British Rail Class 24
Encyclopedia
The British Rail
Class 24 diesel locomotive
s, also known as the Sulzer Type 2, were built from 1958 to 1961. One hundred and fifty-one of these locomotives were built at Derby
, Crewe
and Darlington
, the first twenty of them as part of the British Rail 1955 Modernisation Plan. This class was used as the basis for the development of the Class 25
locomotives.
The final survivor, no. 24081, was withdrawn from Crewe depot in 1980.
6LDA28 diesel engine
- denoting 6 cylinders
; Locomotive
use; Direct fuel injection; (turbo-charged); 28 cm (11 in) bore cylinders. This was effectively an off-the-shelf purchase with small changes to bearings, injectors and some other minor items.
(BTH) RTB15656 main generator
which, in the Class 24, was rated at 735 kW, 750/525 V
and 980/1400 A
at 750 rpm. Traction motor
s, one per axle, were also by BTH being the type 137BY rated at 222 hp, 525 V, 350 A at 560 rpm connected to the axle via a 16:81 gear stepdown ratio, each force ventilated by an AEI
12.2 hp electric motor
.
with a 600 gallon water tank. The following ten locos had the similar 1750 pounds (793.8 kg) per hour type OK4616B and a reduced water capacity of 450 gallons, and this was perpetuated in the remaining production run which used the Stone Vapour 1000 pounds (453.6 kg) per hour type L4610 boiler. These variations meant that the initial batch of 20 locomotives tipped the scales at 79tons 16cwt; the following 10 locomotives slightly lower at 78 tons 14cwt; the remainder of the Class 24/0 at 77 tons; and the Class 24/1 at 73 tons exactly. During subsequent years the boilers were removed from the majority of Class 24/1 locomotives, reducing the overall weight by 2 tons. Ten locomotives (D5102–5111) had no train heating, the space being occupied by the air compressors needed for operation of the Consett iron ore trains.
, both applied by a single handle via a proportional valve. Similarly the connection for multiple working
was the standard electro-pneumatic system designated "Blue Star" with each loco bearing a small blue coloured 5-pointed star above each buffer to denote this. Also common was the provision of a door to allow staff to pass between locomotives, or between a locomotive and adjacent coach. In practice these were rarely used and were sealed shut at overhaul during the 1970s to reduce draughts in the cab.
With production reaching 151 there were some differences between batches of locos too. Ten of the initial twenty had "Athermos" pressure-lubricated plain bearing axleboxes rather than the more usual roller-bearing axleboxes. Although these remained for the life of the locos they were the only ones so fitted. Much more noticeable were D5114–D5132 which were fitted with tablet catchers on the side of the drivers cab for use on the Far North Line
from Inverness
. Also very visible were the roof-mounted headcode boxes fitted from D5114 giving an outward appearance very similar to the later Class 25
but without horn grilles.
and some Class 25s
.
. This was not unique, as 24145 had a headcode box similar to those fitted to later batches of Class 25s. In each case, this is likely to be due to collision damage repairs.
to cover for delays in the Kent Coast Electrification scheme. Here the heavy weight was not acceptable and the locos in question had to have their boilers removed before they were accepted. Later some locos had their boilers re-fitted and these examples could be found, often in tandem
with a Class 33
to provide steam heating to the coaches, the 33s only having electric train heat
(ETH).
As deliveries continued allocations were made to both the London Midland Region and Eastern Region
, and with the class becoming familiar to crews and staff around London
they were used on freight trains over the Metropolitan Widened Lines
, locos so used being fitted with London Transport tripcocks – although these were removed after closure of this route in 1971. Locos allocated to East Anglia
for use on freight soon became redundant due to the run down of freight in that region, and these were in turn moved to Wales
and Lancashire
.
Class 24s took over the "Condor" fast freight service between London (Hendon) and Glasgow (Gushetfaulds) in 1961, the train having previously been hauled by the metro-Vic Co-Bo
locos for which it is best remembered. Thus the class was also used when a second "Condor" fast overnight freight service was introduced, running from Aston to Glasgow. These were the usual motive power from its introduction on 17 January 1963 when D5082 hauled the Down train and D5083 the up train, until replaced by the first Freightliner service in 1965.
The batch D5096–D5113 were all allocated to Gateshead depot
in 1966 to replace 9F
steam locos on the Tyne Dock to Consett iron ore trains. These workings used a special design of bogie hopper wagon, and these locos had an additional compressor and associated pipework. These workings, typically with loads of around 1,000 tons, were double-headed and continued until taken over by Class 37
s in the 1970s, when these locos were reallocated to Scottish depots. Incidentally D5096 was, when delivered in January 1960, the first main line diesel locomotive to be built at Darlington Works
.
The next batch of locos, D5114–D5132, were allocated to Inverness
, and became synonymous with rail operations in the Scottish Highlands
, as did a similar batch of Class 26
locos, the two being considered interchangeable in operation. Single Class 24s operated from Inverness
on passenger and freight trains of up to 290 tons, and double-headed on trains up to 580 tons including the Royal Highlander
which was regularly made up of 16 coaches. Class 24s and Class 26s were used turn and turn about until all Class 24s allocated to Inverness were replaced by Class 26s in 1975.
The final batch of Class 24s were allocated to the London Midland Region for use on the "Western Lines" which covered North Wales
and Mid Wales
. In the latter area, particularly on the Ex-Cambrian Railway lines, Class 24s and the similar Class 25s
were the only diesel types to be found, and crews from Aberystwyth
shed were only trained on these types.
After withdrawal in 1976 two Class 24s were converted into train pre-heating units and were allocated to the Western Region
: 24054 was withdrawn in August and became TDB968008, being allocated to Newton Abbot until withdrawn in October 1982; 24142 became TDB968009 and was allocated to Landore
.
in August 1968. It had lasted exactly 8 years. The second Class 24 to be withdrawn was also as the result of an accident in Scotland, this time at Castlecary. In this case D5122, running light engine, hit a stationary DMU
at about 40 mph (17.9 m/s), the impact and subsequent fire bending the main frames and completely destroying the No.2 end. The accident happened on 9 September 1968 but despite being withdrawn the same month, the locomotive was not finally cut up until March 1971. A total of 14 Class 24s were withdrawn and scrapped without receiving their TOPS
number.
Some Class 24s were withdrawn in 1973 with the closure of the Waverley route
, which linked and Edinburgh
, but most of these were put into storage and subsequently re-entered traffic to fill gaps left by the movement of Class 25s
to cover the withdrawal of Class 22s
on the Western Region. Thus Class 24 withdrawals only started in earnest with completion of the Glasgow electrification in 1974, and re-allocation of Class 26
and Class 27
locos saw the Class 24s concentrated around various Lancashire
depots and at Carlisle
. On 27 November 1976 there were just ten Class 24s still in operational service, all allocated to Crewe Diesel Depot (depot code CD)
. However, with the reinstatement of 24082 and 24073 this number climbed to 12 by February 1977.
In January 1978 two farewell railtours were run – 24082 and 24087 hauled the Merseyside Express from London St Pancras to Liverpool and return on the 14th, and 24087 and 24133 hauled the Cambrian Coast Express from Birmingham to Aberystwyth and Barmouth on the 28th. On the latter trip, 24087 failed on the outward journey, was dumped at Machynlleth on the return journey and never worked again.
On 21 January, 24133 had also taken part in the "Farewell to the 44s" tour, providing steam heating for the coaches while 44008 Penyghent provided the motive power, on the Crewe to Chester leg of a circular tour from London.
For the summer of 1978, 6 class 24s remained in service – 24023, 035, 047, 063, 081 and 082. In May, a North Wales DMU
passenger diagram was converted to loco haulage on Mondays to Fridays, comprising the 09.42 Llandudno - Manchester, 13.30 return, 16.42 Llandudno - Crewe, 20.30 Crewe - Bangor and 22.45 Bangor-Llandudno Junction. At least 5 different class 24s were recorded on this diagram during the summer. Additionally, on Saturday 10th June, 24082 worked a Llandudno Junction – Euston relief train all the way to London due to a lack of a replacement loco at Crewe.
By January 1979, only 3 locos remained in use – 24063, 081 and 082. 24082 was withdrawn on 1 March and 24063 on 9 April, leaving 24081 the last in service. The final recorded passenger duty of a Class 24 was on 2 August 1979 when 24081 rescued 40129 at Colwyn Bay on the 18.05 Holyhead – Euston, hauling the train as far as Crewe.
Cutting up of some Class 24s was carried out at Swindon Works
on the BR Western Region
, an area which had never received an allocation of Class 24s. The first locos were 24042, 24045, 24048 and 24050 which were moved from Derby Works
in December 1975, and the last of the 67 Class 24s cut up at Swindon was 24084 in early December 1978.
The very last Class 24 to be withdrawn from operational service was 24081. This loco, allocated to Crewe Diesel Depot (CD) had been considered something of a celebrity lasting over a year after the previous withdrawal of 24063 on 9 April 1979. 24081 was finally withdrawn in October 1980 having worked its last revenue earning train, the 05.43 Grange - Shotwick freight on 7 January 1980, and then making guest appearances at Nuneaton, Crewe Works Open Day, and Southport.
.
D5122 was involved in a serious accident at Castlecary in 1968.
5028 was involved in the Chester General rail crash
in 1972.
British Rail
British Railways , which from 1965 traded as British Rail, was the operator of most of the rail transport in Great Britain between 1948 and 1997. It was formed from the nationalisation of the "Big Four" British railway companies and lasted until the gradual privatisation of British Rail, in stages...
Class 24 diesel locomotive
Diesel locomotive
A diesel locomotive is a type of railroad locomotive in which the prime mover is a diesel engine, a reciprocating engine operating on the Diesel cycle as invented by Dr. Rudolf Diesel...
s, also known as the Sulzer Type 2, were built from 1958 to 1961. One hundred and fifty-one of these locomotives were built at Derby
Derby Works
The Midland Railway Locomotive Works, known locally as "the loco" comprised a number of British manufacturing facilities in Derby building locomotives and, initially, rolling stock in Derby, UK.-Early days:...
, Crewe
Crewe Works
Crewe railway works is a British railway engineering facility built in 1840 by the Grand Junction Railway. It is located in the town of Crewe, in the county of Cheshire....
and Darlington
Darlington Works
Darlington railway works, known in the town as North Road Shops, was built in 1863 by the Stockton and Darlington Railway in the town of Darlington in the north east of England.-NER History:The first new locomotive was built at the works in 1864...
, the first twenty of them as part of the British Rail 1955 Modernisation Plan. This class was used as the basis for the development of the Class 25
British Rail Class 25
The British Rail Class 25 diesel locomotives were also known as Sulzer Type 2 and nicknamed Rats, as it was alleged they could be seen everywhere in Britain, and hence were "as common as rats"...
locomotives.
The final survivor, no. 24081, was withdrawn from Crewe depot in 1980.
Engine
The main power for the Class 24 was the SulzerSulzer (manufacturer)
Sulzer Ltd. is a Swiss industrial engineering and manufacturing firm, founded by Salomon Sulzer-Bernet in 1775 and established as Sulzer Brothers Ltd. in 1834 in Winterthur, Switzerland. Today it is a publicly owned company with international subsidiaries...
6LDA28 diesel engine
Diesel engine
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...
- denoting 6 cylinders
Cylinder (engine)
A cylinder is the central working part of a reciprocating engine or pump, the space in which a piston travels. Multiple cylinders are commonly arranged side by side in a bank, or engine block, which is typically cast from aluminum or cast iron before receiving precision machine work...
; Locomotive
Locomotive
A locomotive is a railway vehicle that provides the motive power for a train. The word originates from the Latin loco – "from a place", ablative of locus, "place" + Medieval Latin motivus, "causing motion", and is a shortened form of the term locomotive engine, first used in the early 19th...
use; Direct fuel injection; (turbo-charged); 28 cm (11 in) bore cylinders. This was effectively an off-the-shelf purchase with small changes to bearings, injectors and some other minor items.
Transmission
The diesel engine powered another off-the-shelf product, the British Thomson-HoustonBritish Thomson-Houston
British Thomson-Houston was a British engineering and heavy industrial company, based at Rugby, Warwickshire, England. They were known primarily for their electrical systems and steam turbines. They were merged with the similar Metropolitan-Vickers company in 1928, but the two maintained their own...
(BTH) RTB15656 main generator
Electrical generator
In electricity generation, an electric generator is a device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. A generator forces electric charge to flow through an external electrical circuit. It is analogous to a water pump, which causes water to flow...
which, in the Class 24, was rated at 735 kW, 750/525 V
Volt
The volt is the SI derived unit for electric potential, electric potential difference, and electromotive force. The volt is named in honor of the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta , who invented the voltaic pile, possibly the first chemical battery.- Definition :A single volt is defined as the...
and 980/1400 A
Ampere
The ampere , often shortened to amp, is the SI unit of electric current and is one of the seven SI base units. It is named after André-Marie Ampère , French mathematician and physicist, considered the father of electrodynamics...
at 750 rpm. Traction motor
Traction motor
Traction motor refers to an electric motor providing the primary rotational torque of a machine, usually for conversion into linear motion ....
s, one per axle, were also by BTH being the type 137BY rated at 222 hp, 525 V, 350 A at 560 rpm connected to the axle via a 16:81 gear stepdown ratio, each force ventilated by an AEI
Associated Electrical Industries
Associated Electrical Industries was a British holding company formed in 1928 through the merger of the British Thomson-Houston Company and Metropolitan-Vickers electrical engineering companies...
12.2 hp electric motor
Electric motor
An electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.Most electric motors operate through the interaction of magnetic fields and current-carrying conductors to generate force...
.
Train heating
The original pilot scheme locos (D5000–D5019) were fitted with a Stone Vapour type OK4646A steam heating boilerSteam generator (railroad)
Steam generator is the term used to describe a type of boiler used to produce steam for climate control and potable water heating in railroad passenger cars...
with a 600 gallon water tank. The following ten locos had the similar 1750 pounds (793.8 kg) per hour type OK4616B and a reduced water capacity of 450 gallons, and this was perpetuated in the remaining production run which used the Stone Vapour 1000 pounds (453.6 kg) per hour type L4610 boiler. These variations meant that the initial batch of 20 locomotives tipped the scales at 79tons 16cwt; the following 10 locomotives slightly lower at 78 tons 14cwt; the remainder of the Class 24/0 at 77 tons; and the Class 24/1 at 73 tons exactly. During subsequent years the boilers were removed from the majority of Class 24/1 locomotives, reducing the overall weight by 2 tons. Ten locomotives (D5102–5111) had no train heating, the space being occupied by the air compressors needed for operation of the Consett iron ore trains.
Other systems
Several of the systems within the Class 24s were standard. The braking system was the standard BR system, adopted as part of the Modernisation Plan, of locomotive air and train vacuum brakeVacuum brake
The vacuum brake is a braking system employed on trains and introduced in the mid-1860s. A variant, the automatic vacuum brake system, became almost universal in British train equipment and in those countries influenced by British practice. Vacuum brakes also enjoyed a brief period of adoption in...
, both applied by a single handle via a proportional valve. Similarly the connection for multiple working
Multiple working
Multiple working is a term used on the UK rail network to describe the practice of having more than one diesel or electric locomotive hauling a train under the control of one driver.-Terminology:...
was the standard electro-pneumatic system designated "Blue Star" with each loco bearing a small blue coloured 5-pointed star above each buffer to denote this. Also common was the provision of a door to allow staff to pass between locomotives, or between a locomotive and adjacent coach. In practice these were rarely used and were sealed shut at overhaul during the 1970s to reduce draughts in the cab.
With production reaching 151 there were some differences between batches of locos too. Ten of the initial twenty had "Athermos" pressure-lubricated plain bearing axleboxes rather than the more usual roller-bearing axleboxes. Although these remained for the life of the locos they were the only ones so fitted. Much more noticeable were D5114–D5132 which were fitted with tablet catchers on the side of the drivers cab for use on the Far North Line
Far North Line
The Far North Line is a rural railway line entirely within the Highland area of Scotland, extending from Inverness to Thurso and Wick.- Route :...
from Inverness
Inverness
Inverness is a city in the Scottish Highlands. It is the administrative centre for the Highland council area, and is regarded as the capital of the Highlands of Scotland...
. Also very visible were the roof-mounted headcode boxes fitted from D5114 giving an outward appearance very similar to the later Class 25
British Rail Class 25
The British Rail Class 25 diesel locomotives were also known as Sulzer Type 2 and nicknamed Rats, as it was alleged they could be seen everywhere in Britain, and hence were "as common as rats"...
but without horn grilles.
Liveries
The pilot scheme locomotives were delivered in overall green livery with a grey roof and black below the body. D5000 was delivered with a narrow white stripe at waist level while the remainder sported a broad white stripe at solebar level. At first green liveried locos had plain green ends, but this was changed later to small yellow warning panels, and then to full yellow end, some locos receiving these while still in green livery. At least one loco, D5005, is recorded in 1966 as having two-tone green livery applied along with the small yellow warning panel in a similar manner to Class 47sBritish Rail Class 47
The British Rail Class 47, is a class of British railway diesel-electric locomotive that was developed in the 1960s by Brush Traction. A total of 512 Class 47s were built at Crewe Works and Brush's Falcon Works, Loughborough between 1962 and 1968, which made them the most numerous class of British...
and some Class 25s
British Rail Class 25
The British Rail Class 25 diesel locomotives were also known as Sulzer Type 2 and nicknamed Rats, as it was alleged they could be seen everywhere in Britain, and hence were "as common as rats"...
.
Alterations
As with many large classes of locomotive, there were some variations during the Class 24s' lifetime, some affecting all of the class (nominally), and others just individual locos. One such locomotive was 24133, one of the last survivors of the class and easily recognised as it had different headcode boxes on each end, the standard one for the class at one end and that at the other end matching those used on the Class 27British Rail Class 27
British Rail's Class 27 comprised 69 diesel locomotives built by the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company during 1961 and 1962. They were a development of the earlier Class 26; both were originally classified as the BRCW Type 2.- Usage :...
. This was not unique, as 24145 had a headcode box similar to those fitted to later batches of Class 25s. In each case, this is likely to be due to collision damage repairs.
Operation
Initial deliveries were for operation in the Crewe and Derby areas, but fifteen of the initial twenty were diverted for use on the Southern RegionSouthern Region of British Railways
The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...
to cover for delays in the Kent Coast Electrification scheme. Here the heavy weight was not acceptable and the locos in question had to have their boilers removed before they were accepted. Later some locos had their boilers re-fitted and these examples could be found, often in tandem
Multiple working
Multiple working is a term used on the UK rail network to describe the practice of having more than one diesel or electric locomotive hauling a train under the control of one driver.-Terminology:...
with a Class 33
British Rail Class 33
The British Rail Class 33 also known as the BRCW Type 3 or Crompton is a class of Bo-Bo diesel-electric locomotives ordered in 1957 and built for the Southern Region of British Railways between 1960 and 1962....
to provide steam heating to the coaches, the 33s only having electric train heat
Head end power
Head end power or electric train supply is a rail transport term for the electrical power distribution system on a passenger train. The power source, usually a locomotive at the front or “head” of a train or a generator car, generates all the electricity used for lighting, electrical and other...
(ETH).
As deliveries continued allocations were made to both the London Midland Region and Eastern Region
Eastern Region of British Railways
The Eastern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992...
, and with the class becoming familiar to crews and staff around London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
they were used on freight trains over the Metropolitan Widened Lines
Widened Lines
The Widened Lines is the name of a group of railway routes that currently form part of the Thameslink network leading from King's Cross/St...
, locos so used being fitted with London Transport tripcocks – although these were removed after closure of this route in 1971. Locos allocated to East Anglia
East Anglia
East Anglia is a traditional name for a region of eastern England, named after an ancient Anglo-Saxon kingdom, the Kingdom of the East Angles. The Angles took their name from their homeland Angeln, in northern Germany. East Anglia initially consisted of Norfolk and Suffolk, but upon the marriage of...
for use on freight soon became redundant due to the run down of freight in that region, and these were in turn moved to Wales
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
and Lancashire
Lancashire
Lancashire is a non-metropolitan county of historic origin in the North West of England. It takes its name from the city of Lancaster, and is sometimes known as the County of Lancaster. Although Lancaster is still considered to be the county town, Lancashire County Council is based in Preston...
.
Class 24s took over the "Condor" fast freight service between London (Hendon) and Glasgow (Gushetfaulds) in 1961, the train having previously been hauled by the metro-Vic Co-Bo
British Rail Class 28
The British Rail Class 28 diesel locomotives, or 'Metrovicks' as they were popularly known, were built as part of the British Railways 1955 Modernisation Plan. The locomotives had a Co-Bo wheel arrangement – unique in British Railways practice though not uncommon in other countries, notably Japan...
locos for which it is best remembered. Thus the class was also used when a second "Condor" fast overnight freight service was introduced, running from Aston to Glasgow. These were the usual motive power from its introduction on 17 January 1963 when D5082 hauled the Down train and D5083 the up train, until replaced by the first Freightliner service in 1965.
The batch D5096–D5113 were all allocated to Gateshead depot
Gateshead TMD
Gateshead TMD was a railway Traction Maintenance Depot situated in Gateshead, England. The depot was closed in 1991. The depot code was 52A during the steam era and GD later on.-External links:*An of the depot site.*-References:...
in 1966 to replace 9F
BR standard class 9F
The British Railways BR Standard Class 9F 2-10-0 is a class of steam locomotive designed for British Railways by Robert Riddles. The Class 9F was the last in a series of standardised locomotive classes designed for British Railways during the 1950s, and was intended for use on fast, heavy freight...
steam locos on the Tyne Dock to Consett iron ore trains. These workings used a special design of bogie hopper wagon, and these locos had an additional compressor and associated pipework. These workings, typically with loads of around 1,000 tons, were double-headed and continued until taken over by Class 37
British Rail Class 37
The British Rail Class 37 is a diesel-electric locomotive. Also known as the English Electric Type 3, the Class was ordered as part of the British Rail modernisation plan....
s in the 1970s, when these locos were reallocated to Scottish depots. Incidentally D5096 was, when delivered in January 1960, the first main line diesel locomotive to be built at Darlington Works
Darlington Works
Darlington railway works, known in the town as North Road Shops, was built in 1863 by the Stockton and Darlington Railway in the town of Darlington in the north east of England.-NER History:The first new locomotive was built at the works in 1864...
.
The next batch of locos, D5114–D5132, were allocated to Inverness
Inverness TMD
Inverness TMD is a railway Traction Maintenance Depot situated in Inverness, Scotland. The depot, visible from Inverness Station, is operated by First ScotRail...
, and became synonymous with rail operations in the Scottish Highlands
Scottish Highlands
The Highlands is an historic region of Scotland. The area is sometimes referred to as the "Scottish Highlands". It was culturally distinguishable from the Lowlands from the later Middle Ages into the modern period, when Lowland Scots replaced Scottish Gaelic throughout most of the Lowlands...
, as did a similar batch of Class 26
British Rail Class 26
The British Rail Class 26 diesel locomotives, also known as the BRCW Type 2, were built by the Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Company at Smethwick in 1958-59. Forty seven examples were built, and the last were withdrawn from service in 1993...
locos, the two being considered interchangeable in operation. Single Class 24s operated from Inverness
Inverness
Inverness is a city in the Scottish Highlands. It is the administrative centre for the Highland council area, and is regarded as the capital of the Highlands of Scotland...
on passenger and freight trains of up to 290 tons, and double-headed on trains up to 580 tons including the Royal Highlander
Royal Highlander
The Royal Highlander was a named passenger train travelling between London, England and Inverness, Scotland....
which was regularly made up of 16 coaches. Class 24s and Class 26s were used turn and turn about until all Class 24s allocated to Inverness were replaced by Class 26s in 1975.
The final batch of Class 24s were allocated to the London Midland Region for use on the "Western Lines" which covered North Wales
North Wales
North Wales is the northernmost unofficial region of Wales. It is bordered to the south by the counties of Ceredigion and Powys in Mid Wales and to the east by the counties of Shropshire in the West Midlands and Cheshire in North West England...
and Mid Wales
Mid Wales
Mid Wales is the name given to the central region of Wales. The Mid Wales Regional Committee of the National Assembly for Wales covered the counties of Ceredigion and Powys and the area of Gwynedd that had previously been the district of Meirionydd. A similar definition is used by the BBC...
. In the latter area, particularly on the Ex-Cambrian Railway lines, Class 24s and the similar Class 25s
British Rail Class 25
The British Rail Class 25 diesel locomotives were also known as Sulzer Type 2 and nicknamed Rats, as it was alleged they could be seen everywhere in Britain, and hence were "as common as rats"...
were the only diesel types to be found, and crews from Aberystwyth
Aberystwyth
Aberystwyth is a historic market town, administrative centre and holiday resort within Ceredigion, Wales. Often colloquially known as Aber, it is located at the confluence of the rivers Ystwyth and Rheidol....
shed were only trained on these types.
Departmental use
In November 1975, 24061 was transferred to BRs research department based at Derby Works, and was allocated the number RDB968007. This loco was subsequently renumbered as 97201 and was finally withdrawn in 1987-88, the last Class 24 to be operational on BR.After withdrawal in 1976 two Class 24s were converted into train pre-heating units and were allocated to the Western Region
Western Region of British Railways
The Western Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992...
: 24054 was withdrawn in August and became TDB968008, being allocated to Newton Abbot until withdrawn in October 1982; 24142 became TDB968009 and was allocated to Landore
Landore TMD
Landore TMD is a railway Traction Maintenance Depot situated in Landore, near Swansea, Wales. The depot is operated by First Great Western and is used to service their fleet of Class 43 High Speed Trains. The depot code is LE.-References:...
.
Withdrawal
The very first Class 24 to be withdrawn was in November 1967 when a fire broke out on D5051 while it was working a train of empty coal wagons in Scotland. The damage was too severe for it to be repaired, and it was cut up at InverurieInverurie Locomotive Works
Inverurie Locomotive Works was built in 1903 by the Great North of Scotland Railway in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.- History :The Great North of Scotland Railway constructed its locomotive construction and repair works on a site at Inverurie north west of Aberdeen, adjoining the line to...
in August 1968. It had lasted exactly 8 years. The second Class 24 to be withdrawn was also as the result of an accident in Scotland, this time at Castlecary. In this case D5122, running light engine, hit a stationary DMU
Diesel multiple unit
A diesel multiple unit or DMU is a multiple unit train consisting of multiple carriages powered by one or more on-board diesel engines. They may also be referred to as a railcar or railmotor, depending on country.-Design:...
at about 40 mph (17.9 m/s), the impact and subsequent fire bending the main frames and completely destroying the No.2 end. The accident happened on 9 September 1968 but despite being withdrawn the same month, the locomotive was not finally cut up until March 1971. A total of 14 Class 24s were withdrawn and scrapped without receiving their TOPS
TOPS
Total Operations Processing System, or TOPS, is a computer system for managing the locomotives and rolling stock owned by a rail system...
number.
Some Class 24s were withdrawn in 1973 with the closure of the Waverley route
Waverley Line
The Waverley Line is an abandoned double track railway line that ran south from Edinburgh in Scotland through Midlothian and the Scottish Borders to Carlisle in England. It was built by the North British Railway Company; the first section, from Edinburgh to Hawick opened in 1849. The final section,...
, which linked and Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
, but most of these were put into storage and subsequently re-entered traffic to fill gaps left by the movement of Class 25s
British Rail Class 25
The British Rail Class 25 diesel locomotives were also known as Sulzer Type 2 and nicknamed Rats, as it was alleged they could be seen everywhere in Britain, and hence were "as common as rats"...
to cover the withdrawal of Class 22s
British Rail Class 22
The British Rail Class 22 or "Baby Warship" was a class of diesel-hydraulic locomotives designed for the Western Region of British Railways and built by the North British Locomotive Company. They were very similar in appearance to the Class 21 diesel-electrics...
on the Western Region. Thus Class 24 withdrawals only started in earnest with completion of the Glasgow electrification in 1974, and re-allocation of Class 26
British Rail Class 26
The British Rail Class 26 diesel locomotives, also known as the BRCW Type 2, were built by the Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Company at Smethwick in 1958-59. Forty seven examples were built, and the last were withdrawn from service in 1993...
and Class 27
British Rail Class 27
British Rail's Class 27 comprised 69 diesel locomotives built by the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company during 1961 and 1962. They were a development of the earlier Class 26; both were originally classified as the BRCW Type 2.- Usage :...
locos saw the Class 24s concentrated around various Lancashire
Lancashire
Lancashire is a non-metropolitan county of historic origin in the North West of England. It takes its name from the city of Lancaster, and is sometimes known as the County of Lancaster. Although Lancaster is still considered to be the county town, Lancashire County Council is based in Preston...
depots and at Carlisle
Carlisle Kingmoor TMD
Carlisle Kingmoor TMD is a railway Traction Maintenance Depot situated in Carlisle, England. The depot is operated by the Direct Rail Services . The depot was originally used to service Diesel Locomotives and Diesel Multiple Units. The current depot code is KM...
. On 27 November 1976 there were just ten Class 24s still in operational service, all allocated to Crewe Diesel Depot (depot code CD)
Crewe Diesel TMD
Crewe Diesel Traction Maintenance Depot or Crewe Diesel TMD was a diesel-electric locomotive Traction Maintenance Depot situated to the south of and visible from Crewe railway station. The depot is owned by EWS. The depot code is CD...
. However, with the reinstatement of 24082 and 24073 this number climbed to 12 by February 1977.
In January 1978 two farewell railtours were run – 24082 and 24087 hauled the Merseyside Express from London St Pancras to Liverpool and return on the 14th, and 24087 and 24133 hauled the Cambrian Coast Express from Birmingham to Aberystwyth and Barmouth on the 28th. On the latter trip, 24087 failed on the outward journey, was dumped at Machynlleth on the return journey and never worked again.
On 21 January, 24133 had also taken part in the "Farewell to the 44s" tour, providing steam heating for the coaches while 44008 Penyghent provided the motive power, on the Crewe to Chester leg of a circular tour from London.
For the summer of 1978, 6 class 24s remained in service – 24023, 035, 047, 063, 081 and 082. In May, a North Wales DMU
Diesel multiple unit
A diesel multiple unit or DMU is a multiple unit train consisting of multiple carriages powered by one or more on-board diesel engines. They may also be referred to as a railcar or railmotor, depending on country.-Design:...
passenger diagram was converted to loco haulage on Mondays to Fridays, comprising the 09.42 Llandudno - Manchester, 13.30 return, 16.42 Llandudno - Crewe, 20.30 Crewe - Bangor and 22.45 Bangor-Llandudno Junction. At least 5 different class 24s were recorded on this diagram during the summer. Additionally, on Saturday 10th June, 24082 worked a Llandudno Junction – Euston relief train all the way to London due to a lack of a replacement loco at Crewe.
By January 1979, only 3 locos remained in use – 24063, 081 and 082. 24082 was withdrawn on 1 March and 24063 on 9 April, leaving 24081 the last in service. The final recorded passenger duty of a Class 24 was on 2 August 1979 when 24081 rescued 40129 at Colwyn Bay on the 18.05 Holyhead – Euston, hauling the train as far as Crewe.
Cutting up of some Class 24s was carried out at Swindon Works
Swindon Works
Swindon railway works were built by the Great Western Railway in 1841 in Swindon in the English county of Wiltshire.-History:In 1835 Parliament approved the construction of a railway between London and Bristol. Its Chief Engineer was Isambard Kingdom Brunel.From 1836, Brunel had been buying...
on the BR Western Region
Western Region of British Railways
The Western Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992...
, an area which had never received an allocation of Class 24s. The first locos were 24042, 24045, 24048 and 24050 which were moved from Derby Works
Derby Works
The Midland Railway Locomotive Works, known locally as "the loco" comprised a number of British manufacturing facilities in Derby building locomotives and, initially, rolling stock in Derby, UK.-Early days:...
in December 1975, and the last of the 67 Class 24s cut up at Swindon was 24084 in early December 1978.
The very last Class 24 to be withdrawn from operational service was 24081. This loco, allocated to Crewe Diesel Depot (CD) had been considered something of a celebrity lasting over a year after the previous withdrawal of 24063 on 9 April 1979. 24081 was finally withdrawn in October 1980 having worked its last revenue earning train, the 05.43 Grange - Shotwick freight on 7 January 1980, and then making guest appearances at Nuneaton, Crewe Works Open Day, and Southport.
Preservation
Four locomotives have been preserved.| Numbers (current in bold) |
Name | Livery | Location | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D5032 | 24032 | - | Helen Turner | BR Green | North Yorkshire Moors Railway North Yorkshire Moors Railway The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a heritage railway in North Yorkshire, England. First opened in 1836 as the Whitby and Pickering Railway, the railway was planned in 1831 by George Stephenson as a means of opening up trade routes inland from the then important seaport of Whitby. The line... |
- |
| D5054 | 24054 | - | PHIL SOUTHERN | BR Green | East Lancashire Railway East Lancashire Railway The East Lancashire Railway is a heritage railway in Lancashire and Greater Manchester, England.-Overview:After formal closure by British Rail in 1982, the line was reopened on 25 July 1987. The initial service operated between Bury and Ramsbottom, via Summerseat. In 1991 the service was extended... |
Ex-TDB 968008 97202. |
| D5061 | 24061 | 97201 | Experiment | BR Green | North Yorkshire Moors Railway North Yorkshire Moors Railway The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a heritage railway in North Yorkshire, England. First opened in 1836 as the Whitby and Pickering Railway, the railway was planned in 1831 by George Stephenson as a means of opening up trade routes inland from the then important seaport of Whitby. The line... |
Ex-RDB 968007. |
| D5081 | 24081 | - | - | BR Blue | Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway is a volunteer-run heritage railway on the Gloucestershire/Worcestershire/Warwickshire Borders that has reopened the closed railway line between Laverton Halt and Cheltenham Racecourse railway stations in Gloucestershire/Worcestershire., it currently... |
Final locomotive withdrawn from traffic in 1980. |
Accidents
D5002 was involved in the 1967 Stechford rail crashStechford rail crash
The Stechford rail crash occurred on 28 February 1967 at Stechford railway station in the area of Stechford in Birmingham, England.A Class 24 diesel locomotive had arrived at Stechford sidings with a ballast train. This was due to return to Nuneaton and so the locomotive needed to be run round the...
.
D5122 was involved in a serious accident at Castlecary in 1968.
5028 was involved in the Chester General rail crash
Chester General rail crash
The Chester General rail crash occurred on 8 May 1972 at Chester railway station in northwest England.-Course of events:...
in 1972.
External links
- derbysulzers.com
- Report on the crash at Castlecary on 9 September 1968