Part
of the UK National Collection, Class 40 pioneer D200 is currently
based at the National Railway Museum in
York after a period on loan the the North
Yorkshire Moors Railway. The fact
that the loco still exists was due to a massive effort by people
outside British Rail, notably Murray Brown, Howard Johnston and
other staff at 'RAIL Enthusiast' magazine. They persistently lobbied
BR to reinstate the loco to traffic after initial withdrawal in
August 1981. The loco did in fact return to service in April 1983,
after restoration as an apprentice training scheme at Toton TMD.
Please see The
Class 40 Story for more details and
photos.
Despite reinstatement to
traffic, and well deserved recognition for representing an important
historical stage in the modernisation of our railways, the
locomotive's long-term future was far from certain, as the National
Railway Museum were simply not interested in taking the loco into
the National Collection. Luckily the decision was reversed in time
after further lobbying and policy changes, and the loco was
literally driven straight into retirement at the museum, after
withdrawal from traffic on 16th April 1988 - almost 30 years to the
day after her inaugural main line service train.
D200 has operated only
occasionally since withdrawal, until its move in 2005 to the North
Yorkshire Moors Railway. The loco can often be found working the
diesel diagram at the NYMR and is also used at the line's diesel
gala.
With working
relationships and friendships formed between East Lancashire Railway
and the National
Railway Museum, D200 was first loaned to
ELR from summer 1997 to summer 1998. Main generator problems were
noted, however, during preparations for the 1997 running season.
After discussions with the NRM, main generator investigation work
was authorised, and repairs subsequently sanctioned. The lifting of
the first Class 40 power unit in preservation occurred in January
1998, enabling the generator to be removed.
The repair work was
completed along with treating and polishing faded paintwork,
restoring all-over Dark Brunswick Green, and repainting the bogies.
The loco then took part in the ELR Roaring Forties event, on 18th
April 1998, celebrating the 40th anniversary of D200's inaugural
passenger working from London Liverpool Street.
The loco made a welcome
return to ELR in 2001. Joining us for the summer season, D200
operated at both the July and September diesel events.
Operating status:
operational
Steam heat status: steam heat generator not currently certified
Livery: Dark Brunswick green
Running number: D200
© Class 40 Preservation
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