Stock Focus ~ 57s


57 307 receiving it's 20 year vinyl!
Today's post (Andrew) brings a Stock Focus on Class 57's.

Class 57's were re-engineered in the late 1990's and early 2000's from Class 47's. The 33 rebuilt locos have a refurbished engine and overhaul of their alternator in a bid to improve reliability.


57 312 (now facing weeks/months in repair) at Willesden.
Direct Rail Services, Great Western Railway and West Coast Railway Company all have Class 57's which have the nicknames of Thunderbirds and Body Snatchers.

Direct Rail Services has nine Class 57/0's (57002, 57003, 57004, 57007-57012 and twelve Class 57/3's (57301 - 57312,) The Class 57's are mainly used on Northern Belle charters and Nuclear Flask trains while also Class 57's have been and continue to be on RHTT duties in East Anglia.

57 605 underneath Brunel's famous London Paddington.

Great Western Railway has 4 Class 57/6's (57 602, 603, 604 and 605.) Originally painted green and gold and then blue from 2008, 3 out of 4 Class 57's have been repainted in to GWR Green livery. 57 604 is in Brunswick green livery to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Great Western Railway. The 57's are used on the
Night Riviera Services and sometimes unusual sleeper stock movements during daylight and also used on the Par to Exeter and return to Penzance (loco hauled service commencing from the Summer timetable.) GWR also has a Class 57/3 on long term loan from DRS.

Finally, WCRC purchased 57 601 way back in 2003. WCRC also purchased 3 57/0's, with two still remaining in service. In 2013, WCRC purchased 57313 - 57316 from Porterbrook (it means WCRC are the only company that can operate all 3 three Class 57 sub classes. Class 57's for WCRC are used on may Railtours/Excursions across the UK

That's it from me, I hope you enjoyed this review!.

Regards:

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