When first introduced in the late 1950's the English Electric Type 1 diesels (later Class 20) often worked both freight and passenger trains single-handed. Even when operating nose first the forward visibility was no worse than the steam locos that they replaced.
I remember seeing newly built Type 1's on test from the Vulcan Foundry hauling, if I'm not mistaken, just one Stanier brake coach. ..........they didn't half shift!!
