Wednesday 25th February 2004 marks the day that the first class 47 has reached 40 years in traffic, the loco
D1719 now 47811 actually working a First Great Western sleeper train. When they were new they would have been in a green 
livery like 47004 'Old Oak Common Traction Depot' pictured at Swindon in 1998 which was then itself the holder of
the oldest class 47 title. Still around today at its namesake the loco has we think been just cosmetically restored. 
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With the main current user of class 47s EWS deciding to cease using them as soon as possible there will be considerably
less opportunites to see them in action...but they will not be gone from the scene entirely for some time as operators like
Fragonset have restored quite a few to mainline service. This class of loco of which just over 500 were built...more than
any other BR class...has done absolutely everything and well merits these pictures of them in action taken between 1998 and 2004.
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Photo from James & Martin's Picture Collection Copyright 'Jampics' m.hawkes7@ntlworld.com 
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British and Foreign Railway Pictures <A HREF="http://jampics.fotopic.net/"> Jampics Fotopic.</a>