The numerous Class 25s have a rather confusing history, as within the 327 examples built there have been numerous sub-classes and individual variations, as EVAN GREEN-HUGHES explains.
The origins of the Class 25 can be traced back to the mid-1950s, at which point the country still predominantly relied on the railways for much of its internal transport. Many towns and villages still had their stations and goods yards, regularly served by local freight and passenger trains. British Railways operated a huge number of mid-powered general purpose steam locomotives which it wished to replace with diesels as part of its Modernisation Plan.
BR’s Derby Works devised a compact locomotive with a cab at each end, mounted on two four-wheel bodies and fitted with a Sulzer 1,160hp engine, which was later to become the Class 24. This design was a success and a further 151 were built based on its design.
Above: Class 25/1s 25037 and 25048 skirt through Glandyfi with the 7.50am Euston to Aberystwyth on July 21 1984. Railphotoprints.uk
