LMS Route: Nuneaton to Birmingham New Street

LMS Route: Birmingham New Street to Tamworth

Saltley Shed: mrsalt1615

British Railways 'Sulzer Type 4' diesel-electric 1Co-Co1 D31 is seen being prepared for another trip on 27th October 1961. Built by Derby works in June 1961, D31 was to remain in service until November 1980 when it was withdrawn to be scrapped by Derby works. The one hundred and and twenty-seven members of the class were built by British Rail at their Derby and Crewe works between 1960 and 1962. Along with the similar Class 44 and 46 locomotives, they became known to enthusiasts as 'Peaks'. The Class 45s became the main traction on the Midland Main Line from 1962, and their introduction allowed considerable acceleration of the previous steam hauled services remaining the main source of power up to 1982, when they were relegated to secondary services following introduction of HSTs on the route.

back