Class 57s were called 'bodysnatchers' (by some) because of the way they were re-incarnated from redundant class 47s. Basically, the chosen class 47s were stripped internally and the body shells re-wired and re-engined. This took place between 1997 and 2004. Freightliner had twelve locomotives (57/0) operating from 1998 and Virgin, twelve (57/3) from 2002. The latter 
were famously named after Thunderbirds characters. This number was later increased to sixteen. In 2003 First Great Western (FGW) purchased four locos (57/6). WCRC also purchased a 57/6 loco from the original owners, Porterbrook Leasing. All rebuilds were performed by Brush Traction at Loughborough.
were famously named after Thunderbirds characters. This number was later increased to sixteen. In 2003 First Great Western (FGW) purchased four locos (57/6). WCRC also purchased a 57/6 loco from the original owners, Porterbrook Leasing. All rebuilds were performed by Brush Traction at Loughborough.
Today's post features two pics of class 57/3s from Andy Appleton and a 57/6 from yours truly.
Andy's shots show Virgin class 57/3 locos on different workings. Number one features 57310, Kyrano, heading empty logs wagons at Winwick on 13th September 2007.
Number two shows 57308, Tin Tin, dragging Virgin class 87, 87015 Howard of Effingham and Virgin passenger stock through Bank Quay, on 15th April 2004.
The third pic, from yours truly, shows a class 57/6 loco owned by the West Coast Railway Company (WCRC) and liveried in dark maroon with a red stripe. This pic, of 57601, was taken at Winwick on 21st October 2009.
No comments:
Post a Comment