Reality Check class profiles
The Brush Class 31
The Brush Type 2, better known as the Class 31, is iconic and long-lived. Read more to find out about this incredible locomotive.
Thompson's ‘A2/2s’ and ‘A2/3s’
Although the ‘Pacifics’ of the LNER are generally considered to be some of the best-looking locomotives ever built, there was one batch of locomotives that defied this rule. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES and ANDREW RODEN look into the history of the ‘A2/2s’ and ‘A2/3s’ which, while they looked ungainly, were an intelligent response to wartime pressures.
The GWR railcars
The Great Western Railway is more often remembered for its fleet of copper-capped chimney steam locomotives rather than for technological innovation - but in fact the company was amongst the first to introduce viable diesel traction, in the form of a series of self-propelled railcars, as EVAN GREEN-HUGHES explains.
Vossloh’s Class 68 diesels
Although the Class 68 has been with us for only three years, it has already amassed a considerable following. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES takes a closer look at this handsome and groundbreaking locomotive, which is set to be an industry standard for many years to come.
S&D '7F' 2-8-0s
Throughout the history of the railways there have been many small classes of locomotive designed for specific tasks but, as EVAN GREEN-HUGHES describes, few have gained the popularity of the former Somerset and Dorset '7F' 2-8-0s.
Bulleid's diesel dinosaurs
Although diesel-electric locomotives are still thought of as ‘modern traction’, pioneering models were in service more than 65 years ago, with some of the first being the Southern Region’s main line trio 10201-10203, as EVAN GREEN-HUGHES describes.
GWR '57XX' 'Pannier'
The ‘Pannier’ tank, and in particular the ‘57XX’ class, is a design which synonymous with the Great Western Railway, but although hundreds of them were constructed, they were never included in Churchward’s masterplan, as EVAN GREEN-HUGHES explains.
The BR Sulzer Class 45
For many years the Class 45 was the backbone of the Midland Region, and one of the most recognisable designs of the early diesel period. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES delves into the history of this solid but old-fashioned workhorse.
The final years of the Class 45s
While many of British Railways’ early diesel classes were failures, the Class 45s were so useful that many were upgraded and refurbished to extend their lives, as EVAN GREEN-HUGHES explains.
Direct Rail Services Class 20/3
Throughout railway history there have been many instances of obsolete equipment being repurposed for a second life, with few being as successful as the rebuilding of a small fleet of almost 40-year-old locomotives to become the Class 20/3s, as EVAN GREEN-HUGHES explains.