Some locos that still see main line use in 2008 first took to the rails in the late 1950s or early 1960s making them 40 to 50 years old. Quite remarkable considering they were designed in a very different era.
31190 that first entered service in 1960 as D6513 has wound the clock back to take on its original number and earlier appearence. Class 31s were originally fitted with Mirrlees engines but all were re-fitted with more powerful English Electric ones from 1965 onwards . Still making a somewhat unusual sight on 'Southern' metals D6513 heads a SERCO Test Train through West Norwood on April 22nd 2008.
Photo from James & Martin's Picture Collection Copyright 'Jampics' m.hawkes7@ntlworld.com
British and Foreign Railway Pictures Jampics Fotopic.