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British Rail Class 31

The British Rail Class 31 diesel locomotives, also known as the Brush Type 2 and previously as Class 30, were built by Brush Traction from 1957 to 1962. They were numbered in two series, D5500-D5699 and D5800-D5862.[4][5] Construction of the first locomotive was completed in the final week of September 1957, and the handing-over took place on 31 October.[6] The first 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.

Brush Type 2
British Rail Class 31
A Class 31 at Saltley MPD, 1987
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderBrush Traction
Serial number71–90, 119–178, 180–280, 282–326, 362–398
Build date1957–1962
Total produced263
Specifications
Configuration:
 • UIC(A1A)(A1A)
 • CommonwealthA1A-A1A
Gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Wheel diameter
  • Driving: 3 ft 7 in (1,092 mm)
  • Idling: 3 ft 3+12 in (1,003 mm)
Minimum curve4.5 chains (300 ft; 91 m)
Wheelbase42 ft 10 in (13.06 m)
Length56 ft 9 in (17.30 m)
Width8 ft 9 in (2.67 m)
Height12 ft 7 in (3.84 m)
Loco weight106.7 long tons (108.4 t; 119.5 short tons) to 113 long tons (115 t; 127 short tons)
Fuel capacity550 imp gal (2,500 L; 660 US gal)
Prime mover
GeneratorBrush TG160.48 [1]
Traction motorsFour Brush TM73 [1]
TransmissionDiesel electric
Train heating31/0 & 31/1: Steam
31/4: Electric Train Heat (Index 66) [1]
Train brakesVacuum / Dual (Air/Vac)
Performance figures
Maximum speed
  • D5500–5534: 80 mph (129 km/h)
  • Remainder: 90 mph (145 km/h)
Power outputEngine:
Mirrlees: 1,250 bhp (930 kW) or 1,365 bhp (1,018 kW)
English Electric: 1,470 bhp (1,100 kW)
At rail: 1,170 hp (870 kW)[2]
Tractive effortMaximum: 35,900 lbf (159.69 kN)
Brakeforce49 long tons-force (488.24 kN)
Career
OperatorsBritish Railways
EWS
Fragonset Railways
FM Rail
Mainline Rail
Nemesis Rail
Network Rail
NumbersD5500–D5699, D5800–D5862, later 31001–31970
NicknamesGoyles, Peds, Toffee Apples, Gurglers
Axle load classRoute availability 5 or 6
Withdrawn1975–2017
Disposition36 preserved,[3] remainder scrapped

Engines edit

They were originally built with Mirrlees JVS12T 1,250 bhp (930 kW) (D5500–D5519) and 1,365 bhp (1,018 kW) engines and Brush electrical equipment, but the engines were not successful and in 1964 D5677 was fitted with an English Electric 12SVT engine (similar to the 12CSVT used in the Class 37 but without an intercooler) rated at 1,470 bhp (1,100 kW). The trial proved successful, and between 1965 and 1969 the entire class was re-engined. The de-rated engine was used as it was the maximum the electrical system could accept.[citation needed]

Classification edit

The Mirrlees-engined locomotives were originally known as Class 30 under TOPS, with re-engined examples joining Class 31.[7] The class was originally intended for service on the Eastern Region, but gradually became common in both the Western and London Midland regions too.

Sub-classes edit

Several sub-classes of Class 31 exist:

  • 31/0 - First batch of locos, fitted with Red Circle electro-magnetic control equipment[7] - withdrawn in the late 1970s as non-standard. RA 5
  • 31/1 - The standard locomotive, fitted with Blue Star electro-pneumatic control.[7] RA 5
  • 31/4 - As Class 31/1 but fitted with Brush Electric train heating (ETH) apparatus, index 66.[7] RA 6
  • 31/5 - Former 31/4 with the ETH isolated for Civil Engineers Department use. RA 6
  • 31/6 - Standard locomotive through wired for ETH but without ETH apparatus. RA 5

Class 31/0 edit

 
D5513, one of the original batch, in BR green livery

These first 20 locomotives, originally numbered D5500–D5519,[8] were always easily recognisable as they did not have the headcode box mounted on the roof above the cab, leading to the nickname "Skinheads". They were also nicknamed "Gurglers" from the noise of their engines, and "Toffee Apples" from the shape of the control key which had to be taken from cab to cab when changing ends.[citation needed] These pilot scheme locomotives were non-standard in having Electro-Magnetic Multiple-Working control equipment, and were limited to 80 mph (130 km/h). After being involved in a serious collision D5518 was rebuilt in September 1967 as a standard locomotive, with indicator boxes, and blue star coupling code.

They were allocated to East Anglian sheds throughout their service, ending up allocated to Stratford, their initial shed,[9] and latterly sporting that depot's trademark silver roof. Upon withdrawal four locomotives[10] were converted at Stratford into train pre-heating units. Locomotives 31013, 31002, 31014 and 31008 were renumbered ADB968013 to ADB968016 in the order given;[11][12] ADB968014 was allocated to Bounds Green depot on the Great Northern main line and ADB968015 was based at Great Yarmouth, while the remaining two were allocated to Stratford.

Class 31/1 edit

 
Class 31/1 on Sharnbrook bank with a short van train in April 1985

The first few locos externally had much in common with the original 31/0s as twenty lacked the roof mounted headcode box (D5520–29/35/39/42/47/51/52/55/56/59/62),[13] and fifteen were also limited to 80 mph (130 km/h) (D5520–D5534),[14] but were otherwise the same as subsequent locos. The whole sub-class had steam heating boilers fitted, had the Blue Star Electro-Pneumatic multiple-working controls as found on many other BR classes. The Class 31/1s could be found on a variety of secondary and relief passenger duties as well as parcels and freight traffic. While used in East Anglia, with locos allocated to Stratford and March depots, they were found throughout the Eastern Region of BR with Finsbury Park sporting a large allocation along with the depots at Tinsley, Immingham and Thornaby. Locos were also allocated to Bristol Bath Road and Old Oak Common on the Western Region, where they could be found working passenger trains as far west as Barnstaple and Paignton.[15] In the early 1980s Healey Mills and Bescot on the Midland Region also gained an allocation as replacements for Class 25s.

Class 31/4 edit

 
31418 at Birmingham New Street.

The Class 31/4s, numbered from 31400 to 31469, were conversions of 31/1s to which electric train heating (ETH) was fitted. They had an ETH index of 66, equivalent to 330 kW, which was sufficient to power trains of up to eleven Mk 3 carriages. This allowed them to pre-heat long trains moving between depot and a station for a service to be worked by a larger locomotive. When passenger services were worked by 31/4s they rarely exceeded four or five carriages. 330 kW accounted for about a third of the total electrical power output. When ETH was being supplied, the traction power output of the 31/4 subclass was therefore limited to around two-thirds of that of the non-ETH variants; this did not help the performance of an already somewhat underpowered locomotive.

Class 31/5 edit

 
31549 at Peterborough in 1994.

In the late 1980s with increased use of "Sprinter" type units on previously loco hauled diagrams, there were ETH fitted Locomotives to spare and with this in mind, some Class 31s were selected to have their ETH cables removed from the front buffer beam. This was done to try to prevent passenger sectors of BR borrowing the locomotives from the Freight sectors, and to cut down on maintenance of surplus equipment. The re-numbering was achieved by simply adding 100 to the existing TOPS number i.e. 31407 became 31507. When the re-numbering was taking place, most locos were still in standard BR Blue livery and the 4 in the number was painted over and a 5 placed over the top. Some of the sub-class were painted into Civil Engineers all over Grey livery, although most were subsequently painted into the "Dutch" Yellow and Grey livery. Only 31530 (Sister Dora), 31544 (Keighley and Worth Valley Railway) and 31568 (The Engineman’s Fund) were named when numbered as a 31/5. 31544 was also notable as the only one of the sub-class with the original "skinhead" style cabs without the route indicators on the roof.

Class 31/6 edit

Only two locomotives (31601 and 31602, formerly 31186 and 31191 respectively [16][17]) received this modification, performed during their time with Fragonset Railways. This modification means they are through wired for Electric Train Heating (ETH) but cannot actually provide it. This means they can be coupled to a train behind another locomotive, and the front locomotive is still able to heat the train via the wiring on the 31/6. 31601 is now preserved at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway where it regularly operates trains [16] while 31602 was scrapped after being withdrawn.

Operation edit

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 Eastern regions. Class 31s were first used on the Western Region in 1969 when D5535 was allocated to Old Oak Common to work Empty Coaching Stock (ECS) trains into Paddington.[18]

Nicknames edit

The class were given a number of nicknames. The Class 31/0s were known as Toffee Apples, due to the shape of the control lever.[19] More common names for the whole class were Goyles (short for "gargoyles" referring to the ugliness of the design),[20] Peds ("Another derogatory name associating the locomotives with pedal cars in terms of speed and pulling power")[20] and Gurglers, after the sound they made.[21]

Accidents and incidents edit

 
An unidentified Class 31 with accident damage.
  • On 11 September 1975,[22] 31150 was involved in a head-on collision at Corby Tunnel, with a loose brake van and coke wagons.[10] This locomotive was the first of the class to be withdrawn.[22]
  • On 3 January 1976, locomotive 31241 was hauling a parcels train when a light engine ran into its rear at Worcester Tunnel Junction. Time interval working was in force at the time.[23]
  • On 25 February 1979, locomotive 31421 was hauling an engineering train that was working under a possession between Fratton and Hilsea, Hampshire. The adjacent line was open to traffic. A crane in the engineering train was foul of the other line when it was struck by a passing passenger train. One person was killed and nine were injured.[24]
  • On 9 March 1986, locomotive 31436 was hauling a passenger train that was in a head-on collision with two light engines at Chinley, Derbyshire due to a signalman's error. One person was killed. Lack of training and a power cut were contributory factors.[25]
  • On 20 February 1987, a freight train ran away and was derailed by trap points at North Junction, Chinley. Locomotive 31440 was hauling a train that collided with the wreckage.[26]
  • On 28 October 1988 two unmanned Class 31 locos (31202 and 31226), presumably with brakes not fully applied, rolled off together along a short siding at North London's Staples Corner. After demolishing the buffer stop they ran down the embankment on to the North Circular Road, although nobody was hurt. The second loco of the pair landed on the roof of the leading one, remaining precariously balanced. They were both withdrawn after the incident.[27]

Commercial operators edit

Distribution of locomotives,
March 1974[28]
 
BR
GD
HO
IM
MR
TE
TI
YK
 
CW
FP
OC
SF
Code Name Quantity
BR Bristol Bath Road 13
CW Cricklewood 2
FP Finsbury Park 51
GD Gateshead 8
HO Holbeck 15
IM Immingham 41
MR March 52
OC Old Oak Common 19
SF Stratford 24
TE Thornaby 12
TI Tinsley 22
YK York 4
Total: 263

Eastern Rail Services edit

In 2022 the only operational class 31/4 outside preservation was 31452 which is based at Great Yarmouth.[29][30]

English, Welsh & Scottish edit

Before the introduction of Class 66, English Welsh & Scottish (EWS) took control of the Class 31s from the Mainline Freight and Trainload Freight companies. 31255 became the locomotive for the EWS livery paint trials but never ran on the main line and spent its life at Toton until being preserved in January 1999. 31466 was repainted into EWS colours for the Toton TMD open day in May 1998 and soon became[clarification needed] the only one of the class to be in traffic running in the EWS colours until being preserved in February 2001. In their final days of EWS ownership, 31110 (scrapped at TJ Thompson's, Stockton in April 2007) was repainted into BR green in the summer of 1999 and featured its original number D5528 to mark the end of their working lives with EWS and worked the last EWS Class 31 hauled railtour. The final four EWS locomotives were withdrawn in February 2001. Of the two EWS liveried locos, both 31255 and 31466 are preserved, 31255 based at the Mid Norfolk Railway[31] and 31466 based at the Dean Forest Railway.

FM Rail edit

 
Locomotive 31454, in InterCity Swallow livery (with Fragonset Vinyls) on 16 April 2004

In 1998, Fragonset Railways purchased four redundant Class 31 locomotives from EWS. The first of these, 31452, was quickly repaired and repainted in a new black livery with a red mid-body band. It was quickly followed by 31459 and 31468. Several more locomotives were also purchased, and in 1999, the first of two modified Class 31/6 locomotives re-entered traffic. The Class 31/6 31601 (ex 31186) & 31602 (ex 31191) subclass is essentially a modified Class 31/1 locomotive with through electric-train heating wiring. This enables a Class 31/4 and Class 31/6 to work in multiple and still heat the train, even if the no-heat Class 31/6 is attached to the carriages.

In 1999, Fragonset won a short-term contract with Silverlink for two locomotives to work in top and tail mode with two Mk. 1 carriages on the Marston Vale Line. This was to cover for the non-availability of Class 117 and Class 121 diesel multiple units. The trial was a success, and in 2000 it was repeated in the summer timetable. The locomotives were retained until displaced by more modern Class 150/1 units cascaded from Central Trains.

By this time, the Fragonset Class 31 fleet had expanded considerably to include three Class 31/1s, three Class 31/4s and two Class 31/6 locomotives. Regular work at this time included use hauling Class 317 electric multiple units from West Anglia Great Northern's Hornsey depot to Bedford for use with Thameslink. As units were still maintained at Hornsey, this meant regular workings between the two depots to swap units when maintenance was due. 31468 was broken up for spares, finally being scrapped 6 June 2018.[32]

Hanson and Hall edit

Created in 2018, in 2022 Hanson and Hall had one of the three remaining operational Class 31s outside preservation. 31106 was stored at Bury on the East Lancashire Railway in Rail Blue livery.[30]

Mainline Rail edit

After the demise of FM Rail, several of its Class 31s passed to Mainline Rail, operated by RMS Locotec. As of November 2008, four 31/4s and one 31/6 were owned by RMS Locotec, which is a subsidiary of British American Railway Services.

Nemesis Rail edit

31128, an ex-Fragonset locomotive, is owned by Nemesis Rail and based at Burton upon Trent. In 2022 this locomotive is one of only three remaining operational Class 31s outside of preservation, and has been returned to BR Blue livery.[30]

Network Rail edit

 
31105 passes Chesterfield working 4Q25 Derby RTC - Immingham TMD Test train

Network Rail operated a fleet of four Class 31 locomotives – 31105, 31233, 31285, and 31465 – to haul test trains around the network. The locomotives were purchased from Fragonset Railways, and overhauled at its Derby workshops. They were repainted in Network Rail's then new all-over yellow livery. 31285 and 31465 were offered for sale by tender in July 2015,[33] and 31233 and 31105 in August 2018.[34]

Prior to operating its own locomotives, Network Rail's predecessor, Railtrack, had hired two Class 31 locomotives from Fragonset. These two locomotives, 31190 and 31601, were repainted in Railtrack's blue and lime green livery. With the overhaul and entry into service of Network Rail's own locomotives, these two engines were returned to Fragonset. (They are now owned by British American Railway Services, based at Washwood Heath in Birmingham.)

Locomotive 31106, Spalding Town, was revived by Howard Johnston, and after a period of lease to Fragonset, FM Rail, and RVEL which included extensive main line running for 11 years, working as far north as Oban in Scotland, and was finally based at the Weardale Railway. After inspection, it was successfully started on 17 October 2017 and moved under its own power for the first time in four years. Johnston purchased three more of the class from EWS, but they acquired new owners; 31107 (scrapped by C F Booth at Rotherham in May 2009, following a staged collision with a Renault Espace on a level crossing during Top Gear Series 9, Episode 5 in 2006 to demonstrate the danger of trying to beat a train at a crossing), 31289 (preserved at the Northampton and Lamport Railway), and 31301 (scrapped). 31106 was sold in full working condition to Hanson & Hall in 2020, but never saw use again.

The last active Network Rail Class 31 was 31233, with it operating its last test trains in March 2017. In August 2018, Network Rail offered its final two Class 31s (31105 and 31233) for sale; both were purchased for preservation at Mangapps Railway Museum in Essex .[34]

Preservation edit

Currently preserved edit

36 members of the class have survived into preservation.[3] This number includes both the first and last produced (31018 and 31327, respectively). There were a further 10 which have subsequently been scrapped.

Numbers carried
(Current in bold)
Name Livery Location Notes
D5500* 31018 BR Blue National Railway Museum First-built locomotive, now part of the National Collection.
D5518 31101 BR Blue Avon Valley Railway Undergoing repairs
D5522* 31104 31418 Boadicea BR Blue Midland Railway - Butterley Undergoing restoration
D5523* 31105 31105 Radio Caroline[35][36] BR Blue Mangapps Railway Museum, Essex Operational
D5524* 31106 BR Blue EMR Kingsbury Stored
D5526* 31108 Railfreight Grey Midland Railway - Butterley
D5533 31115 31466 EWS Maroon/Gold North Yorkshire Moors Railway [37]
D5537 31119 BR Blue Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway Stored
D5546 31128 Charybdis BR Blue Nemesis Rail, Burton-on-Trent Operational
D5547 31129[3] 31461 BR Blue Nemesis Rail, Burton-on-Trent Operational
D5548 31130 Calder Hall Power Station Railfreight Grey Avon Valley Railway
D5557 31139 31438 31538 BR Blue Epping Ongar Railway
D5580 31162 BR Blue Midland Railway - Butterley
D5581 31163 97205 Derby RTC Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway
D5600 31179 31435 Newton Heath TMD BR Green Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway
D5609 31186 31601 DCR Grey Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
D5613 31190 Golden Ochre Plym Valley Railway
D5627 31203 Steve Organ G.M. BR Green Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway
D5630 31206 Civil Engineers Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Rescued from Booth's Scrapyard in 2006[38][39]
D5631 31207 BR Green North Norfolk Railway One of the final three locomotives operated by EWS
D5634 31210 Railfreight Grey Dean Forest Railway Undergoing restoration
D5637[3] 31213 31465 31565 Network Rail Yellow Weardale Railway Undergoing restoration
D5654 31228 31454 31554 Intercity Wensleydale Railway Awaiting restoration[40]
D5660 31233 Network Rail Yellow Mangapps Railway Museum, Essex Operational
D5662 31235 BR Blue Dean Forest Railway Stored
D5683 31255 EWS Maroon/Gold Mid-Norfolk Railway Repainted in EWS livery for paint trials
D5684 31256[3] Cerberus Black Wensleydale Railway
D5695 31265 31430 31530 Sister Dora BR Blue Spa Valley Railway
D5800 31270 Athena Regional Railways Didcot Railway Centre[41] Operational
D5801 31271 Stratford 1840-2001 Trainload Construction Llangollen Railway
D5809 31279[3] 31452 31552 Green Eastern Rail Services Undergoing repairs
D5814 31414 31514 Dutch Civil Midland Railway - Butterley Undergoing repairs
D5817 31285[3] Network Rail Yellow Weardale Railway Undergoing repairs
D5821 31289 Phoenix BR Experimental Blue Northampton and Lamport Railway
D5830 31297 31463 31563 BR Golden Ochre Great Central Railway (Nottingham) On loan from the Great Central Railway
D5862 31327 BR Green Strathspey Railway Final locomotive built

Note: * = "skinheads"

Preserved then scrapped edit

In addition, the following locomotives were previously preserved, but have since been scrapped.

Gallery edit

Media edit

 
31107, seen here at RVEL Derby, was the locomotive used in the Top Gear crash

On 21 August 2006, Network Rail and the BBC Television programme Top Gear staged and filmed a crash between a Class 31 locomotive (31107) and a family car in order to promote rail safety. The off-limits event was the first of its type for 10 years and took place at Hibaldstow level crossing near Scawby in Lincolnshire, where the B1206 road crosses the Barnetby–Gainsborough railway line. Two Class 31 locomotives and a parked Renault Espace were used during the crash. Network Rail's 31233 was used to propel 31107 up to a speed of 80 mph (130 km/h). The rear locomotive slowed down to a stop and 31107 continued to coast at a speed of 70–80 miles per hour into the road vehicle parked across the eastbound 'up' line. For the crash, locomotive 31107 received a special black livery with the slogan "Level crossings — Don't run the risk" along the side in white lettering. The final 5 minute segment was originally scheduled for 4 February 2007 but was rescheduled, apparently due to a fatal crossing crash at Dingwall two days earlier.[42][43] It was eventually aired on BBC Two on 25 February 2007, shortly after the Grayrigg derailment. A repeat of the programme was pulled following a further level-crossing accident.[44][45][46][47]

Locomotive 31120 appears in The Railway Series book Gordon the High Speed Engine.

Model railways edit

The first models of Class 30 locomotives were produced by Tri-ang in TT scale, in 1960.

In 1962 Tri-ang launched its first version of the BR Class 30 (with headcode boxes) in OO gauge. Airfix model railways also chose to produce a Class 31 when Airfix entered the model train market in 1975. Lima also produced a OO scale model, in both "skinhead" and headcode box versions. Hornby have produced a finescale OO scale model since 2004; both body styles are available in various liveries. Hornby have also produced a basic representation of the prototype as part of their Railroad range in BR Blue, and BR Green whilst past examples have carried a variety of liveries.[48] On 23 February 2022 Accurascale announced their own OO model, due out in 2023.[49]

An N Gauge model of the Class 31 is currently produced by Graham Farish (in both "skinhead" and headcode box versions) with re-tooling for an updated model taking place in 2012; Lima also produced an N scale model ("skinhead" only).

Heljan have released an O gauge model based on the 31s in their early condition, March 2013.

References and sources edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c David, Gibbons. (1990). BR Equipment 2. Shepperton: Ian Allan Ltd. ISBN 0-7110-1925-8.
  2. ^ Fox, Peter. (1985). Locomotives & Coaching Stock. Sheffield: Platform 5 Publishing Ltd. ISBN 978-0-906579-45-9.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Preserved Locomotives of British Railways 2023, p. 118.
  4. ^ "30 A1A-A1A". Brdatabase.info. 28 March 1965. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
  5. ^ "31 A1A-A1A". BRDatabase.info. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
  6. ^ Toms 1978, p. 26
  7. ^ a b c d Toms 1978, p. 40
  8. ^ Toms 1978, p. 25
  9. ^ Cooke, B.W.C., ed. (December 1957). "First Type "B" Diesel-Electric Locomotive". Notes and News. The Railway Magazine. Vol. 103, no. 680. p. 889.
  10. ^ a b Toms 1978, p. 41
  11. ^ Marsden, Colin J. (1981). Motive power recognition:1 Locomotives. Shepperton: Ian Allan Ltd. ISBN 978-0-7110-1109-0.
  12. ^ British Rail Locoshed book 1981 edition. Shepperton: Ian Allan Ltd. 1981. ISBN 978-0-7110-1112-0.
  13. ^ Strickland 1983, p. 89.
  14. ^ Strickland 1983, p. 85.
  15. ^ Lund, E (1980). To the last drop. Chesterfield: Longden technical Publications. ISBN 978-0-9507063-0-6.
  16. ^ a b . Archived from the original on 1 August 2019. Retrieved 1 August 2019.
  17. ^ "Rail UK Diesel/Electric Locomotive Information". www.railuk.info.
  18. ^ "Motive power miscellany". Railway World. Vol. 30, no. 345. Shepperton: Ian Allan. February 1969. p. 93.
  19. ^ Elliot, Cognet. "British Rail Class 31 Diesel Locomotive". rail.co.uk. Cognet. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  20. ^ a b Marsden, Colin J.; Timms, Michael; Pigott, Nick (November 1997). "Slugs, Skuds and Skinheads". The Railway Magazine. Vol. 143, no. 1159. London: IPC Magazines. p. 63. ISSN 0033-8923.
  21. ^ Whittaker, Nicholas (6 August 2015). Platform Souls: The Trainspotter as 20th-Century Hero. London, UK: Icon Books Limited. ISBN 9781848319905. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  22. ^ a b "31150 1975-10-05 Doncaster Works". RailOnline. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
  23. ^ Hoole, Ken (1982). Trains in Trouble: Vol. 3. Redruth: Atlantic Books. p. 48. ISBN 978-0-906899-05-2.
  24. ^ HM Railways Inspectorate. "Report on the Collision that occurred on 25th February 1979 between Hilsea and Fratton in the Southern Region British Railways" (PDF). Railways Archive. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
  25. ^ Vaughan, Adrian (1989). Obstruction Danger. Wellingborough: Patrick Stephens Limited. pp. 240–48. ISBN 978-1-85260-055-6.
  26. ^ Earnshaw, Alan (1991). Trains in Trouble: Vol. 7. Penryn: Atlantic Books. p. 45. ISBN 978-0-906899-50-2.
  27. ^ Hall, Stanley. Railway Disasters cause and effect. p. [page needed].
  28. ^ British Railways Locoshed Book 1974 edition. Shepperton: Ian Allan. 1974. pp. 22–24. ISBN 0-7110-0558-3.
  29. ^ "Eastern Rail Services". Eastern Rail Services.
  30. ^ a b c Pritchard 2022, p. 29.
  31. ^ "Heritage railway buys locomotive to restore to former glory". Eastern Daily Press. 4 August 2020.
  32. ^ "Search UKLocos Database & Display Scrapped Locos Details". uklocos.com. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  33. ^ "Network Rail gives 120 hours to bid for 50 year old diesels". 31 July 2015.
  34. ^ a b Clinnick, Richard (3 August 2018). "NR offers its final Class 31s for sale". Rail.
  35. ^ Shahrabi, Ben (16 September 2023). "Maldon District: Prog-rock legend Rick Wakeman to unveil 'Radio Caroline' locomotive at Mangapps Railway Museum". Maldon Nub News. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
  36. ^ Shahrabi, Ben (8 October 2023). "WATCH: 'A great day for fans of rail, radio and rock' - Rick Wakeman unveils Radio Caroline train at Burnham museum". Maldon Nub News. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  37. ^ "Dean Forest's '31/4' moves to NYMR". Rail Express. 18 July 2023.
  38. ^ "32106". BR Database Complete BR Locomotive Database 1948-1997. BRDatabase.info. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
  39. ^ Madden, Steven (3 November 2006). "Photography". No. 60. The Railway Herald. The Railway Herald.
  40. ^ Duggan, Jamie (10 May 2020). "Class 31 locomotive joins Wensleydale Railway home fleet". RailAdvent. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  41. ^ "31 270 - 'Athena'". Didcot Railway Centre. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  42. ^ wnxx.com, News Archive: February 2007, 4 February 2007. 28 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  43. ^ BBC NewsOne dead in train crossing crash, 2 February 2007.
  44. ^ The Railway Herald, "Network Rail stage level crossing crash accident" (pdf file, >4MB)
  45. ^ BBC News, Top Gear screens train crash item, 25 February 2007.
  46. ^ "fotopic.net". todaysrailways.fotopic.net.
  47. ^ BBC News, One dead in level crossing crash, 1 March 2007.
  48. ^ "Hornby BR Class 31". Hornby Railways Collector Guide. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  49. ^ "Accurascale 2 Brush up with BR Class 30 and 31/Brush 2 in 00/4mm". Accurascale. 23 February 2022.

Sources edit

  • Pritchard, Robert (2022). British Railways locomotives and coaching stock 2022. Sheffield: Platform 5. ISBN 978-1-909431-97-3.
  • Stevens-Stratten, S.W.; Carter, R.S. (1978). British Rail Main-Line Diesels. Shepperton: Ian Allan Ltd. ISBN 978-0-7110-0617-1.
  • Strickland, David C. (September 1983). Locomotive Directory: Every Single One There Has Ever Been. Camberley: Diesel and Electric Group. ISBN 978-0-906375-10-5. OCLC 16601890. OL 27959920M. Wikidata Q105978499.
  • Toms, George (1978). Brush Diesel Locomotives, 1940-78. Sheffield: Turntable Publications. ISBN 978-0902844483. OCLC 11213057.
  • Williams, Alan; Percival, David (1977). British Railways Locomotives and Multiple Units including Preserved Locomotives 1977. Shepperton: Ian Allan Ltd. ISBN 978-0-7110-0751-2.

Further reading edit

  • Cole, Andrew (2016). Class 31 Locomotives. Amberley Publishing. ISBN 9781445657912. OCLC 932262936.
  • Morrison, Brian (1984). The Power of the Class 31s. OPC. ISBN 9780860930648. OCLC 656098166.
  • Loader, Martin; Norris, Rich (2005). Class 31 Photo File. Vanguard Publications. ISBN 9781900872065.
  • McManus, Michael. Ultimate Allocations, British Railways Locomotives 1948 - 1968. Wirral. Michael McManus.
  • Oakley, Michael (1981). BR Class 31 Diesels. Bradford Barton. ISBN 9780851534176. OCLC 16542541.
  • Vaughan, John (2009). Diesel Retrospective: Class 31. Ian Allan. ISBN 9780711032859. OCLC 267193524.
  • Clough, David (18–31 May 1989). "Unsung Heroes". RAIL. No. 96. EMAP National Publications. pp. 26–31. ISSN 0953-4563. OCLC 49953699.
  • Dunn, Pip (12–25 February 1997). "Brush's veterans". RAIL. No. 298. EMAP Apex Publications. pp. 22–26. ISSN 0953-4563. OCLC 49953699.

External links edit

  • The Class 31 Photo Gallery
  • Class 31 gen site for photos, workings
  • Video
  • Modelling Class 31s

british, rail, class, diesel, locomotives, also, known, brush, type, previously, class, were, built, brush, traction, from, 1957, 1962, they, were, numbered, series, d5500, d5699, d5800, d5862, construction, first, locomotive, completed, final, week, september. The British Rail Class 31 diesel locomotives also known as the Brush Type 2 and previously as Class 30 were built by Brush Traction from 1957 to 1962 They were numbered in two series D5500 D5699 and D5800 D5862 4 5 Construction of the first locomotive was completed in the final week of September 1957 and the handing over took place on 31 October 6 The first 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 Brush Type 2British Rail Class 31A Class 31 at Saltley MPD 1987Type and originPower typeDiesel electricBuilderBrush TractionSerial number71 90 119 178 180 280 282 326 362 398Build date1957 1962Total produced263SpecificationsConfiguration UIC A1A A1A CommonwealthA1A A1AGauge4 ft 8 1 2 in 1 435 mm standard gaugeWheel diameterDriving 3 ft 7 in 1 092 mm Idling 3 ft 3 1 2 in 1 003 mm Minimum curve4 5 chains 300 ft 91 m Wheelbase42 ft 10 in 13 06 m Length56 ft 9 in 17 30 m Width8 ft 9 in 2 67 m Height12 ft 7 in 3 84 m Loco weight106 7 long tons 108 4 t 119 5 short tons to 113 long tons 115 t 127 short tons Fuel capacity550 imp gal 2 500 L 660 US gal Prime moverOriginal Mirrlees JVS12TRebuilt English Electric 12SVTGeneratorBrush TG160 48 1 Traction motorsFour Brush TM73 1 TransmissionDiesel electricTrain heating31 0 amp 31 1 Steam31 4 Electric Train Heat Index 66 1 Train brakesVacuum Dual Air Vac Performance figuresMaximum speedD5500 5534 80 mph 129 km h Remainder 90 mph 145 km h Power outputEngine Mirrlees 1 250 bhp 930 kW or 1 365 bhp 1 018 kW English Electric 1 470 bhp 1 100 kW At rail 1 170 hp 870 kW 2 Tractive effortMaximum 35 900 lbf 159 69 kN Brakeforce49 long tons force 488 24 kN CareerOperatorsBritish RailwaysEWSFragonset RailwaysFM RailMainline RailNemesis RailNetwork RailNumbersD5500 D5699 D5800 D5862 later 31001 31970NicknamesGoyles Peds Toffee Apples GurglersAxle load classRoute availability 5 or 6Withdrawn1975 2017Disposition36 preserved 3 remainder scrapped Contents 1 Engines 2 Classification 2 1 Sub classes 2 1 1 Class 31 0 2 1 2 Class 31 1 2 1 3 Class 31 4 2 1 4 Class 31 5 2 1 5 Class 31 6 3 Operation 4 Nicknames 5 Accidents and incidents 6 Commercial operators 6 1 Eastern Rail Services 6 2 English Welsh amp Scottish 6 3 FM Rail 6 4 Hanson and Hall 6 5 Mainline Rail 6 6 Nemesis Rail 6 7 Network Rail 7 Preservation 7 1 Currently preserved 7 2 Preserved then scrapped 8 Gallery 9 Media 10 Model railways 11 References and sources 11 1 References 11 2 Sources 12 Further reading 13 External linksEngines editThey were originally built with Mirrlees JVS12T 1 250 bhp 930 kW D5500 D5519 and 1 365 bhp 1 018 kW engines and Brush electrical equipment but the engines were not successful and in 1964 D5677 was fitted with an English Electric 12SVT engine similar to the 12CSVT used in the Class 37 but without an intercooler rated at 1 470 bhp 1 100 kW The trial proved successful and between 1965 and 1969 the entire class was re engined The de rated engine was used as it was the maximum the electrical system could accept citation needed Classification editThe Mirrlees engined locomotives were originally known as Class 30 under TOPS with re engined examples joining Class 31 7 The class was originally intended for service on the Eastern Region but gradually became common in both the Western and London Midland regions too Sub classes edit Several sub classes of Class 31 exist 31 0 First batch of locos fitted with Red Circle electro magnetic control equipment 7 withdrawn in the late 1970s as non standard RA 5 31 1 The standard locomotive fitted with Blue Star electro pneumatic control 7 RA 5 31 4 As Class 31 1 but fitted with Brush Electric train heating ETH apparatus index 66 7 RA 6 31 5 Former 31 4 with the ETH isolated for Civil Engineers Department use RA 6 31 6 Standard locomotive through wired for ETH but without ETH apparatus RA 5Class 31 0 edit nbsp D5513 one of the original batch in BR green liveryThese first 20 locomotives originally numbered D5500 D5519 8 were always easily recognisable as they did not have the headcode box mounted on the roof above the cab leading to the nickname Skinheads They were also nicknamed Gurglers from the noise of their engines and Toffee Apples from the shape of the control key which had to be taken from cab to cab when changing ends citation needed These pilot scheme locomotives were non standard in having Electro Magnetic Multiple Working control equipment and were limited to 80 mph 130 km h After being involved in a serious collision D5518 was rebuilt in September 1967 as a standard locomotive with indicator boxes and blue star coupling code They were allocated to East Anglian sheds throughout their service ending up allocated to Stratford their initial shed 9 and latterly sporting that depot s trademark silver roof Upon withdrawal four locomotives 10 were converted at Stratford into train pre heating units Locomotives 31013 31002 31014 and 31008 were renumbered ADB968013 to ADB968016 in the order given 11 12 ADB968014 was allocated to Bounds Green depot on the Great Northern main line and ADB968015 was based at Great Yarmouth while the remaining two were allocated to Stratford Class 31 1 edit nbsp Class 31 1 on Sharnbrook bank with a short van train in April 1985The first few locos externally had much in common with the original 31 0s as twenty lacked the roof mounted headcode box D5520 29 35 39 42 47 51 52 55 56 59 62 13 and fifteen were also limited to 80 mph 130 km h D5520 D5534 14 but were otherwise the same as subsequent locos The whole sub class had steam heating boilers fitted had the Blue Star Electro Pneumatic multiple working controls as found on many other BR classes The Class 31 1s could be found on a variety of secondary and relief passenger duties as well as parcels and freight traffic While used in East Anglia with locos allocated to Stratford and March depots they were found throughout the Eastern Region of BR with Finsbury Park sporting a large allocation along with the depots at Tinsley Immingham and Thornaby Locos were also allocated to Bristol Bath Road and Old Oak Common on the Western Region where they could be found working passenger trains as far west as Barnstaple and Paignton 15 In the early 1980s Healey Mills and Bescot on the Midland Region also gained an allocation as replacements for Class 25s Class 31 4 edit nbsp 31418 at Birmingham New Street The Class 31 4s numbered from 31400 to 31469 were conversions of 31 1s to which electric train heating ETH was fitted They had an ETH index of 66 equivalent to 330 kW which was sufficient to power trains of up to eleven Mk 3 carriages This allowed them to pre heat long trains moving between depot and a station for a service to be worked by a larger locomotive When passenger services were worked by 31 4s they rarely exceeded four or five carriages 330 kW accounted for about a third of the total electrical power output When ETH was being supplied the traction power output of the 31 4 subclass was therefore limited to around two thirds of that of the non ETH variants this did not help the performance of an already somewhat underpowered locomotive Class 31 5 edit nbsp 31549 at Peterborough in 1994 In the late 1980s with increased use of Sprinter type units on previously loco hauled diagrams there were ETH fitted Locomotives to spare and with this in mind some Class 31s were selected to have their ETH cables removed from the front buffer beam This was done to try to prevent passenger sectors of BR borrowing the locomotives from the Freight sectors and to cut down on maintenance of surplus equipment The re numbering was achieved by simply adding 100 to the existing TOPS number i e 31407 became 31507 When the re numbering was taking place most locos were still in standard BR Blue livery and the 4 in the number was painted over and a 5 placed over the top Some of the sub class were painted into Civil Engineers all over Grey livery although most were subsequently painted into the Dutch Yellow and Grey livery Only 31530 Sister Dora 31544 Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and 31568 The Engineman s Fund were named when numbered as a 31 5 31544 was also notable as the only one of the sub class with the original skinhead style cabs without the route indicators on the roof Class 31 6 edit Only two locomotives 31601 and 31602 formerly 31186 and 31191 respectively 16 17 received this modification performed during their time with Fragonset Railways This modification means they are through wired for Electric Train Heating ETH but cannot actually provide it This means they can be coupled to a train behind another locomotive and the front locomotive is still able to heat the train via the wiring on the 31 6 31601 is now preserved at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway where it regularly operates trains 16 while 31602 was scrapped after being withdrawn Operation editInitial 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 Eastern regions Class 31s were first used on the Western Region in 1969 when D5535 was allocated to Old Oak Common to work Empty Coaching Stock ECS trains into Paddington 18 Nicknames editThe class were given a number of nicknames The Class 31 0s were known as Toffee Apples due to the shape of the control lever 19 More common names for the whole class were Goyles short for gargoyles referring to the ugliness of the design 20 Peds Another derogatory name associating the locomotives with pedal cars in terms of speed and pulling power 20 and Gurglers after the sound they made 21 Accidents and incidents edit nbsp An unidentified Class 31 with accident damage On 11 September 1975 22 31150 was involved in a head on collision at Corby Tunnel with a loose brake van and coke wagons 10 This locomotive was the first of the class to be withdrawn 22 On 3 January 1976 locomotive 31241 was hauling a parcels train when a light engine ran into its rear at Worcester Tunnel Junction Time interval working was in force at the time 23 On 25 February 1979 locomotive 31421 was hauling an engineering train that was working under a possession between Fratton and Hilsea Hampshire The adjacent line was open to traffic A crane in the engineering train was foul of the other line when it was struck by a passing passenger train One person was killed and nine were injured 24 On 9 March 1986 locomotive 31436 was hauling a passenger train that was in a head on collision with two light engines at Chinley Derbyshire due to a signalman s error One person was killed Lack of training and a power cut were contributory factors 25 On 20 February 1987 a freight train ran away and was derailed by trap points at North Junction Chinley Locomotive 31440 was hauling a train that collided with the wreckage 26 On 28 October 1988 two unmanned Class 31 locos 31202 and 31226 presumably with brakes not fully applied rolled off together along a short siding at North London s Staples Corner After demolishing the buffer stop they ran down the embankment on to the North Circular Road although nobody was hurt The second loco of the pair landed on the roof of the leading one remaining precariously balanced They were both withdrawn after the incident 27 Commercial operators editDistribution of locomotives March 1974 28 nbsp nbsp BR nbsp GD nbsp HO nbsp IM nbsp MR nbsp TE nbsp TI nbsp YK nbsp nbsp CW nbsp FP nbsp OC nbsp SFCode Name QuantityBR Bristol Bath Road 13CW Cricklewood 2FP Finsbury Park 51GD Gateshead 8HO Holbeck 15IM Immingham 41MR March 52OC Old Oak Common 19SF Stratford 24TE Thornaby 12TI Tinsley 22YK York 4Total 263Eastern Rail Services edit In 2022 the only operational class 31 4 outside preservation was 31452 which is based at Great Yarmouth 29 30 English Welsh amp Scottish edit Before the introduction of Class 66 English Welsh amp Scottish EWS took control of the Class 31s from the Mainline Freight and Trainload Freight companies 31255 became the locomotive for the EWS livery paint trials but never ran on the main line and spent its life at Toton until being preserved in January 1999 31466 was repainted into EWS colours for the Toton TMD open day in May 1998 and soon became clarification needed the only one of the class to be in traffic running in the EWS colours until being preserved in February 2001 In their final days of EWS ownership 31110 scrapped at TJ Thompson s Stockton in April 2007 was repainted into BR green in the summer of 1999 and featured its original number D5528 to mark the end of their working lives with EWS and worked the last EWS Class 31 hauled railtour The final four EWS locomotives were withdrawn in February 2001 Of the two EWS liveried locos both 31255 and 31466 are preserved 31255 based at the Mid Norfolk Railway 31 and 31466 based at the Dean Forest Railway FM Rail edit nbsp Locomotive 31454 in InterCity Swallow livery with Fragonset Vinyls on 16 April 2004In 1998 Fragonset Railways purchased four redundant Class 31 locomotives from EWS The first of these 31452 was quickly repaired and repainted in a new black livery with a red mid body band It was quickly followed by 31459 and 31468 Several more locomotives were also purchased and in 1999 the first of two modified Class 31 6 locomotives re entered traffic The Class 31 6 31601 ex 31186 amp 31602 ex 31191 subclass is essentially a modified Class 31 1 locomotive with through electric train heating wiring This enables a Class 31 4 and Class 31 6 to work in multiple and still heat the train even if the no heat Class 31 6 is attached to the carriages In 1999 Fragonset won a short term contract with Silverlink for two locomotives to work in top and tail mode with two Mk 1 carriages on the Marston Vale Line This was to cover for the non availability of Class 117 and Class 121 diesel multiple units The trial was a success and in 2000 it was repeated in the summer timetable The locomotives were retained until displaced by more modern Class 150 1 units cascaded from Central Trains By this time the Fragonset Class 31 fleet had expanded considerably to include three Class 31 1s three Class 31 4s and two Class 31 6 locomotives Regular work at this time included use hauling Class 317 electric multiple units from West Anglia Great Northern s Hornsey depot to Bedford for use with Thameslink As units were still maintained at Hornsey this meant regular workings between the two depots to swap units when maintenance was due 31468 was broken up for spares finally being scrapped 6 June 2018 32 Hanson and Hall edit Created in 2018 in 2022 Hanson and Hall had one of the three remaining operational Class 31s outside preservation 31106 was stored at Bury on the East Lancashire Railway in Rail Blue livery 30 Mainline Rail edit After the demise of FM Rail several of its Class 31s passed to Mainline Rail operated by RMS Locotec As of November 2008 four 31 4s and one 31 6 were owned by RMS Locotec which is a subsidiary of British American Railway Services Nemesis Rail edit 31128 an ex Fragonset locomotive is owned by Nemesis Rail and based at Burton upon Trent In 2022 this locomotive is one of only three remaining operational Class 31s outside of preservation and has been returned to BR Blue livery 30 Network Rail edit nbsp 31105 passes Chesterfield working 4Q25 Derby RTC Immingham TMD Test trainNetwork Rail operated a fleet of four Class 31 locomotives 31105 31233 31285 and 31465 to haul test trains around the network The locomotives were purchased from Fragonset Railways and overhauled at its Derby workshops They were repainted in Network Rail s then new all over yellow livery 31285 and 31465 were offered for sale by tender in July 2015 33 and 31233 and 31105 in August 2018 34 Prior to operating its own locomotives Network Rail s predecessor Railtrack had hired two Class 31 locomotives from Fragonset These two locomotives 31190 and 31601 were repainted in Railtrack s blue and lime green livery With the overhaul and entry into service of Network Rail s own locomotives these two engines were returned to Fragonset They are now owned by British American Railway Services based at Washwood Heath in Birmingham Locomotive 31106 Spalding Town was revived by Howard Johnston and after a period of lease to Fragonset FM Rail and RVEL which included extensive main line running for 11 years working as far north as Oban in Scotland and was finally based at the Weardale Railway After inspection it was successfully started on 17 October 2017 and moved under its own power for the first time in four years Johnston purchased three more of the class from EWS but they acquired new owners 31107 scrapped by C F Booth at Rotherham in May 2009 following a staged collision with a Renault Espace on a level crossing during Top Gear Series 9 Episode 5 in 2006 to demonstrate the danger of trying to beat a train at a crossing 31289 preserved at the Northampton and Lamport Railway and 31301 scrapped 31106 was sold in full working condition to Hanson amp Hall in 2020 but never saw use again The last active Network Rail Class 31 was 31233 with it operating its last test trains in March 2017 In August 2018 Network Rail offered its final two Class 31s 31105 and 31233 for sale both were purchased for preservation at Mangapps Railway Museum in Essex 34 Preservation editThis section needs additional citations for verification Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section Unsourced material may be challenged and removed February 2023 Learn how and when to remove this template message Currently preserved edit 36 members of the class have survived into preservation 3 This number includes both the first and last produced 31018 and 31327 respectively There were a further 10 which have subsequently been scrapped Numbers carried Current in bold Name Livery Location NotesD5500 31018 BR Blue National Railway Museum First built locomotive now part of the National Collection D5518 31101 BR Blue Avon Valley Railway Undergoing repairsD5522 31104 31418 Boadicea BR Blue Midland Railway Butterley Undergoing restorationD5523 31105 31105 Radio Caroline 35 36 BR Blue Mangapps Railway Museum Essex OperationalD5524 31106 BR Blue EMR Kingsbury StoredD5526 31108 Railfreight Grey Midland Railway ButterleyD5533 31115 31466 EWS Maroon Gold North Yorkshire Moors Railway 37 D5537 31119 BR Blue Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway StoredD5546 31128 Charybdis BR Blue Nemesis Rail Burton on Trent OperationalD5547 31129 3 31461 BR Blue Nemesis Rail Burton on Trent OperationalD5548 31130 Calder Hall Power Station Railfreight Grey Avon Valley RailwayD5557 31139 31438 31538 BR Blue Epping Ongar RailwayD5580 31162 BR Blue Midland Railway ButterleyD5581 31163 97205 Derby RTC Chinnor amp Princes Risborough RailwayD5600 31179 31435 Newton Heath TMD BR Green Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam RailwayD5609 31186 31601 DCR Grey Ecclesbourne Valley RailwayD5613 31190 Golden Ochre Plym Valley RailwayD5627 31203 Steve Organ G M BR Green Pontypool and Blaenavon RailwayD5630 31206 Civil Engineers Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Rescued from Booth s Scrapyard in 2006 38 39 D5631 31207 BR Green North Norfolk Railway One of the final three locomotives operated by EWSD5634 31210 Railfreight Grey Dean Forest Railway Undergoing restorationD5637 3 31213 31465 31565 Network Rail Yellow Weardale Railway Undergoing restorationD5654 31228 31454 31554 Intercity Wensleydale Railway Awaiting restoration 40 D5660 31233 Network Rail Yellow Mangapps Railway Museum Essex OperationalD5662 31235 BR Blue Dean Forest Railway StoredD5683 31255 EWS Maroon Gold Mid Norfolk Railway Repainted in EWS livery for paint trialsD5684 31256 3 Cerberus Black Wensleydale RailwayD5695 31265 31430 31530 Sister Dora BR Blue Spa Valley RailwayD5800 31270 Athena Regional Railways Didcot Railway Centre 41 OperationalD5801 31271 Stratford 1840 2001 Trainload Construction Llangollen RailwayD5809 31279 3 31452 31552 Green Eastern Rail Services Undergoing repairsD5814 31414 31514 Dutch Civil Midland Railway Butterley Undergoing repairsD5817 31285 3 Network Rail Yellow Weardale Railway Undergoing repairsD5821 31289 Phoenix BR Experimental Blue Northampton and Lamport RailwayD5830 31297 31463 31563 BR Golden Ochre Great Central Railway Nottingham On loan from the Great Central RailwayD5862 31327 BR Green Strathspey Railway Final locomotive builtNote skinheads Preserved then scrapped edit In addition the following locomotives were previously preserved but have since been scrapped 31113 ex Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway scrapped in June 2008 at EMR Kingsbury after death of owner 31123 ex Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway scrapped in February 2006 by A1A Locomotives 31144 ex Weardale Railway scrapped in January 2014 Both cabs preserved by the South Wales Cab Group Bridgend 31166 ex Wensleydale Railway scrapped in June 2009 31188 ex Wensleydale Railway scrapped in September 2008 31410 ex Stainmore Railway scrapped in September 2014 at CF Booths Rotherham 31421 ex Midland Railway Butterley scrapped in August 2007 after deal fell through for loco to get power unit ex 31405 31442 ex Churnet Valley Railway scrapped in September 2004 31467 ex East Lancashire Railway scrapped in August 2008 after being stripped by metal thieves 31468 ex Weardale Railway scrapped in June 2018 31556 ex East Lancashire Railway scrapped in January 2010 Gallery edit nbsp 31018 at the National Railway Museum in York on 3 June 2004 This was the first locomotive of the Class to be built in 1957 It was withdrawn from service in 1976 It currently carries BR Blue livery Note the absence of over window head code panel which were only omitted from the first few locomotives nbsp 31271 Stratford 1840 2001 pictured on 3 June 2004 at the York Railfest held to celebrate the 200th anniversary of railways Under the auspices of A1A Locomotives Limited the locomotive will be spending the 2019 and 2020 seasons on the Llangollen Railway in North Wales nbsp 31128 Charybdis at Bristol Temple Meads on 23 July 2004 This locomotive was owned by Fragonset Railways but hired to Wessex Trains to haul trains from Bristol to Brighton and Weymouth nbsp 31255 at the Colne Valley Railway in EWS livery nbsp InterCity liveried 31414 running brake van rides on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway nbsp Regional Railways livery 31270 at Peak Rail Rowsley Derbyshire nbsp Network Rail 31285 speeds through Rugeley working a test train nbsp 31601 in Devon and Cornwall Railways green livery working a Network Rail test train south of Chesterfield Media edit nbsp 31107 seen here at RVEL Derby was the locomotive used in the Top Gear crashOn 21 August 2006 Network Rail and the BBC Television programme Top Gear staged and filmed a crash between a Class 31 locomotive 31107 and a family car in order to promote rail safety The off limits event was the first of its type for 10 years and took place at Hibaldstow level crossing near Scawby in Lincolnshire where the B1206 road crosses the Barnetby Gainsborough railway line Two Class 31 locomotives and a parked Renault Espace were used during the crash Network Rail s 31233 was used to propel 31107 up to a speed of 80 mph 130 km h The rear locomotive slowed down to a stop and 31107 continued to coast at a speed of 70 80 miles per hour into the road vehicle parked across the eastbound up line For the crash locomotive 31107 received a special black livery with the slogan Level crossings Don t run the risk along the side in white lettering The final 5 minute segment was originally scheduled for 4 February 2007 but was rescheduled apparently due to a fatal crossing crash at Dingwall two days earlier 42 43 It was eventually aired on BBC Two on 25 February 2007 shortly after the Grayrigg derailment A repeat of the programme was pulled following a further level crossing accident 44 45 46 47 Locomotive 31120 appears in The Railway Series book Gordon the High Speed Engine Model railways editThe first models of Class 30 locomotives were produced by Tri ang in TT scale in 1960 In 1962 Tri ang launched its first version of the BR Class 30 with headcode boxes in OO gauge Airfix model railways also chose to produce a Class 31 when Airfix entered the model train market in 1975 Lima also produced a OO scale model in both skinhead and headcode box versions Hornby have produced a finescale OO scale model since 2004 both body styles are available in various liveries Hornby have also produced a basic representation of the prototype as part of their Railroad range in BR Blue and BR Green whilst past examples have carried a variety of liveries 48 On 23 February 2022 Accurascale announced their own OO model due out in 2023 49 An N Gauge model of the Class 31 is currently produced by Graham Farish in both skinhead and headcode box versions with re tooling for an updated model taking place in 2012 Lima also produced an N scale model skinhead only Heljan have released an O gauge model based on the 31s in their early condition March 2013 References and sources editReferences edit a b c David Gibbons 1990 BR Equipment 2 Shepperton Ian Allan Ltd ISBN 0 7110 1925 8 Fox Peter 1985 Locomotives amp Coaching Stock Sheffield Platform 5 Publishing Ltd ISBN 978 0 906579 45 9 a b c d e f g Preserved Locomotives of British Railways 2023 p 118 30 A1A A1A Brdatabase info 28 March 1965 Retrieved 4 August 2022 31 A1A A1A BRDatabase info Retrieved 4 August 2022 Toms 1978 p 26 a b c d Toms 1978 p 40 Toms 1978 p 25 Cooke B W C ed December 1957 First Type B Diesel Electric Locomotive Notes and News The Railway Magazine Vol 103 no 680 p 889 a b Toms 1978 p 41 Marsden Colin J 1981 Motive power recognition 1 Locomotives Shepperton Ian Allan Ltd ISBN 978 0 7110 1109 0 British Rail Locoshed book 1981 edition Shepperton Ian Allan Ltd 1981 ISBN 978 0 7110 1112 0 Strickland 1983 p 89 Strickland 1983 p 85 Lund E 1980 To the last drop Chesterfield Longden technical Publications ISBN 978 0 9507063 0 6 a b British Rail Class 31 31601 Devon Diesel Society Online Stock List Archived from the original on 1 August 2019 Retrieved 1 August 2019 Rail UK Diesel Electric Locomotive Information www railuk info Motive power miscellany Railway World Vol 30 no 345 Shepperton Ian Allan February 1969 p 93 Elliot Cognet British Rail Class 31 Diesel Locomotive rail co uk Cognet Retrieved 14 November 2020 a b Marsden Colin J Timms Michael Pigott Nick November 1997 Slugs Skuds and Skinheads The Railway Magazine Vol 143 no 1159 London IPC Magazines p 63 ISSN 0033 8923 Whittaker Nicholas 6 August 2015 Platform Souls The Trainspotter as 20th Century Hero London UK Icon Books Limited ISBN 9781848319905 Retrieved 14 November 2020 a b 31150 1975 10 05 Doncaster Works RailOnline Retrieved 6 February 2016 Hoole Ken 1982 Trains in Trouble Vol 3 Redruth Atlantic Books p 48 ISBN 978 0 906899 05 2 HM Railways Inspectorate Report on the Collision that occurred on 25th February 1979 between Hilsea and Fratton in the Southern Region British Railways PDF Railways Archive Retrieved 17 February 2015 Vaughan Adrian 1989 Obstruction Danger Wellingborough Patrick Stephens Limited pp 240 48 ISBN 978 1 85260 055 6 Earnshaw Alan 1991 Trains in Trouble Vol 7 Penryn Atlantic Books p 45 ISBN 978 0 906899 50 2 Hall Stanley Railway Disasters cause and effect p page needed British Railways Locoshed Book 1974 edition Shepperton Ian Allan 1974 pp 22 24 ISBN 0 7110 0558 3 Eastern Rail Services Eastern Rail Services a b c Pritchard 2022 p 29 Heritage railway buys locomotive to restore to former glory Eastern Daily Press 4 August 2020 Search UKLocos Database amp Display Scrapped Locos Details uklocos com Retrieved 12 August 2020 Network Rail gives 120 hours to bid for 50 year old diesels 31 July 2015 a b Clinnick Richard 3 August 2018 NR offers its final Class 31s for sale Rail Shahrabi Ben 16 September 2023 Maldon District Prog rock legend Rick Wakeman to unveil Radio Caroline locomotive at Mangapps Railway Museum Maldon Nub News Retrieved 1 October 2023 Shahrabi Ben 8 October 2023 WATCH A great day for fans of rail radio and rock Rick Wakeman unveils Radio Caroline train at Burnham museum Maldon Nub News Retrieved 14 October 2023 Dean Forest s 31 4 moves to NYMR Rail Express 18 July 2023 32106 BR Database Complete BR Locomotive Database 1948 1997 BRDatabase info Retrieved 26 October 2020 Madden Steven 3 November 2006 Photography No 60 The Railway Herald The Railway Herald Duggan Jamie 10 May 2020 Class 31 locomotive joins Wensleydale Railway home fleet RailAdvent Retrieved 25 June 2020 31 270 Athena Didcot Railway Centre Retrieved 20 September 2023 wnxx com News Archive February 2007 4 February 2007 Archived 28 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine BBC NewsOne dead in train crossing crash 2 February 2007 The Railway Herald Network Rail stage level crossing crash accident pdf file gt 4MB BBC News Top Gear screens train crash item 25 February 2007 fotopic net todaysrailways fotopic net BBC News One dead in level crossing crash 1 March 2007 Hornby BR Class 31 Hornby Railways Collector Guide Retrieved 1 February 2020 Accurascale 2 Brush up with BR Class 30 and 31 Brush 2 in 00 4mm Accurascale 23 February 2022 Sources edit Pritchard Robert 2022 British Railways locomotives and coaching stock 2022 Sheffield Platform 5 ISBN 978 1 909431 97 3 Stevens Stratten S W Carter R S 1978 British Rail Main Line Diesels Shepperton Ian Allan Ltd ISBN 978 0 7110 0617 1 Strickland David C September 1983 Locomotive Directory Every Single One There Has Ever Been Camberley Diesel and Electric Group ISBN 978 0 906375 10 5 OCLC 16601890 OL 27959920M Wikidata Q105978499 Toms George 1978 Brush Diesel Locomotives 1940 78 Sheffield Turntable Publications ISBN 978 0902844483 OCLC 11213057 Williams Alan Percival David 1977 British Railways Locomotives and Multiple Units including Preserved Locomotives 1977 Shepperton Ian Allan Ltd ISBN 978 0 7110 0751 2 Further reading editCole Andrew 2016 Class 31 Locomotives Amberley Publishing ISBN 9781445657912 OCLC 932262936 Morrison Brian 1984 The Power of the Class 31s OPC ISBN 9780860930648 OCLC 656098166 Loader Martin Norris Rich 2005 Class 31 Photo File Vanguard Publications ISBN 9781900872065 McManus Michael Ultimate Allocations British Railways Locomotives 1948 1968 Wirral Michael McManus Oakley Michael 1981 BR Class 31 Diesels Bradford Barton ISBN 9780851534176 OCLC 16542541 Vaughan John 2009 Diesel Retrospective Class 31 Ian Allan ISBN 9780711032859 OCLC 267193524 Clough David 18 31 May 1989 Unsung Heroes RAIL No 96 EMAP National Publications pp 26 31 ISSN 0953 4563 OCLC 49953699 Dunn Pip 12 25 February 1997 Brush s veterans RAIL No 298 EMAP Apex Publications pp 22 26 ISSN 0953 4563 OCLC 49953699 External links edit nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to British Rail Class 31 The Class 31 Photo Gallery Class 31 gen site for photos workings Video Class 31 Photos Modelling Class 31s Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title British Rail Class 31 amp oldid 1218289748, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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