BR Class 47 Diesel - 47 773

Built : Brush 1964

Withdrawn : Mar 2004 (stored unserviceable)

Preserved : Mar 2007

Restored : 2007

Mainline Certified : 2007

Numbers Carried : D1755; 47 161; 47 541; 47 773

Names Carried : The Queen Mother; Reservist

Further Information : www.class47.co.uk

Images : click on an image to enlarge

This locomotive was one of the ubiquitous 'Brush Type 4' diesels, which were introduced throughout the BR network as genuine mixed-traffic engines. It was built at the Brush Falcon Works, Loughborough (other locomotives of this class were built under licence at Crewe Works) and entered traffic as No. D1755 on 14th August 1964.

In the TOPS renumbering scheme these engines became Class 47 and this locomotive was part of sub-class 47/0. It was allocated the number 47 161, however according to reports it never actually carried it. It was originally painted in the attractive dual green livery. Initially it had yellow warning panels but eventually received full yellow cab ends.

In November 1974 it was modified for electric train heating/supply and moved to sub-class 47/4 with allocated number 47 541. It was named "The Queen Mother" at Aberdeen station by Her Majesty, The Queen Mother in October 1982. This was the first occasion that a member of the Royal family had named a locomotive since the days of steam. The name plates were removed February 1991 and transferred to 47 703 (one of the elite 47/7 locomotives used on the Edinburgh-Glasgow push-pull expresses). During this period it was repainted in BR standard blue, large logo blue and then ScotRail (red stripe) liveries.

Following sectorisation and privatisation the locomotive was allocated to Rail Express Systems. It received the familiar RES red livery and was modified with RCH remote control equipment and connections to operate with mail PCV vehicles. It was renumbered to 47 773 in January 1994 although it still remained part of the 47/4 sub class. It was named "Reservist" in August 1994 at Preston Royal Mail Terminal. With the loss of the Royal Mail contract the locomotive returned to the standard EWS pool. It was repainted in the familiar EWS maroon and gold livery and regained the name "The Queen Mother" at Toton in August 2002 (inheriting it from 47 722).

It was withdrawn and stored before purchase by EMR. It was then bought by Birmingham Railway Museum Trust with the intention of returning it to the mainline on Vintage Trains excursions. After renovation it undertook a proving run on 11 October 2007. On 13th October 2007, 47 773 resplendent in two-green with small yellow warning panel headed a Vintage Trains excursion 'The Lakes Explorer' as far as Carnforth & return. Incidentally, this trip included passing through Manchester Victoria again (see photograph taken on 20 July 1968 below).

47 773 has since hauled several diesel traction tours as well as playing a supporting role on electric-hauled tours and steam tours where it adds operational flexibility.

It has regained its original livery. Will it ever be renamed? A good question!