BR Class 31 Diesel Locomotive 31289
by Gordon James
Title
BR Class 31 Diesel Locomotive 31289
Artist
Gordon James
Medium
Photograph - Photography Digital
Description
The British Rail Class 31 diesel locomotives, also known as the Brush Type 2 and originally as Class 30, were built by Brush Traction from 1957-62. They were numbered in two series, D5500-D5699 and D5800-D5862. They were give many nicknames, but the most famous two were Gurglers, after the sound they made, and Toffee Apples, due to the shape of the control lever.
Construction of the first locomotive was completed in the final week of September 1957, and the handing-over took place on 31 October. The Class 31 entered service in November 1957, after the launch of the Class 20 locomotive and was one of the Pilot Scheme locomotives ordered by British Railways to replace steam traction.
The Mirrlees-engined locomotives were originally known as Class 30 under TOPS, with re-engined examples joining Class 31. The class was originally intended for service on the Eastern Region, but gradually became common in both the Western and London Midland regions too.
Initial deliveries of Class 31/0 locomotives were to Stratford depot in east London and deliveries continued with Class 31/1 locos going to the Eastern and North Easternregions. Class 31s were first used on the Western Region in 1969 when No. 5535 was allocated to Old Oak Common to work Empty Coaching Stock (ECS) trains into Paddington.
Currently preserved
Around 26 locomotives have been purchased, and preserved, for use on heritage railways around the UK. Of note are the first built, no. 31 018, and the last built, no. 31 327. There were a further 10, which have subsequently been scrapped. The one shown is the 31289 based at the Northampton and Lamport Railway (NLR) in Northamptonshire, England.
Uploaded
December 10th, 2019
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