SVR D1062 @ Highley
The same train departs the station after receiving the token for the single line to Arley from the signalman. The Western locomotives were one of the early diesel classes the BR Western region ordered to replace steam. Rationalisation (Beeching) and better experiences with the somewhat later built diesel-electric types for the other BR regions made the Hydraulics redundant after only a few years of service. The Westerns, mostly used for long distance passenger trains to and from the South-West, outlived the other classes with a few years and were withdrawn in the mid seventies. They were the last locomotives that never carried their TOPS numbering (they were classified class 52, but retained ther original D1000 numbering). In the seventies, the preservation movement was mainly steam oriented, but a few examples survive. Other early withdrawn diesel classes were not so lucky - even with loco's stored at Barry's scrapyard at the time.
SVR D1062 @ Highley
The same train departs the station after receiving the token for the single line to Arley from the signalman. The Western locomotives were one of the early diesel classes the BR Western region ordered to replace steam. Rationalisation (Beeching) and better experiences with the somewhat later built diesel-electric types for the other BR regions made the Hydraulics redundant after only a few years of service. The Westerns, mostly used for long distance passenger trains to and from the South-West, outlived the other classes with a few years and were withdrawn in the mid seventies. They were the last locomotives that never carried their TOPS numbering (they were classified class 52, but retained ther original D1000 numbering). In the seventies, the preservation movement was mainly steam oriented, but a few examples survive. Other early withdrawn diesel classes were not so lucky - even with loco's stored at Barry's scrapyard at the time.