Virgin Class 47/57 Question.

[david1943]

I believe Virgin had 17 Class 47/57 locomotives that were withdrawn in 2003, does anyone know if any of these loco's found their way into preservation?.

David.

[swisstrains]

Hi David, former Virgin loco no.47840 "North Star" is now owned by the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group on the West Somerset Railway. It has been repainted into two-tone green livery and given its original number of D1661.
In addition to the ones that are still in service with private rail operators there might be others working on heritage lines.

[John H-T]

At present there are no Class 57 in presevation unless you count the one at West Coast Railways. As they are a TOC it is difficult to argue. Of course they do have a number of steam engines which are considered to be preserved!

There has been an article in one of the magazines recently about the 57's and the 47's that were withdrawn to produce them. I may have it but can't put my hand on it at present. I think it was probably Railway Magazine.

Best wishes,

John H-T.

[david1943]

Thank you John and John HT for your help it is most appreciated.

David

[John H-T]

David,

I have now tracked down the magazine article it was in two parts in The Railway Magazine March/April 2006. It includes a complete list of all the 47s withdrawn for conversion to 57s and full discriptions of all the sub-classes: 57/0; 57/3; & 57/6.

I'm sure you will find copies somewhere!

As far as I know they are all still in active service on the mainline with Virgin, First Great Western, West Coast, Freightliner, DRS and now Advenza Freight (see photo I posted on Saturday).

Best wishes,

John H-T.

[swisstrains]

There is also an article here which gives details of the 47 to 57 conversion project:
http://www.therailwaycentre.com/Resource_data/Class57.pdf

[John H-T]

Thanks for the link John.

Best wishes,

John H-T.