Class 31 - The Gargoyles

1st November 2003

Between 1957 and 1962, 263 Class 30s were built by Brush Traction of Loughborough. Based loosely 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) led them to become known as "Brians" (after the cheeky snail of Magic Roundabout fame) and "Peds" (ped-estrian or ped-al car). 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were a regular sight for me growing up in Manchester, with 31s largely taking over from Class 25 duties as they were withdrawn which in itself made them unpopular (you can't win!).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 it is indisputable that Class 31s were routinely called upon to perform tasks for which they were not designed; working 1000ton-plus tank trains, heating lengthy rakes of carriages or hauling high speed long distance passenger services, you name it. Yet they almost always delivered the goods. Thanks to the gear ratio chosen for the traction motors, it's also safe to say every member of the Class broke 100mph at some point in their lives - and not necessarily downhill either!

Over the years they lost their steam heat boilers and spawned several 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 of a weekend and ridiculous levels of thrash were practically guaranteed!

With the collapse of FM Rail and subsequent cessation of ECT's rail operations, the mainline prospects for the Class look very bleak indeed with Network Rail having the monopoly over the active examples. Fortunately there remains around 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/

31018_York_NRM_050826.jpg	31106_Manchester_Piccadilly_050122.jpg	31107_Barrow_Hill_060812.jpg	31108_Crewe_Works_050910.jpg
31108_MRC_Riddings_050820-1.jpg	31108_MRC_Swanwick_050820-2.jpg	31110_Barrow_Hill_040711.jpg	31110_Barrow_Hill_060708.jpg
31119_EBA_Embsay_061029.jpg	31130_BAT_Shenton_060917.jpg	31144_Newton_Heath_060722.jpg	31233_Warrington_Bank_Quay_050617.jpg
31270_03099_PRM_Rowsley_South_080719.jpg	31270_PRM_Darley_Dale_080719.jpg	31270_PRM_Rowsley_060923.jpg	31270_PRM_Rowsley_South_080719.jpg
31271_ELR_Rawtenstall_040709-1.jpg	31271_ELR_Rawtenstall_040709-2.jpg	31327_Aviemore_050828.jpg	31412_Barrow_Hill_041010.jpg
31418_MRC_Swanwick_040403.jpg	31421_MRC_Swanwick_060624.jpg	31422_Tyseley_041218.jpg	31433_Barrow_Hill_040711.jpg