| Between 1957 and 1962, 263 Class 30s were built by Brush Traction of Loughborough. Roughly based on a locomotive designed for export to Ceylon, they were fairly heavy for their Type 2 power rating and contained 1250hp Mirrlees JVS12T engines which began to show signs of deterioration alarmingly quickly. The problem was so serious that, merely 7 years after the prototype had entered service, an unprecedented decision was made to re-engine the entire fleet with English Electric 12SVT power units, running at a de-rated setting of 1470hp. The upgrade saw the locomotives reclassified as Class 31s, gave a greater power at rail and significantly improved reliability.
The rugged, heavyweight look of the Class was not widely liked and earned them the nickname "Gargoyles", although this is now largely considered to be a term of endearment. Their often slow acceleration (they are "only" Type 2's after all) lead to them being known as "Brians" (after the cheeky snail of Magic Roundabout fame) and "Peds" (ped-estrian or ped-al car, your choice). However, as with all things their deriders only make their fans more stoic and to this day the Class 31s retain a loyal fan base. They were a regular sight for me growing up in Manchester, with 31s largely taking over from Class 25 duties as they were withdrawn which in itself made them unpopular (you can't win!). They are sometimes unfairly compared to more powerful Classes, but an inescapable truth is that Class 31s were routinely called upon for jobs which they were not designed; working 1000ton-plus tank trains, heating lengthy rakes of carriages or hauling high speed passenger services, you name it. Yet they almost always delivered the goods. Over the years they lost their steam heat boilers and spawned numerous sub-Classes including the refurbished ETH-equipped 31/4's which I used to see frequently on Regional Railways workings. My favourites however were those from the "rough & ready" Bescot Departmental pools - they could appear anywhere in the northwest and ridiculous levels of thrash were almost guaranteed! These days both FM Rail and Network Rail have active examples on the mainline, whilst there are over 30 in preservation, most notably those restored and maintained by A1A Locomotives Limited and the Newton Heath Diesel Traction Group. More of my pictures concerning this Class may be found in various gala sections elsewhere on the site. For up-to-date info on Class 31 workings please check out my GoyleGen website: http://www.flywheelnetwork.co.uk/goylegen/ |
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