

Key Details About the HOBC Train:
Function: The train utilizes a Ballast Cleaning System (BCS) to remove, clean, and replace track ballast, as well as Track Renewal Systems (TRS) for replacing rails and sleepers.
Size: It is one of Britain's longest freight trains, frequently consisting of 40+ ballast wagons and specialized equipment, weighing roughly 2600 tonnes.
Operation: Often referred to as "top and tailed" with locomotives at both ends for easy reversing, they work on, for example, the Great Western Mainline, out of locations like Taunton (Fairwater Yard).
Purpose: The high-output system allows for efficient maintenance, ensuring that track can be returned to use for high-speed services after maintenance.
Components: The train consists of specialized machinery, including ballast cleaners, conveyors, and spoil wagons, often managed by Network Rail.
The HOBC is crucial for renewing track without requiring long, disruptive daytime closures.

Article on the subject

https://www.networkrail.co.uk/our-work/looking-after-the-railway/our-fleet-machines-and-vehicles/high-output/#:~:text=This%20means%20less%20disruption%20to%20train%20services.,operations%20bases%20*%20Network%20Rail%20owned%20machines

While the HOBC is arguably the longest, other heavy freight services exist. In 2021, Network Rail highlighted a "Jumbo" aggregate service hauling 3,600 tonnes from the Peak District to London, noteable for its high tonnage. However, in terms of sheer length, the HOBC holds the title for the longest engineering train

Cracking tones from the driver now that train is a serious test if there knowledge and capabilities. The class 66 showing once again why it's a reliable bit of kit.

The official working today 66601 & 66618
6Y15 0940 Oxenholme Lake District to Gresty Lane Down Sidings

Passed 1251
Running 2 early

Painfully almost 2 hours of standing time meant I had a long but worthwhile wait for it.


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Filmed at Bamfurlong
Filmed Sunday 1st March 2026

#class66 #freighttrain #wcml #networkrail
#ballasttrain #highoutputballestrain #hobc #heavyhaul