1963
D7568/69/70 were the first of the Class 25/2's coming from a batch of ten (D7568 - D7577) delivered from Derby commencing September, with D7568/70 headed for Toton (18A) and D7569 to Cricklewood (14A). In order to accomodate the redesign of the Class 25 bodyshell Derby had transferred the last batch of its Class 25/1's (D5223 - D5232) to Darlington, with Derby using the older style body shell for these first ten Class 25/2's before revealing the new cleaner style in the shape of D5233.

D7568 made its Corby test run on September 19th 1963, followed by D7569 on September 25th and D7570 on September 27th. On the day prior to D7570's test, Derby had sent out D8550 & D8551 to Corby for their break-in run.

During October Saltley borrowed D5390 (and later 5389/94) from Leicester and brand new D7569 for crew training. The BRCW's were used for the Washwood Heath - Whitemoor freights, previously D5403 had been loaned to March for crew training for these workings.

1964
In March D7568 was transfered to Derby (16D), followed by a move south in December to Cricklewood (14B). It would be noted at Derby Works during October.

D7570 was moved to Saltley (2E) during April whilst D7569 moved to Derby (16D) in October 10/64 then on to Cricklewood (14B) in December.

1966
D7570 was transferred to the Midland Lines during April.

D7569 was noted at Crewe Works during May and at Derby Works during October.

1967
During August Toton's boiler equipped D7568 - 7573 were sent to Leeds Holbeck (55A) in exchange for D7627 - 7632, these being used to replace steam on the Leeds - Bradford workings. An Open Day at Leeds Holbeck on September 30th, no doubt celebrating the twilight of steam in the area, especially the few remaining Jubilees, found the following Sulzer Type 2's on 'display': D5096, 5100/73/79, 5254/90, 7526/48/68-70/95 & 7625.

D7569 was noted at Derby Works during October.

1968
D7568 was at Derby Works during February.

D7569 was transferred to the Midland Lines in March, then to the Stoke Division (D05) in May and then to the Liverpool Division (D08) in November.

D7570 was moved to Springs Branch (8F) during May, no doubt as part of the final moves to end steam in the North West.

70013 was again used on an RCTS organized 'The Dalesman No 2 Railtour' on June 16th 1968. This tour departed Leeds with D7568 and nine coaches, 70013 taking over at Stansfield Hall for a run over Copy Pit and various lines between there and Carnforth. On the return D5113 replaced 70013 at Skipton for the run up the Grassington branch, the short run round loop there required a little extra shunting to complete the run round manoeuvre.

7569 was noted at Derby Works during September whilst 7570 was at Crewe during November.

Unusual visitors to Severn Tunnel Junction shed were 6512 and 7569 during December. At this time the Class 25's were not generally found west of Gloucester, the Class 33's were familiar visitors to the Exeter & Bristol areas of the WR, but not west of the Severn.

1970
7569 & 7570 were transferred the the Manchester Division (D09) during May.

1971

7568 at Leeds City July 27th 1971. Photograph courtesy Tony Sayer

1972
7569 was noted at Derby Works during February.

7569 changed regions during January when it was moved to Bristol (82A), by May it had been reallocated to Cardiff (86A) 5/72, 7568 Moved to the Nottingham Division (D16) in August, whilst 7570 went to the London Division (D01) in September.

On February 23rd the 10.00 Liverpool - Newcastle was noted at Huddersfield with 1551 piloting 7570!

During the 1970's transfers again reflected specific variants rather than block number manouevres. This was true of the WR transfers during the run down of the diesel hydraulic fleet. D5179 - 5182 went to Ebbw Vale in 1970 to be tested in multiple on the 63 mile Port Talbot - Ebbw Vale iron ore trains, which included the six mile 1 in 80 gradient between Aberbeeg and Ebbw Vale, often requiring a restart at Aberbeeg. These services highlighted known weaknesses with the Class 25's traction motors especially when worked in multiple. The 25/1 & 2 subclasses had field weakening controlled by the engine governor and main generator field strength whilst the 25/3 subclass had speed induced field weakening. Should a trailing unit have improperly functioning field weakening it was possible for the motors to sustain major damage without the driver's knowledge. In addition the margin between the continuous and short time ratings for the motors was minimal. Remedies for this involved strict maintenance, driver education, avoiding mixing 25/3's with earlier machines or reducing trailing loads if that happened. As a result on these workings the 25/1's had their maximum tonnage reduced from 930 tons to 810 tons. Tests using 7569 & 7676 in June and October 1972 specifically identified the sub-class variations as the main weakness. This was especially true in the field divert relays and their poor adjustment. Other areas of concern were faulty traction motor blowers, overly high engine governor settings, load regulator switches failing in the closed position, thus giving fluctuations and excessive current. On the similarly heavy Tunstead - Northwich limestone trains a heavy toll was taken on the traction motors. During the 1970's traction motors were failing

Cross-London workings continued to be frequently worked by Class 25's, noted on June 20th & 21st were 5277 & 7568 on the Toton - Southfleet coal train. The Nottingham Division (D16) became 7568's new home in August.

A Nottingham - Altrincham football special on November 18th featured 5223 & 7568.

1973
7570 was transfered to the Nottingham Division (D16) during March, the following month it was noted at Derby Works.

1974
25220 was transferred back to Bristol in May.

25219 was transferred to Laira during October.

25218 received an overhaul at Crewe Works from November 1974 to January 1975.

1975
25219 moved to Bristol during May.

25220 was at Derby Works during June & July.

During July 25220 was transferred to Laira and being boiler equipped it would see much use on local passenger workings in the area, particularly those originating from Exeter.

August 30th saw 25220 stationed at Par to provide assistance to the heavy summer trains working over the Newquay branch. Assistance was given to the 08.45 Newquay - Manchester behind 45010, returning with 1063 & twelve coaches prior to both working the 13.22 Newquay - Paddington.

During November 25219 moved west to Cardiff.

1976

	25218 & 25258 at Sands Road Crossing, Paignton on February 11th 1976. Photograph collection of Ian Hammond
	25218 motors south at Ford Lane (Breadsall Crossing) on April 16th, 1976. This was probably the closest the railway came to my home, so many a Saturday afternoon was spent here. Getting there by bike was easy, it was all downhill, it was the trip home that was the gruelling slog. The arrival of the Abbey Hill Link Road (A38/A61 connection) returned this once busy crossing to its former quiet slumbers, although views to the south were marred by the new bridge & the huge embankment.
	25220 at Exeter on June 14th 1976.

On April 17th an Alfreton - Yarmouth excursion was hauled by 25076 & 25218.

Christmas at Tyne Yard found 25063 & 25220 (both LA) laying over after they worked the 3E07 21.40 Bristol - Sunderland parcels of December 23rd.

1977
During April 25220 made at least a couple of trips over the Crewe - Cardiff route being so noted on April 2nd & April 30th.

On April 29th 25218 worked a four coach Nottingham - Harwich special, then running as ecs to Cambridge to become the 1Z69 13.30 special to Nottingham on May 1st. The early part of June proved to be a busy time for 25218 on passenger workings. On June 4th it was coupled to 25269 working a round trip over the Derby - Yarmouth route. Overnight 25269 was replaced by 25184 and for the next four days this pair of Class 25's covered the Leicester - Skegness or Derby - Skegness circuit. 25219 had also been busy on passenger work at this time over the Crewe - Cardiff route being noted on May 28th, June 6th & 8th.

25219 at Cardiff on May 23rd 1977.

With 1977 being the Jubilee Year for Queen Elizabeth II, the monarch and family made many public appearances, making considerable use of the new Royal Train. A visit to Stockport on June 21st ended with the Royal Train utilised for the journey to Porthmadog. The running west of Shrewsbury was handled by 25221 & 25222. After staying overnight at Porthmadog the train ran to Harlech, where the Royal Family took to road transport. From Harlech the ecs was taken forward by 25218. Also noted in the area was 25220 & 25029 on July 3rd working the 08.45 Birmingham New Street - Barmouuth and 17.30 return.

Photograph courtesy Pat Webb25218 at Portmadoc on June 22nd 1977, the Royal Train pilot locomotive.

During July 25219 would continue its workings over the Crewe - Cardiff route being noted on July 8th, 13th and 24th. Interestingly 25220 was also working over this route on July 8th. Elsewhere on July 30th 25218 & 25175 busy working a round trip Derby - Yarmouth service.

25219 was in charge of August 8th's 2V67 Cardiff - Crewe.

25220 was at Derby Works from October to December.

During the third week of October 25218 was noted working passenger services over the Crewe - Cardiff route (15th & 16th).

Late in the year all three machines were transferred - 25219 & 25220 moved to Crewe during November whilst 25218 moved to Cricklewood during December.

25218 at York December 11th 1977. Photograph courtesy Tony Sayer

1978

25220 cabs at Derby on March 18th 1978, presumably having been removed during its last repair. Photograph courtesy Tony Sayer.

May 30th found 25219 expiring on the 15.08 Cardiff - Crewe, with 37292 assisting at Hereford. By at least June 3rd it was back on the Crewe - Cardiff circuit.

The 09.19 Manchester Piccadilly - Yarmouth and 09.15 opposite working on June 10th were worked by 25218 & 25130 over the Manchester - Lincoln legs of this service. 25220 was back on the Crewe - Cardiff route on June 24th whilst during the third week of July it was noted on 19th, 20th & 25th over this route.

On August 15th 25220 made two round trips on Manchester - Bangor workings. Three days later 25219 was back working on the Crewe - Cardiff line, by month end (30th) it was coupled to 25163 working the 08.40 Leicester - Skegness and 18.30 return.

The first week or so of September was a particularly busy time for 25220. It started out with a Crewe - Holyhead working on September 1st, two days later it was on an unidentified NE/SW working at least between Derby & York. Between 4th & 9th it worked numerous passenger turns over the North Wales mainline between Manchester Victoria/Crewe and Llandudno Town/Bangor.

25219 paid a number of visits to the Crewe - Cardiff line during the autumn being noted on passenger workings on September 9th & October 12th. 25220 was noted on this route on October 1st.

October 21st, 1978 finds 25218 & 25208 at the north end of Derby Station having arrived from St Pancras with the DAA/DEG 'Lindisfarne' railtour. The Type 2's were replaced by 40013 & 40015 for haulage as far as Carlisle. The return trip ran into a series of problems south of Sharnbrook.

1979
New Year's Day opened with 25220 on an evening Crewe - Cardiff, a route over which 25220 would appear from time to time throughout 1979.

An intermediate repair was carried out for 25218 at Derby during March & April. On April 14th 25040 & ex works 25218 powered a Euston - Pwllheli excursion onward from Wolverhampton, 25218 was removed at Machynlleth after failing en-route. 25040 made the round trip to Pwllheli alone, but gained 25122 from Machynlleth for the return trip to Wolverhampton. Interestingly 46011 was added at Shrewsbury, reportedly for heating purposes!

25218 was back on the Cambrian on June 9th, this time attached to 25212 working the 10.10 ex Euston forward from Birmingham New Street & returning with the 16.10 to Shrewsbury. At month end 25219 was noted on an early morning Crewe - Cardiff working.

On July 3rd the 08.12 Leeds - Birmingham featured 25220 & 31216 which returned north on the 09.58 Weymouth - Leeds!

More time was spent by 25219 on the Cardiff - Crewe route during early August, being noted on 2nd & 3rd, on the latter day it required the assistance of 25216 north of Hereford. During the middle of September it was again back to the regular haunts of the Crewe - Cardiff line on 14th & 15th.

1980
On March 5th 25220 worked the 10.15 Birmingham New Street - Norwich and return. By March 10th 25220 was back on the Crewe - Cardiff workings and would remain a frequent visitor to this route throughout 1980.

On March 19th 25218 received a crushed cab in a shunting incident at Stonebridge Park. At this time such damage could easily have led to the withdrawal of the locomotive but repairs were sanctioned. Due to a general Works backlog that which included Derby & Glasgow, this unclassified repair was sent to Swindon Works, with 25218 spending March - August undergoing repair. Whilst under repair at Swindon the locomotive was transferred to Kingmoor.

25218 & PWM652 rest at Swindon Works, August 8th 1980. 25218 was one of the few class 25's to receive repairs at Swindon, required after receiving a crushed cab at Stonebridge Park.

May 31st found 25219 & 25127 working out on the Walsall - Yarmouth as far as Norwich, returning from there with the Yarmouth - Derby.

June 23rd saw 25220 & 25245 haul the eight coach 10.00 Crewe - Cardiff service.

25219 worked a round trip Manchester Victoria - Bangor working on November 18th.

During November 25218 was at Derby for rectification work. By month end it was out and about on 30th's 13.45 Glasgow - Carlisle produced 25218.

Pre-Christmas travellers on December 23rd had the delights of 25219 & 25043 on the 14.45 Holyhead - Crewe relief.

1981
New Year's Day found 25220 active on the Cardiff - Crewe route, where it would be frequently seen until the Class 25's were removed from this service at the end of May.

25219 was very active on the Crewe - Cardiff services during the first four months of 1981, highlights included a double headed service with 47254 on February 5th and its failure at Pontypool on April 25th with the 16.02 Crewe - Cardiff, rescue arriving in the shape of 37218.

On May 4th the Vale of Rheidol held an open house at Aberystwyth, all three steam locomotives being in steam. 25042 & 25220 arrived on a special from Longbridge and 25071 & 25080 from Manchester. Not to be left out 25219 was also active on this day over the Crewe - Cardiff route. The next day proved to be off mixed blessings for 25219, it replaced a failed 25033 at Aberystwyth which had been diagrammed with 25035 to work a York excursion as far as Crewe. On the return leg 25035 failed at Hookagate and 25219 ceased functioning at Westbury!

25219 continued its passenger duties during May, initially on the Crewe - Cardiff services (18th & 25th). On 30th with 25048 it worked a round trip over the Cambrian lines.

The last day of May was also officially the last day for the Class 25's on the Crewe - Cardiff workings. The Southern Region were intending to release Class 33's from discontinued van traffic workings to take over from the Class 25's, however a strike on the SR and continued operation of the van traffic permitted some Class 25's to remain on these workings until June 4th. Throughout the last week 25042/60/66, 25219/220/245 handled the diagrams although by midweek 25220 was replaced by 47099. On June 1st 25060 was replaced by 33022 on the 16.02 Crewe - Cardiff with others gradually taking over. The final Class 25 workings were on June 4th, 25245 on the 17.10 Cardiff - Crewe and 25060 on 16.02 Crewe - Cardiff, the latter failing at Hereford, passengers being rescued by a dmu off a terminating Birmingham service. Other workings, including the 20.00 Cardiff - Crewe postal previously powered by Class 45/46's reverted to Class 47 from June 1st.

Late June found 25219 back on Cambrian metals, working a round trip on 20th with 25126, and on 25th a round trip Birmingham - Aberystwyth day excursion with 25073. Having been kicked off the Crewe - Cardiff route 25220 made itself avaliable for July 11th's Derby - Yarmouth and return, working as far as Norwich. Four days later it was off on a round trip Derby - Skegness with 25169.

Photograph courtesy Mark Bennett
Its July 11th 1981 as 25220 & 25177 return from Yarmouth with the Saturdays only summer dated working to the east coast seaside resort.

A Preston Division inspection saloon visited Heysham on July 22nd behind 25219.

A foray into the West Country found 25218 working three local passenger trains on July 13th, starting with a late afternoon Paignton - Exeter followed by a round trip over the Barnstaple branch. In contrast during the first week of August it was joined by 25213 and spent much time on the Motorail services at Kensington Olympia. 25219 was active on August 1st working the 07.35 Nottingham - Llandudno and return. Late in August (20th & 21st) 25219 was back on the Crewe - Cardiff run.

On September 19th 25218 & 25054 worked the 04.10 Shrewsbury - Aberystwyth and the 10.07 return service to Euston as far as Wolverhampton. Four days later 25218 handled the 13.15 Birmingham New Street - Norwich, a journey of 174 miles, the longest regular passenger diagram for a Class 25 at this time. On its return working 25218 expired just outside of Leicester, a Class 08 drew the train into the station where 31114 took it on to Birmingham.

25219 visited the Scottish Region on November 2nd working a round trip on the Carlisle - Glasgow circuit covering the 08.40 Carlisle - Glasgow Central and 12.40 return.

On December 11th 25220 & 25224 were in charge of a round trip Birmingham New Street - Aberystwyth service.

December 29th found a Bewdley - Southport special starting out with 25056 & 25219 changing to 25051 & 25058 somewhere in the West Midlands.

1982

	25219 Bescot January 10th 1982. Later this day 25219 would work the 16.15 Birmingham New Street - Leeds throughout. Photograph courtesy Tony Sayer
	25220 Cockshute February 20th 1982 Photograph courtesy Paul Bettany

During the middle of March 25219 was particularly active on the Glasgow Central - Carlisle passenger turns, being noted on March 9th, 11th, 13th, 18th & 19th. It is believed to have failed on 13th & 18th and was coupled to 26039 for at least one of the workings. April saw 25218 used on 2nd & 9th, whilst Classes 26/27 were also well represented.

25219 & 25048 came to the rescue of 40169 at Crewe when it failed on a Stoke - Llandudno excursion on April 12th. The Class 25's completed the remainder of the turn. A week later (18th) 25219 worked the early morning 02.45 Crewe - Bangor. 25220 was also busy at this time, noted on April 15th - 17th on passenger workings between Manchester & Cleethorpes and Manchester & Bangor.

Photograph courtesy Mr BA page from from the log book of 25220 showing the completion of an 'A' Examination on April 21st 1982 at Cambridge Street (St Pancras).

On May 3rd 25218 worked the 19.28 Crewe - Cardiff, two days later it worked (with 25244) the 07.40 Euston - Aberystwyth from Wolverhampton - to Shrewsbury. On July 20th it was noted on the 19.30 Crewe - Cardiff again.

25220 was withdrawn on June 13th reaching Derby Works at least by August.

Early August found more passenger workings for 25219, on 1st it was on the 11.45 Manchester Victoria - Holyhead throughout, whilst on 7th it teamed up with 25199 for a trip over the Cambrian metals, out from Wolverhampton and back to Shrewsbury.

Back on the Scottish Region 25218 teamed up with 25244 for the 23.05 Edinburgh - Perth on September 10th, further south the next day 25219 & 25221 were working a round trip over the Cambriam, out from Birmingham New Street and back to Shrewsbury. During the middle of September 25218 was received by Derby Works for power unit repairs, carried out during September and October.

The 'Dick Turpin' school charter on October 16th utilised 4930 'Hagley Hall' from Bridgnorth to Bewdley where 25083 & 25219 took over for the run to York and return.

Possibly the last passenger working for 25219 was the 08.40 Carlisle - Glasgow Central on November 18th.

After release from Derby it was more Scottish workings for 25218, on November 29th it was the 08.40 Carlisle - Glasgow Central, coming back the next day with the 13.45 to Carlisle.

On New Year's Eve 25218 was diagrammed for the 13.06 Preston - Nottingham, unfortunately the locomotive expired near Romiley, assistance coming from 40034.

1983

	25218 waits in the loco holding siding adjacent to Skipton station, March 19th 1983. Photograph courtesy Mark Cook.
	25220 at Derby Works alongside 40018 on March 15th 1983. Photograph courtesy Adrian Healey.
	25220 Derby Works November 26th 1983. Photograph courtesy Phillip Moore.

The 08.50 Carlisle - Glasgow Central was worked by 25218 on April 18th, the next day Glasgow sent it out on the 08.35 to Stranraer Harbour, returning the follwing day with the 07.32 to Glasgow. During April 25219 was withdrawn from Crewe depot.

Further power unit repairs (and possibly fire damage) were undertaken to 25218 at Derby Works between July & November.

Withdrawn 25219 was noted at Cricklewood during December.

1984
The first week of February found 25218 again active on the Carlisle - Glasgow services, covering four trips between 3rd & 6th. March 10th found 25218 & 25059 on railtour duty, working DAA's NW Rambler No.3 between Stoke on Trent and Leek Brook Junction.

Photograph courtesy Nick Ross25218 & 25059 on railtour duty at Leekbrook Jct on March 10th 1984.

The wee hours of April Fools Day found 25218 on the 02.35 Euston - Bletchley, the following week (8th) it assisted two electric services between Willesden & Euston whilst the power was off for engineering work. Further electric assistance occurred on June 7th when damage to the overhead equipment at Bay Horse required 25218 to assist 87004 on the 15.20 Glasgow - Nottingham between Lancaster & Preston.

On August 9th 25218 & 25078 came to the rescue of 47354 which had failed south of Hereford on a Severn Tunnel Jct - Walton freight. Two days later 25218 & 25205 worked the 10.10 Euston - Aberystwyth forward from Wolverhampton, coming back with the 17.05 to Shrewsbury. DMU assistance took place on August 18th helping a Worcester service forward from Stourbridge Jct on to Birmingham New Street.

The last recorded passenger workings of 25218 took place in November, on the 18th it worked a Birmingham - Manchester service as far as Wolverhampton, having run via Bescot. On 25th it worked a relief 22.45 Preston - Liverpool service, covering for a late running 18.20 Glasgow - Liverpool.

1985
The end came on January 28th for 25218 when it was retired from Kingmoor depot, initially being stored at Bescot. On March 25th 08095 & 25182 left Toton for Bescot where 25076 & 25218 were added to the convoy, finally arriving at Swindon on March 27th. Unlike many Class 25's reaching Swindon 25218 was quickly cut up during May.

To clear out Derby Works of its increasing number of withdrawn Type 2's two movements of dead locomotives took place. On February 3rd & 4th 25050/062, 25129/133/146, 25220/233/274/294 moved as the 9X12 Derby Works - Swindon Works. By the end of April 25220 had been disposed of.

During the period May 3rd - 14th 25075, 25219, 25306/326 were moved from Cricklewood to Swindon. 25219 would linger here for a while, not being broken up until February 1987.

Undated Views

	7568 Hest Bank Box. Photograph courtesy Cumbrian Rlwy Society Neg 2WAR198
	7568 at Leicester, date unknown. Photographer not known.
	25218 was a frequent visitor to Cardiff, being recorded from time to time on the Crewe - Cardiff workings. It is seen here at Canton on a dull unknown day. Photograph courtesy Ian Mawson

For a more in depth detailed look at the passenger workings carried out by 25218, 25219 & 25220 please check out Alan Baylis's Class 25 pages (go to my Links page - see below - for Alan's fine website).

A brief summary of the more frequent passenger workings that these three machines worked is detailed below: please note over the life of these workings the headcodes and timings did change through the years, particularly on the Crewe - Cardiff services

East Coast Seaside Resorts
1E83 08.10 Derby - Yarmouth & 1M37 14.30 return
1E85 09.20 Derby - Skegness & 1M47 19.20 return
1E26 08.40 Leicester - Skegness & 1M85 18.30 return
1E91 08.00 Walsall - Yarmouth & 1M66 14.15 return
1E64 10.15 Birmingham - Norwich & 1M68 15.18 return
1E66 13.15 Birmingham - Norwich & 1M76 18.34 return
Crewe - Cardiff
1V51 01.47 Crewe - Cardiff
1V01 06.00 Crewe - Cardiff
1V03 10.00 Crewe - Cardiff
1V05 12.22 Crewe - Cardiff
1V09 16.00 Crewe - Cardiff
1V13 19.30 Crewe - Cardiff
1M70 07.50 Cardiff - Crewe
1M84 11.50 Cardiff - Crewe
1M92 15.08 Cardiff - Crewe
1M94 17.10 Cardiff - Crewe
Carlisle - Glasgow Central
1M03 12.40 Glasgow Central - Carlisle
1M02 13.45 Glasgow Central - Carlisle
1M89 15.50 Glasgow Central - Carlisle
1S90 06.10 Carlisle - Glasgow Central
1S50 08.40 Carlisle - Glasgow Central
1S37 12.40 Carlisle - Glasgow Central

Photograph courtesy Mr B25219 at Nottingham on August 1st 1980. 25219 has just returned from Llandudno Town with the 1D17 to Nottingham. It had also handled the outbound 1D30 working, but having taken over the train at Derby, giving any ardent enthusiasts just over 250 miles of Class 25 haulage.

Page added January 23rd, 2001
Page updated June 29th 2008

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