Friday 18 May 2018

Swanage Diesel Gala Focus, 12th May 2018: 20007 + 20142


20007 was new as pilot scheme D8007, entering traffic at Devons Road (Bow) on 19th September 1957. After working on  the LMR, ScR and ER, the locomotive was withdrawn in July 1993. In preservation was kept at Cheddleton, then later at Butterley and Ruddington. Now based again at Butterley in the ownership of Michael Owen, and care of the Class 20 Locomotive Society, believed to be the oldest main line diesel locomotive working on Network Rail.

20142 SIR JOHN BETJEMAN is similarly in the ownership of Michael Owen and care of the Class 20 Locomotive Society. This locomotive was new on 21st May 1966, and withdrawn in July 1993. In preservation it has been kept at Llangollen, during which time it worked on Channel Tunnel Rail Link construction, then later at Butterley with main line access.

20007 + 20142 prepare for a departure from Swanage.

20007 + 20142 depart Swanage. On 23rd February 1992, 20007 + 20032 + 33116 were involved in a "Solent & Wessex Wanderer" tour in this area one two.

Returning nose first into Swanage.

Details of 20142 between turns at Swanage.



Approaching Harman's Cross.

Another run around at Norden.

20007 and 20142 between Swanage and Norden.

20007 is no longer mounted on pilot scheme bogies.