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SmugMug + Flickr .

Connecting people through photography.

On a murky winters day during December 1989, a BR Blue liveried Class 31/4 heads north through Wigan North Western with a parcels train. This train was a regular Crewe parcels duty, and could produce a Class 31 or Class 47.
When I posted the original scanned print, I thought that the loco was No. 31420, but was advised that it is more likely to be No. 31464. As my records of the time either no longer exist, or are incorrect, I cannot confirm which member of the Class 31/4's this is.
Having completed a full return trip, British Rail Blue liveried Class 31/4, No. 31430 "Sister Dora" sits in the platform at Eridge, on the afternoon of the 9th March 2019.
The preserved 'Ped' was taking part in the Spa Valley Railway diesel gala, their line terminating in the adjacent platform to the Network Rail line. This arrangement retains a main line feel at the station, despite it being two single lines, side by side.
Looking somewhat faded, as was the stock it was hauling, Golden Ochre liveried Class 31/4, No. D5830, the former 31463 was seen as it arrived into Quorn & Woodhouse on the 29th April 2007.
The loco has been based at the Great Central Railway since it entered preservation. Hopefully its next repaint will see it gain another livery.
BR Blue liveried Class 31/4, No. 31414 was seen on the 4th August 1989, high up in the air, inside Crewe Diesel depot.
This was one of those locos that, wherever I went, I always saw it! It managed to survive departmental use as a Class 31/5, later being preserved on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. Put up for sale, it was purchased by the wonderful A1A Locomotive Group, who at the time of uploading this negative scan, were repainting it into Civil Engineers 'Dutch' livery as 31514.
Having completed a full return trip, British Rail Blue liveried Class 31/4, No. 31430 "Sister Dora" sits in the platform at Eridge, on the afternoon of the 9th March 2019.
The preserved 'Ped' was taking part in the Spa Valley Railway diesel gala, their line terminating in the adjacent platform to the Network Rail line. This arrangement retains a main line feel at the station, despite it being two single lines, side by side.
The Crewe Coal Class 31's were well known as locos that didn't haul coal trains. In reality Trainload Coal branded and Trainload Freight Triple Grey liveried Class 31/1, No. 31324 and its Crewe based sisters, were allocated to Nuclear waste trains.
The loco was seen during December 1989, and if I remember correctly, this was the second of the coal liveried Class 31's to be withdrawn, the first being 31120.
Having been seen through Crewe earlier in the day, BR General liveried Class 31/4 No. 31457, made a second appearance on the 4th April 1990.
Seen passing south through the station, the loco has swapped its Intercity coaches for a single ScotRail Mk.2 DBSO, number 9702.
The loco could not have gone far (Crewe Works?), and I have no idea where it was going when this shot was taken. Interesting though.
For me, the star of the Spa Valley Railway diesel Gala, on the 9th March 2019 was preserved British Rail Blue liveried Class 31/4, No. 31430 "Sister Dora". Having been based on the Mid-Norfolk Railway, where it remained a non-runner, it moved to the Mangapps Railway, where it returned to running order, and has since enjoyed some time running on this line.
Whilst the loco does not wear a cast number plate, as it did when based at Bescot depot, it does look the part, and sounded great too. I was soon taken back to all those 'Club' trains that I travelled on behind the 'Peds', and those A1A Charter tours, when I could afford to do them. Happy days!
Devon & Cornwall Railways Green liveried Class 31/6, No. 31601 is seen after arrival at Peterborough on the Nene Valley Railway, during the lines diesel gala on the 11th April 2015. The loco was running around its train before returning to Wansford, still with the choked chicken on the front of the loco.
For me, the star of the Spa Valley Railway diesel Gala, on the 9th March 2019 was preserved British Rail Blue liveried Class 31/4, No. 31430 "Sister Dora". Having been based on the Mid-Norfolk Railway, where it remained a non-runner, it moved to the Mangapps Railway, where it returned to running order, and has since enjoyed some time running on this line.
Whilst the loco does not wear a cast number plate, as it did when based at Bescot depot, it does look the part, and sounded great too. I was soon taken back to all those 'Club' trains that I travelled on behind the 'Peds', and those A1A Charter tours, when I could afford to do them. Happy days!
Normally to be found at the 'other' Great Central Railway, based at Loughborough, Golden Ochre liveried Class 31/4, No. D5830 had been based at the Ruddington based GCR (N) for a number of months by the time this shot was taken.
The loco was coupled to the 125 Group Mk.3 rake, and was supposed to be top and tailing with HNRC Class 37/6, No. 37612. That had now changed, as it was being replaced by recently repaired Class 56, No. 56097, the 'Grid' hauling the train out, before the 'Ped' hauled the train towards the Network Rail boundary, adjacent to its birthplace at the Brush Traction Falcon Works.
Another product of the Brush factory can be seen in the distance. BR Blue liveried and large logo branded Class 47/0, No. 47292 can be seen between the 'Ped' and the row of steam locos.
Normally to be found at the 'other' Great Central Railway, based at Loughborough, Golden Ochre liveried Class 31/4, No. D5830 had been based at the Ruddington based GCR (N) for a number of months by the time this shot was taken.
Seen coupled to the 125 Group Mk.3 rake, the loco was supposed to be top & tailing with HNRC Class 37/6, No. 37612. Rumours were bouncing around that it was being replaced by recently repaired Class 56, No. 56097, the 'Grid' hauling the train out, before the 'Ped' hauled the train towards the Network Rail boundary, adjacent to its birthplace at the Brush Traction Falcon Works.
I couldn't get over the height of the trees on the left, which kept that side of the train in darkness. I don't remember them being here the last time I came, or more likely, they just weren't that big back then.
In another of those guess the location shots, and taken through the open door of a Cross Country HST, Network Rail yellow liveried Class 31/6, No. 31602 "Driver Dave Green" was seen at Bristol Temple Meads on the 18th May 2009.
I was travelling from the north to the West Country, when the station stop ended up parallel to this 'Ped' on a test train. A quick shot got this result, although I would have loved to leave the train for a better shot. However, I wasn't going to leave an HST for the next train, which would be a 'Shop' - yuk!
For me, the star of the Spa Valley Railway diesel Gala, on the 9th March 2019 was preserved British Rail Blue liveried Class 31/4, No. 31430 "Sister Dora". Having been based on the Mid-Norfolk Railway, where it remained a non-runner, it moved to the Mangapps Railway, where it returned to running order, and has since enjoyed some time running on this line.
Whilst the loco does not wear a cast number plate, as it did when based at Bescot depot, it does look the part, and sounded great too. I was soon taken back to all those 'Club' trains that I travelled on behind the 'Peds', and those A1A Charter tours, when I could afford to do them. Happy days!
Bringing some ECS into Crewe, BR Blue liveried Class 31/4, No. 31426 was seen during December 1989.
What I cannot remember is if it was a Mk2 with Mk3 coaches, or if the Mk2 was a barrier vehicle for HST Mk3 stock, which is more likely. Whilst the second vehicle looks like a TGS, there were some similar loco hauled vehicles in the 17171-17175 number range (or there abouts), so I cannot be sure what stock the 'Ped' is hauling.
Quite probably the first time that this locomotive had left its current home railway, BR Blue liveried Class 31/4, No. 31438 was a surprise, but very welcome visitor to the Old Oak Common 'Legends of the Great Western' open day, on the 2nd September 2017.
I would certainly never class a 'Ped' as a legend, but I like them, and was very pleased that the class were represented at the event, especially as they did work in the area for many years.
Seen at its home railway, the Embsay & Bolton Abbey line, British Railways Green liveried Class 31/4, No. D5600 was seen as it shunted around at Embsay, on the 26th July 2009.
The loco leaves a bit of a blue haze as it passes by, suggesting power unit issues.
Along with some other enthusiasts who I had met on the station platforms, an unofficial visit was made to the diesel depot at Crewe, on the 4th August 1989. I had heard that the Derby RTC operated Class 31/1, No. 97204 was on shed, and I desperately wanted to see and photograph it. However, not having a camera of my own, and only being able to borrow a compact camera was a hinderance, but still better than nothing.
We only went as far as the shed building, and didn't dare venture into the sidings, which is where the 'Ped' was located. Not expecting to see it move, I took this shot rather than come away with nothing. The shot shows a selection of locos, of which only three can be confirmed.
From left to right can be seen BR Blue liveried Class 20/0, No. 20159 with its faded numbers even then. Also in blue is Class 47/0, No. 47017 then an unknown Original Railfreight liveried sister. Furthest away and in centre of shot is the unmistakeable Class 31/1 in Derby RTC livery, No. 97204, with what looks like Class 47/4 No. 47455 in BR Large Logo Blue livery, and sister No. 47471 "Norman Tunna G.C." in Inter-City Executive 'Raspberry Ripple' colours.
Having propelled northwards out of Workington station, Intercity Mainline liveried Class 31/4, No. 31405 "Mappa Mundi" and Civil Engineers 'Dutch' liveried Class 33/2, No. 33202 "The Burma Star" are seen as they arrive once again at the station.They were working A1A Charters 'North By NorthWest' railtour on the 8th February 1997, and would soon be heading south towards Morecambe and Heysham.
Decided to test my new camera by taking a photo of all my Rochelle in a line. (Not includingmy two custom ones.)
Intercity Mainline liveried Class 31/4, No. 31405 "Mappa Mundi" is seen along with Civil Engineers 'Dutch' liveried Class 33/2, No. 33202 "The Burma Star" at Heysham on the 8th February 1997.
The pair were about to run to Morecambe for the second time that day with A1A Charters 'North By NorthWest' tour, where some shunting would now have to take place due to Class 31/4 No. 31462 refusing to 'talk' with the 'Crompton'.
Normally to be found at the 'other' Great Central Railway, based at Loughborough, Golden Ochre liveried Class 31/4, No. D5830 had been based at the Ruddington based GCR (N) for a number of months by the time this shot was taken.
Seen coupled to the 125 Group Mk.3 rake, the loco was supposed to be top & tailing with HNRC Class 37/6, No. 37612. Rumours were bouncing around that it was being replaced by recently repaired Class 56, No. 56097, the 'Grid' hauling the train out, before the 'Ped' hauled the train towards the Network Rail boundary, adjacent to its birthplace at the Brush Traction Falcon Works.
I couldn't get over the height of the trees on the left, which kept this side of the train in darkness. I don't remember them being here the last time I came, or more likely, they just weren't that big back then.
After a reversal at Morecambe, that also saw BR General Grey liveried Class 31/4, No. 31462 added to A1A Charters 'North By NorthWest' railtour, the 'Ped' was photographed after arrival at Heysham on the 8th February 1997.
According to notes I made at the time this loco would not multi-up, and was later left behind at Morecambe.
The sun was low, but I had to get lower, as the only shot that I could get of BR General Grey liveried Class 31/4, No. 31462, was this one.
The loco was stabled outside Allerton depot on the 25th November 1989. SadlyI was not allowed to walk to the other side of the loco, as it would have taken me close to the main running lines, which we were forbidden to go near.
Well, it had to happen. I've finally got to some images that are completely awful. I've no idea what went wrong, but I'd say a combination of a poor photographer, with poor equipment! However, I did say that no matter what, this time, everything is going on, so here goes!
Taken on an unknown date at Crewe station, BR Blue liveried Class 31/5 is seen (sort of!) on a CWR train, as it rumbles through platform 12. The loco had rather large BR arrow logos applied to its bodyside.
A side view of BR Blue liveried Class 31/4, No. 31403, as it passes light engine through Crewe station during December 1989.
Back in the day, such moves were regular here because of the depot, and kept the assembled enthusiasts entertained literally for hours. Not so these days.
All is not what it seems. having arrived at Workington, Civil Engineers 'Dutch' liveried Class 33/2, No. 33202 "The Burma Star" and Intercity Mainline liveried Class 31/4, No. 31405 "Mappa Mundi" had run around the stock for the A1A Charters 'North By NorthWest' railtour, and were preparing to head south.
The locos were now propelling the train north, so that the tour could depart south from Workington. Operated on the 8th February 1997, the next port of call would be Morecambe.
Oops! British Railways Green liveried Class 31/4, No. D5600 is seen as it sits in Ramsbottom station on the 9th July 2004.
The loco, which was TOPS number 31435 displays a rather wonky mid-height bodyside stripe as it goes around the corner from the cab front to the cab side.
With Regional Railways North West Class 323 EMU, No. 323227 on the opposite platform, Civil Engineers 'Dutch' liveried Class 33/2, No. 33202 "The Burma Star" leads Intercity Mainline liveried Class 31/4, No. 31405 "Mappa Mundi" on A1A Charters, 'North By NorthWest' railtour.
The pair are seen as they arrive at Stockport on the 8th February 1997, which is where I boarded this tour. How unusual must it have been to join to tour that started at Wolverhampton with a northern destination, with a Southern Region allocated locomotive on the front!
Having propelled northwards out of Workington station, Intercity Mainline liveried Class 31/4, No. 31405 "Mappa Mundi" and Civil Engineers 'Dutch' liveried Class 33/2, No. 33202 "The Burma Star" are seen as they arrive once again at the station.
They were working A1A Charters 'North By NorthWest' railtour on the 8th February 1997, and would soon be heading south towards Morecambe, Heysham, Clitheroe, Blackburn and terminating in Stafford.
At last, the sun makes a return. Stabled just outside the station, unbranded Devon & Cornwall Railways Green liveried Class 31/4, No. 31452 was seen on the 7th February 2017, at Derby.
The loco has been noted here for quite a while, seemingly having never moved.
It would seem that the end of main line working for the class is now edging closer, with sister Class 31/1, No. 31233 working a few test trains at the time that this shot was taken, and had even passed this 'Ped' with such a working, whilst the cloud hid the sun.
Ok, so who remembers the Pilkington rake of stock? Having run around the stock, Civil Engineers 'Dutch' liveried Class 33/2, No. 33202 "The Burma Star" and Intercity Mainline liveried Class 31/4, No. 31405 "Mappa Mundi" are seen as they prepare to couple back up to the stock for the A1A Charters 'North By NorthWest' railtour.
Run on the 8th February 1997, the tour is seen at Workington before the stock is shunted for the return journey. For the record, just this coach was still in the Pilkington colours, a rake that I had managed not to photograph, although I kind of wish I had now!
Are these the first 'Peds' on the Weymouth Quay Branch? Class 31/1's numbers 31145 in Civil Engineer's 'Dutch' livery, and 31200 in Trainload Coal livery were seen on the 14th May 1994, as they trundled along the quayside, back towards the main line. They had hauled "A1A Charters" "The Barchester Chronicle" Railtour along the line with me onboard not long before.
A booked pick up, and slack timings meant a 17 minute wait at Sheffield, so a photo opportunity was taken. A1A Charters 'The Long Goodbye' railtour is seen with Civil Engineers 'Dutch' liveried Class 31/4, No. 31466, leading Regional Railways liveried sister, No. 31465 at Sheffield on the 3rd January 1998.
The poor weather means that my shock at seeing Regional Railways Class 31/4 No. 31421 and a similarly liveried Observation Coach, resulted in a shaky photo.
Seen on the 27th October 1992 from Taylor's Lane Bridge, the train is bound for St, Helens and Liverpool Lime Street. I think that this was the one and only time I saw this pairing, certainly at Springs Branch anyway.
Caught as it arrives into Embsay station, on the 26th July 2009, Civil Engineers 'Dutch' liveried Class 37/0, No. 37294 passesEnglish Elector cousin, Class 08, No. 08054 during the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway diesel gala.
The English Electric Type 3 had only recently entered service in preservation, and, as usual for the class, was proving popular. In the distance Brush built, but English Electric powered and Railfreight Red Stripe liveried Class 31/1, No. 31119 sits in a siding, waiting for its turn to power a train.
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A booked pick up, and slack timings meant a 17 minute wait at Sheffield, so a photo opportunity was taken. A1A Charters 'The Long Goodbye' railtour is seen with Civil Engineers 'Dutch' liveried Class 31/4, No. 31466, leading Regional Railways liveried sister, No. 31465 at Sheffield on the 3rd January 1998.
Another day at Springs Branch, another unusual movement. On the 16th August 1989, Class 31/4 No. 31426 was seen on the Up Goods with an Intercity liveried Inspection saloon.
The saloon was DM 45029, although what was being inspected is anyone's guess. The loco would later be renumbered to a Class 31/5, No. 31526.
I presume that the Class 47/9, No. 47972 had failed, or why else would there be a Class 31/4 on the front of this single coach test train? Wearing BR General Grey livery, No. 31462 hauls Class 47/9 No. 47972 and Test Car No.3.
Officially numbered ADB975091, the Mobile Electronic Network Testing & Observation Recorder (known as MENTOR) had been rebuilt from a standard BSK coach. They were seen at Wigan North Western on the 7th July 1992, as they headed north.
Looking resplendent in its shiny coat of EWS maroon and gold, preserved Class 31/4 was seen at Keighley on the Worth Valley Railway on the 25th May 2012.
The loco had started to look tatty, and so this is it's second repaint into the locos former owners colour scheme. The Class 31/4 was visiting from its regular home at the Dean Forest Railway.
Caught as it pushes the stock back onto the depot, Fragonset Rail Black liveried Class 31/1, No. 31190 "Gryphon" returns 'The Flying Kipper' to Fort William depot on the 22nd July 2000. The loco had hauled a return trip to Mallaig, making a very enjoyable day.
268 31439 "North Yorkshire Moors Railway " 'The Jewel in the Crown' Stafford 24th February 1996
Thankfully, although this row of withdrawn locos were not available to view properly at the Old Oak Common depot open day, held on the 5th August 2
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