Description
‘The British Rail Class 31 diesel locomotives, also known as the Brush Type 2 and originally as Class 30, were built by Brush Traction from 1957-62. They were numbered in two series, D5500-D5699 and D5800-D5862. Construction of the first locomotive was completed in the final week of September 1957, and the handing-over took place on 31 October. The first Class 31 entered service in November 1957, after the launch of the Class 20 locomotive and was one of the Pilot Scheme locomotives ordered by British Railways to replace steam traction. 31454 has the main benefit of being a 31/4 is electric train heating, allowing the locomotive to heat passenger trains, essential for winter train services.
314454 ‘Heart of Wessex’ recently joined Wensleydale Railway’s home fleet in 2020, with the announcement that a private individual has purchased a locomotive, Class 31/4 No.31454, which following an overhaul, will join the line’s home fleet of engines. Once COVID-19 lockdown restrictions are lifted and locomotive maintenance staff can return, an engine re-haul will begin with the aim of trying to complete 31454 ready for passenger service later this year. If all goes well, 31454 can hopefully be ready to heat Wensleydale Railway’s Polar Express trains.’
