Wasn't a great fan of the 31's, much preferred a 25
.However, there was an occasion when I was on 31403 one evening. Went out to Hanslope junction to assist a failed 87 on an up express. The ETH cables were attached which in theory would reduce the power available. to my amazement we were able to reach 90mph once over the uphill at Tring. On arriving at Watford, a blue fault light came up. No loss of anything, so I put my cloth over it and carried on to Euston. On arrival, the 31 was steaming like a good 'un. I shut her down to keep the fumes down. This also helped her to cool down. When the demic. was removed, I returned to Bletchley light engine with no ill effects to the loco., and the class up a notch in my estimation.
