British Rail Class 31

The British Rail Class 31 diesel locomotives, also known as the Brush Type 2 and previously as Class 30, were built by Brush Traction from 1957 to 1962. 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.

Engines[]

They were originally built with Mirrlees JVS12T 1,250 bhp (930 kW) (D5500–D5519) and 1,365 bhp (1,018 kW) engines and Brush electrical equipment, but the engines were not successful and in 1964 D5677 was fitted with an English Electric 12SVT engine (similar to the 12CSVT used in the Class 37 but without an intercooler) rated at 1,470 bhp (1,100 kW). The trial proved successful, and between 1965 and 1969 the entire class was re-engined. The de-rated engine was used as it was the maximum the electrical system could accept.

Classification[]

The Mirrlees-engined locomotives were originally known as Class 30 under TOPS, with re-engined examples joining Class 31. The class was originally intended for service on the Eastern Region, but gradually became common in both the Western and London Midland regions too.

Operation[]

Initial deliveries of Class 31/0 locomotives were to Stratford depot in east London and deliveries continued with Class 31/1 locos going to the Eastern and North Eastern regions. Class 31s were first used on the Western Region in 1969 when D5535 was allocated to Old Oak Common to work Empty Coaching Stock (ECS) trains into Paddington.

Accidents and incidents[]

On 11 September 1975, 31150 was involved in a head-on collision at Corby Tunnel, with a loose brake van and coke wagons. This locomotive was the first of the class to be withdrawn.
On 3 January 1976, locomotive 31241 was hauling a parcels train when a light engine ran into its rear at Worcester Tunnel Junction. Time interval working was in force at the time.
On 25 February 1979, locomotive 31421 was hauling an engineering train that was working under a possession between Fratton and Hilsea, Hampshire. The adjacent line was open to traffic. A crane in the engineering train was foul of the other line when it was struck by a passing passenger train. One person was killed and nine were injured.
On 9 March 1986, locomotive 31436 was hauling a passenger train that was in a head-on collision with two light engines at Chinley, Derbyshire due to a signalman's error. One person was killed. Lack of training and a power cut were contributory factors.
On 20 February 1987, a freight train ran away and was derailed by trap points at North Junction, Chinley. Locomotive 31440 was hauling a train that collided with the wreckage.
On 28 October 1988 two unmanned Class 31 locos (31202 and 31226), presumably with brakes not fully applied, rolled off together along a short siding at North London's Staples Corner. After demolishing the buffer stop they ran down the embankment on to the North Circular Road, although nobody was hurt. The second loco of the pair landed on the roof of the leading one, remaining precariously balanced. They were both withdrawn after the incident.

Preservation[]

Currently preserved[]

36 members of the class have survived into preservation. This number includes both the first and last produced (31018 and 31327, respectively). There were a further 10 which have subsequently been scrapped.