From the time since they were constructed there was always the risk of any locomotive getting into a contretemps with others, or for those machines with a glint of wanderlust in their cab windows to choose to beat their own path, often with dramatic results. This is not to make light of those railway workers that were injured or lost their lives in service to the railways, rather a look at the results of the unexpected happenings.

It has been well recorded that a weakness of the Class 25's lay with their frames in the area of the cabs. From these views it would appear that they were not alone in this problem.

	D5511 & D5514 stand at Stratford depot revealing the result of a collision between the two locomotives. Photographer unknown
	31143 looks a sorry sight at Bescot on October 9th 1988. Photograph courtesy Adrian Healey
	Minor cab damage is revealed to the cab front of 31153 in Doncaster Works yard on August 7th 1977.
	With over 400 hundred locomotives out of service at the end of 1979 some unusual measures were taken to put the sidelined locomotives back into service. One such move was to use Swindon Works for unclassified repairs to Classes 25 & 31. Seen here on March 23rd 1980 is 31154 about to have repairs commence on its droopy cab.
	A close up of 31159 at Doncaster Works on May 6th 1979, revealing damage to the cab, with some of the side-panelling already removed.
	31221 & 37073 stand side by side at Doncaster Works on June 22nd 1986. Despite their wounds both locomotives would be repaired. Photograph courtesy Paul Bettany
	New July 2004 Another view of 31221 on July 13th 1986 with its cab damage, presenting an interesting contrast with an ex-works Railfreight 31. 31221 received its injuries at Bounds Green. Photograph courtesy Ian Hammond
	31241 stands withdrawn at Swindon Works on March 29th 1982. By May 1982 the cutters here will have done their job! Photograph courtesy Adrian Healey
	A seriously bent 31245 stands at Stratford with a very bleak future, photo taken presumably about January 1987. Photograph courtesy Adrian Healey
	Another view of 31245 on August 2nd 1987 at Stratford after its collision with 31261 at Maryland. Photograph courtesy Ian Hammond
	Its June 17th 1978 and 31251 is awaiting surgery to repair the damage it sustained in a derailment at Nuneaton. Photograph courtesy Adrian Healey
	31265 awaits a tow from Stratford to Doncaster Works in order to have the fire damage repaired, seen here August 19th 1978.
	Doncaster Works January 18th 1981 and 31266 awaits the droopy cab repair treatment.
	Another droopy Class 31 graces the workshops at Doncaster, this time 31409 seen here on April 27th 1986. Photograph courtesy Paul Bettany.
	On the same day as the above view 31436 stands in the gloom at Doncaster Works. Photograph courtesy Paul Bettany.
	A view from the other end of 31436 as the locomotive basks in the summer sunshine at Doncaster Works on July 6th 1986, pending a decision on its fate. It would be withdrawn in October, by the end of the year it would be no more. Photograph courtesy Robert Inns.
	February 20th 1987 found 31440 in charge of a Sheffield - Manchester service, which came to grief at Chinley North Jct, running into the wreckage of a derailed 47089 and its stone train. Seen here withdrawn at Doncaster Works on October 3rd 1987, the Class 31 has made its last revenue earning trip. Photograph courtesy Robert Inns