Class 47's, where would we be without them?

blackfour · Post by **blackfour** » Thu Jul 04, 2002 1:26 pm

I got rather a shock this morning, on the way into Doncaster station. Because on platfrom 4, just pulling out was Class 47 Saint Augustine hauling a dead HST 125! I ask you, where would we be, or, more appropriatly, where WILL we be, without the class 47's?

Timcourt1 · Post by **Timcourt1** » Thu Jul 04, 2002 1:37 pm

I agree,

Since the 60's despite a few? mechanical problems with them they have formed the mainstay in the UK, I think their lifespan is testimony to their effectiveness.

I always liked them as a Kid, mainly due to the fact we lived 5 miles from the brush works at peterborough and used to see new ones.

But were they a favourite with the drivers??

anyone?

madmardy · Post by **madmardy** » Thu Jul 04, 2002 1:44 pm

do they also win the record for the one class that has been remumbered more than any other. how many were originally made surely not 900

eddief · Post by **eddief** » Thu Jul 04, 2002 1:53 pm

madmardy wrote:do they also win the record for the one class that has been remumbered more than any other. how many were originally made surely not 900

I think it is more or less a tie woth class 37's as the 37's covered 37001-906 (with some gaps).

As for the class 47's in general they are a good design and served will, but I think their time has come. As much as I like them I'd prefer them to go now in a blaze of glory then in a few years and not be able to pull out of the shed. Long live 47's!!!!

blackfour · Post by **blackfour** » Thu Jul 04, 2002 2:10 pm

As far as i'm concerned, once they go, there won't be much to see any more. They are the last link with the steam age, once they go, tere will be no more. Is it right? Is it a good idea? What will they be replaced with? Personally i don't think the system will be able to manage without them, i give them a month before they need them back! What say you gents?

crepello · Post by **crepello** » Thu Jul 04, 2002 2:44 pm

There were 512 class 47s built, and 308 class 37s.

Yes, it looks like the golden age of first-generation diesel locomotives is coming to a close. Good job there are lots of them preserved! As is often the case, you don't appreciate what you have untill it's gone...

Stuart

JohnEyres · Post by **JohnEyres** » Thu Jul 04, 2002 2:45 pm

I agree once 47s leave cross country services there wont be another stranghold class around. 47s have lasted these last few years on trains they were pulling when they were built and to me are one of the last reminders of BR itslelf which lasted so long with its diesel designs which the 47 is still one of the last of the oldest.

Goingnorth · Post by **Goingnorth** » Thu Jul 04, 2002 2:47 pm

Aren't Virgin/GNER buying modified 47s in the shape of 'Thunderbird' rescue locos?

The design is not bad, they are mixed traffic locos and not really designed to be doing what they are doing now. IE running at 90-95 mph for long distances. I always liked them, they are a good loco.

I must admit I like 'proper' locos. I am a big fan of push-pull or the HST/TGV concept. I think Virgin and others would have been better going for that.

I've ridden in a few in cabs, they are not bad, but don't compare well to more modern stock. To be honest modern MU stock is generally far better in the cab then many older locos.

I don't think drivers are big fans of them, simply because there is not *that* much power and the cabs, as I said, are average.

ChrisEllis · Post by **ChrisEllis** » Thu Jul 04, 2002 4:38 pm

as i live quite near the old tinsley depot i am sort of bias, there will never be another locolike them, to achieve what they have done in their lifespan has been terific.

eddief · Post by **eddief** » Thu Jul 04, 2002 5:20 pm

goingnorth wrote:Aren't Virgin/GNER buying modified 47s in the shape of 'Thunderbird' rescue locos?

I know Virgin are buying class 57/3's (57's with ETH). As for GNER I don't know, every so often rumours crop up that GNER are going to buy either 57's or 67's. Somehow I think they will get something soon as EWS 47's won't have long left.

basildd · Post by **basildd** » Thu Jul 04, 2002 5:52 pm

Timcourt1 wrote:I agree,

Since the 60's despite a few? mechanical problems with them they have formed the mainstay in the UK, I think their lifespan is testimony to their effectiveness.

I always liked them as a Kid, mainly due to the fact we lived 5 miles from the brush works at peterborough and used to see new ones.

But were they a favourite with the drivers??

anyone?

Brush works at Peterborough? Just goes to show, you don't know the place you live!

I can vouch for many drivers when I say that in winter they were bloody awful before they sealed the headcode panels - I regularly used to be the guard on the 0340 Stratford - Southampton Maritime freightliner and in winter you usedto have to take a blanket or at the very least a copy of the times newspaper to wrap around your legs to prevent frostbite!

Apart from that, they were not bad engines. As a Power Controller and sometime Fleet Manager of the 47/7's at Eastleigh, I can say they were a bag of sh*te mechanically, but that is because we inherited all the clapped out push-pull loco's from the Glasgow - Edinburghs. I daresay some of the Stratford / Gateshead loco's were much better cared for...

basildd · Post by **basildd** » Thu Jul 04, 2002 5:54 pm

eddief wrote:
goingnorth wrote:Aren't Virgin/GNER buying modified 47s in the shape of 'Thunderbird' rescue locos?
I know Virgin are buying class 57/3's (57's with ETH). As for GNER I don't know, every so often rumours crop up that GNER are going to buy either 57's or 67's. Somehow I think they will get something soon as EWS 47's won't have long left.

its difficult to accept them as original loco's though as the power unit makes them alien!

TylerDurden · Post by **TylerDurden** » Thu Jul 04, 2002 5:55 pm

I love the 47's, they look good and are so versatile. Ive just put the finishing touches to my 3'rd 47 reskin.

(Click on the pics to get bigger versions)

I hope they keep the 47's running for a while

.

Timcourt1 · Post by **Timcourt1** » Thu Jul 04, 2002 6:27 pm

sorry, mind went for a dump, I meant brush at Loughborough

Lived there as a youngster pre teen, went on a school trip to the works when the last few were there.

Have quite an affection for the 47's

dilflat · Post by **dilflat** » Thu Jul 04, 2002 6:48 pm

I suppose what we diesel fans are experiencing at present is not dissimilar to how steam enthusiasts felt in the late sixties.

It must have been even worse for them because who at that time would have forseen the growth of the railway preservation scene and I guess they really saw it as the end.

The four track Southampton to St Denys main line runs by the bottom of my road and 47's have always been a regular sight until recently.

Just the other day this thing came past. I think it were a v*****r.

I shall be very sad to see the demise of the 47's. I shall never forget being at kings Cross as a kid and hearing a Deltic and a 47 having a "who can rev the tits off their engine and make the most row while stationary" competition.
Dave