The BR Sulzer Class 45
For many years the Class 45 was the backbone of the Midland Region, and one of the most recognisable designs of the early diesel period. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES delves into the history of this solid but old-fashioned workhorse.
Just over a year old and still resplendent in BR green with small yellow warning panels, D58 (later 45043) stands at Saltley Depot in April 1963. In 1973, by then in BR blue livery, it was named The Kings Own Royal Border Regiment and was withdrawn from service in 1984. Railphotoprints.co.uk.
When the decision was taken in 1955 that the country’s railways were to drop the steam engine in favour of more modern traction it was natural that British Railways itself would get involved in diesel locomotive construction. Derby Works subsequently built one design in the highest Class C (later Type 4) power category which became better known as the Class 44. Ten of these were built as a pilot batch and even before the paint was dry and they were fully evaluated, thoughts had turned to mass production.
