DB Cargo emerged from the government’s sell-off of the rail freight sector in the mid-1990s. It has gone through many changes of name and branding since those early post-privatisation days. Like other companies, it has suffered from the dramatic downturn in coal movement by rail and there are undoubtedly uncertain times ahead. It still claims, however, to be the UK’s largest provider of rail freight services despite increasing competition from both road and other rail freight operators. Diesel and electric locos of classes 60, 66, 67, 90 and, occasionally, 92 all see regular service today.

Twenty years on, John Jackson looks at both the large loco fleet at DB Cargo’s disposal today and the variety of traffic it continues to handle. As well as being a major player in the rail freight sector, DB Cargo also provide locos for passenger duties such as Scottish sleeper services, charters and as hauliers for the Royal Family. The full range of DB Cargo locos is covered in this book.