Modern Railways Pictorial Profile, Issue 9

IN THE years following the demise of steam power on BR, traction enthusiasts gradually turned their allegiance towards the diesel and, to a lesser extent, the electric classes. The first mass enthusiasm for a modern traction type came in the mid-1970s when the Class 52 'Western' locomotives were being phased out of service; next came the demise of the Class 55 'Deltics' in the early 1980s. Such dedication shown by enthusiasts to a class then turned to the Class 40s in line with the prolonged withdrawal of the class. The once 200-strong fleet staggered on with about 20 members remaining available for service late in 1984, each example being closely followed by thousands of haulage enthusiasts, photographers and general railway observers. During autumn 1984, when Class 40s on passenger duties were practically a thing of the past, the Editor witnessed a sight at Sheffield where a crowded passenger train had the first two coaches full and standing with Class 40 enthusiasts! This alone demonstrates the immense following enjoyed by the class. The 200 locomotives were ordered from The English Electric Co Ltd as one of the Type 4 mixed traffic locomotives forming part of the BR Modernisation Plan. The design, although following basic BTC directives, was of established 'English Electric' design, incorporating the large nose or bonnet, so familiar on the builder's previous foreign types. The locomotive was large (69ft 6in in length), so as to incorporate the big EE 16-cylinder power unit with associated equipment, including a sizeable engine cooling unit and steam heating generator. But the size of the locomotives was deceptive and they looked much longer than they actually were, the nose section probably emphasising this effect. The first examples of the type were delivered in early 1958 going to the GE Section and being housed at the new purpose-built Stratford Diesel Depot in East London. By the autumn of the same year, the operating range of the class increased to include operation of the EasI Coast main line on such trains as the 'Flying Scotsman' and other prestigious duties. By 1959, the NER and LMR received allocations of the class, with Scotland following soon afterwards. Over the next 26 years, the fleet has been allocated to the Eastern, Londor Midland and Scottish Regions and on £ number of occasions Class 40s have worked to Western and Southern Regior territory. Overall, BR has been able tc count on.. an outstanding mixed traffic locomotive design.

It is hoped that this issue of Modern Railways Pictorial will provide enthusiasts with illustrations of these locomotives al work and in repose and, in so doing display them favourably and in a way that most enthusiasts will choose to remember them.

The next issue of Modern Railway Pictorial Profile No 10 will cover the development, introduction and operatior of the luxury 'Blue Pullman' diesel sets This issue will be on sale from 12 July 198' at the price of £1.25. Be sure to order your copy now!