scrapyards, Derby, Glasgow, Swindon, Doncaster, BREL

Scrapyard Views

I don't know what it is about the attraction that scrapyards provide to many of us. Perhaps it is the unexpected chaos of such places, contrasted against the well oiled machine that the railways normally presented (well most of the time!). Or perhaps it was around the scrapyards that many long forgotten memories were/are invoked, of favourite locomotives remembered from much better times (those rose tinted glasses again!). Or it simply could be that its much more fun to take something apart, especially if cutting torches and sledge hammers are involved.
Hopefully you won't mind the inclusion of views depicting locomotives other than the Class 24/25's.

For the photographs below click on the small image to get a full size picture

Derby Works

25170 had been stopped at Reddish because of generator problems in March 1982, it was sent to Derby Works during April for repair, at which time it was discovered that more work was required, so the locomotive was condemned. Seen here on March 8th 1983 the final cutting of 25170 is underway.
Photograph courtesy A Healey.

Withdrawn at Tyseley in March 1982 25261 quickly moved to Derby Works for stripping, becoming just one more scrap Type 2 shell awaiting cutting. Whilst in the process of being cut up during June 1983 a dispute arose and no further locomotives were cut up at Derby. All the other Type 2's were eventually moved to Swindon, it would be left to Vic Berry's men to lay 25261 to rest in November 1985. Seen here partially dismantled February 26 1985.

Scrapping of locomotives at Derby was handled by a small team of men, who judging by this view of 25271 (and of 25261 above) had an 'artist' among them who seemed averse to cutting in straight lines. Here in this September 29 1982 view the partially burned/dismantled remains present some grotesque, almost gothic image amongst the piles of scrap metal.
Photograph courtesy John Glynn.

Withdrawn during October 1981 and dumped at Tyseley 25290 initially moved to Swindon Works during March 1982 but during June was moved north to Derby Works. In this March 15 1983 view 25290 appears to be the next machine in line for breaking up. By the end of April 25290 was no more.
Photograph courtesy A Healey.

Glasgow Works

After spending four years rotting at Eastfield 24006 moved during the summer of 1980 to Glasgow Works for scrapping. In this view on October 4th 1980 24006 is next in line for the torch. This was the last of the original twenty built, outliving its nearest neighbour, 24019 by two years.

This October 4 1980 view reveals just the frame & bogies remaining of 25009.

26022 comes to the end of the line, having sustained minor collision damage at some point. A rainy May 16th 1981 provides a gloomy backdrop for a familiar scene.

27043 has been withdrawn for about a month in this May 17th 1980 scrapline view. However the Glasgow cutters will not get to this machine. Instead it will have the glorious fate of being dumped in Patterson's Tip, Mount Vernon in the winter of 1985!

A second view of a seemingly roadworthy 27043 at Glasgow on May 17th 1980. The foreground is filled with parts from engines and generators of locomotives that have long ceased to exist.

A giant tarpaulin monster attempts to devour 27009 ..... well not quite, maybe I've seen too much Dr Who. But its Glasgow Open Day June 27th 1981 and withdrawn 27009 & 27044 keep company with still operational 25068. Quite a change in scenery from the highland grandeur of the routes these Class 27's once travelled over.

With 27202 as a distant backdrop, the foreground reveals a multitude of bits from recently departed Scottish Sulzers, June 27th 1981. Fire damaged 27202 remained on the scrapline until January 1982.

Metro Cammell Class 101 50745 with collision damage stands gutted at Glasgow Works on October 4th 1980. Withdrawn from Dundee in February 1976 50745 would not be broken up until sometime in 1987.

The first of the Class 303's withdrawn were vehicles from sets 033 & 043 during May 1977. Seen here on June 27th 1981 it would be another six years before these vehicles were finally scrapped! (The vehicle on the left is SC61513, set 033, on the right SC75753, set 043)

A gloomy & poignant view of how the mighty are fallen. Once shiny and new from Derby Works, now so much rust & decay at Glasgow Works, a cab from 25108. The dull day & the grainy image add to the depressing quality of the view. Although I've received several views of this cab I regret I can't remember the name of this contributor, sorry - back to my notes for more research to correct this.

Doncaster Works

Five early Class 08's were modified for snowplough service, one example seen here is the former D3006, now DB966507. Seen here on August 5th 1979 this machine will be broken up within the month.

Its November 6th 1977 and 24001 sits alongside 24147 waiting for the end to come. Of the first twenty Class 24's commissioned by the Modernisation Plan, Doncaster Works cut up the majority with a total of fourteen, Glasgow dealt with four, Derby & Swindon taking one a piece.
Photograph courtesy Tony Sayer.

Stored & withdrawn during the great purge of the Class 24 fleet during the summer of 1975 24007 spent over two years in the deadlines at Carlisle Kingmoor. Movement to Doncaster Works occurred during December 1977, (seen here on 18th). Shortly after the New Year 24007 would be no more. The cabs of 24072 sit to the right.

A sunny trip around Doncaster during July 1976 finds 24071 being stripped of various components prior to final cutting. The centred headcode discs on the sheeted over gangway doors are the sign of a repair at Glasgow Works.

Three Class 24's reached 1975 still carrying green livery, the only green ex-Scottish machine, 24090 ended its days at Doncaster, seen here on December 18th 1977 being stripped of components. That 24090 made it this far is somewhat remarkable as it was withdrawn during 1969 after sustaining considerable collision damage, languishing at Derby for a while. However a shortage of locomotives on the Eastern Region provided Derby with the incentive to re-instate & repair 24090. Interestingly it received a fresh coat of green paint, whilst other outshopped at this time received the corporate blue livery.

Withdrawn from Haymarket during July 1976 24147 spent over a year in Carstairs shed keeping company with the local pidgeons. Finally removed to Doncaster Works, 24147 is seen here on October 23 1977. The locomotive carries the unusual cab roof headcode housing, similar to the Class 25/1's but without the horn receptacles. Within a month 24147 would be gone.

The cutters are in the process of getting to grips with 25189, seen here are April 27th 1986.
Photograph courtesy Paul Bettany.

A long line of Sulzer powered Type 2 & 4's await the end at Doncaster, though some would eventually be removed for storage at Goole prior to heading south to Leicester. 25300 heads the line up on this overcast day.
Photograph courtesy Paul Bettany.

Afterr its working days ended at the Research Dept 5901 was removed to Doncaster for breaking and is seen here on May 2nd 1976.

The cab of 03014 remains recogniseable amidst a sea of parts on May 2nd 1976, including the bogies and fuel/water tanks of a Class 24 in the foreground.

Two more Class 03's were awaiting scrapping on May 2nd 1976 in the shape of 03091 & D2173 whilst in the background 5901 awaits its demise.

After spending its first twenty years on the LMR 08042 moved to York in July 1974, spending its last five years on the ER. It's seen on May 6th 1979, the end is very near.

A threatening sky overshadows the demise of 31015, seen here on October 5th 1980.

More gloomy & damp weather greets the visitors on March 10th 1985 as the cutters are well into ending the existance of 40152.
Photograph courtesy Robert Inns.

Across the yard from 40152 sat 46026 'Leicestershire & Derbyshire Yeomanry', a popular Class 46 in their final days. Not much now remains to be done on this damp March 10th 1985.
Photograph courtesy Robert Inns.

Looking like another journey could well occur 46052 infact waits for the end at Doncaster on March 10th 1985. Behind 46052 sits 46010 which would live on into preservation.
Photograph courtesy Robert Inns.

Surprise visitors from the Southern Region including a number of Class 71's for scrapping. Seen here on August 5th 1979 71010 is next in line for cutting.

Three Class 71's and 74010 await their turn for disposal. Leading the line up on August 5th 1979 is 71011.

Swindon Works

The stay of 08135 at Swindon was brief. It was withdrawn from Gloucester in February 1977, still in green livery, and by the date of this view April 3rd 1977 - the locomotive has been reduced to the cab and frames and awaits movement to the scrapping area for the final coup-de-grace.

The wintry afternoon sun on January 13th 1980 catches withdrawn 08154 awaiting entry into the workshops for removal of components. Withdrawn from Selhurst in October 1979, by March 1980 08154 would be no more.

Elsewhere in the works on January 13th 1980 were 08223 with 08155 & 08156 in the background - all withdrawn. 08223 had made a break for freedom from Tinsley, choosing to use the Catcliffe motorway as its route of escape. The adventure did not succeed, 08223 sustained minor damage, was withdrawn in June 1979 and scrapped finally in February 1980.

OK, so this locomotive is not withdrawn, it was infact under repair and did become the only Class 13 not broken up at Swindon. So here is one half of 13003 at Swindon on August 10th 1980.

And for the heck of it here is the other half of 13003 at Swindon on August 10th 1980!

Rejected by the National Railway Museum in favour of a re-engined Class 31, the pioneer BR/Sulzer Type 2 24005 succumbed to Swindon's cutters during March/April 1977. A pile of scrap, seen here on April 3rd represents the remains of one of the cabs. Still just visible under the blue paint are the numbers D5000 & 5000.

24033 & 24005 are little more than a day or so away from ceasing to exist.

Long time Reddish residents 24020 & 24021 await scrapping at Swindon on March 23rd 1977. 24020 has revealed its pre-TOPS number, 5020 on one cab, whilst 24021 still retains its nose end gangway doors, a lion & wheel emblem can still be seen on the bodyside. Delivered together from Derby in July 1959 so they would go out together at Swindon during April 1977.
Photograph courtesy Neil Phillips.

24025 missed the initial round of major withdrawals in the summer of 1975, being withdrawn in Jan 1976. Seen here at Swindon on June 12th 1977 24025 presents some interesting features. It carries one frost screen from an early 24, it carries the extra grille on the upper row and just visible are the headboard brackets mounted on the cab front, only carried by the early 24's. The cab roof also lacks the air vent above the doorway.

For two years Swindon Works was graced by numerous Class 24's sent for scrapping. Here on August 18th 1976 newly arrived 24049 is logged into the books of visiting spotters. One cab has gained the roof from a Class 24/1, 24049 spent much time in 1974 in and out of Derby Works, possibly the roof was fitted during one of those visits. As D5049 this was one of the few Class 24's ever to be allocated to Tinsley (41A), for the month of June 1965.
Photograph courtesy Neil Phillips.

All that remains now for 24056 is to be parted from its bogies to allow the cutters to do their job. Seen here in Swindon Works Yard on November 7th 1976, 24056 has already been stripped of all re-usable components or those with significant scrap value. The locomotive still retains its nose end gangway doors and is a fine example of Derby's standard blue livery application with the BR emblem centred on the side.

24064 & 25016 await the final movement from here to the scrapping area. Seen here towards the end of 1976, 24064 had been withdrawn that January from Crewe, and wouldn't see the year out, dispatched by Swindon's cutters in December. Interestingly the scrap from 24064 and a number of Class 52's was later reported in RA King's Snailwell scrapyard

Three green liveried Class 24's remained in service until the major purge of 1975 when the operating fleet was decimated on the LMR & ScR. Here 24092 soaks up the summer sun on August 18 1976, having recently arrived with 24049/58/62 from Basford Hall. By Christmas 1976 all four would be gone, with 24092 cut up in December. Swindon also dealt with green liveried 24136 whilst Doncaster despatched 24090.
Photograph courtesy Neil Phillips.

One of the most interesting Class 24's to reach Swindon was 24134 and is seen here on June 12th 1977. In particular the style of the cab roof, in this view the locomotive reveals it carries a modified 25/1 roof, with the 'wings' but not the air horn housings. It was also one of the few to operate in service with the boiler water tank removed.

A view from the other end of 24134, this end has the full blown Class 25/1 cab roof, complete with air horn receptacles. The main radiator grille on the other side of the locomotive was from one of the original batch (D5000 - D5006), with the split frost screen grille! Clearly 24134 had quite a selection of non-original parts added at various overhauls.

Having just been placed in the main erecting shop 25052 awaits the attention of those that will slowly strip the locomotive prior to it being taken out to the scrapyard area for final breaking up. Seen here on October 26th 1980, the locomotive had just been withdrawn from Laira, within a month 25052 would be no more.

Former Cricklewood based 25114 awaits in the yard on June 6th 1981 for the cutters, the wagons behind the Class 25 are already filled with recogniseable bits of locomotives. This was one of the Class 25's to have the boiler room grille sheeted over, just visible at the far end of the locomotive. 25114's stay at Swindon was brief, withdrawal had come in February 1981, the end would come a month after this view, in July 1981.

In the process of being stripped 25166 receives a fleeting visit by a father and son on June 6th 1981. Within a month 25166 will be no more, another Class 25 which did not linger too long at Swindon.

Although most Class 25's making the trip to Swindon were bound only for scrapping, during 1980 a number received unclassified repairs here to ease the workload at Derby & Glasgow. Seen here is one of those to pass through Swindon in one piece, 25236 on March 1st 1980. Swindon would eventually claim 25236, broken up here in November 1986.

The June 6th 1981 Open Day at Swindon produced fine weather, big crowds and plenty to see at the Workshops. Regretably most of the diesels were there for scrapping including ex Scottish Region 40066. Withdrawn from Haymarket in April 1981 40066 was quickly broken up, and by October 1981 was no more.

Another Class 40 'on display' on June 6th 1981 was 40071 which had clearly been through the stripping process and was now just waiting for the cutters to finish off the bodyshell & bogies. Withdrawn from Healey Mills in December 1980, 40071 would be no more by October 1981.

Against the unmistakeable backdrop of brickwork that was Swindon Works 40119 heads a line-up of condemned locomotives, seen here on June 6th 1981. Withdrawn from Longsight in December 1980, 40119 would linger at Swindon until October 1982.

One more view from June 6th 1981, here 45039 The Manchester Regiment heads up a line of withdrawn Class 45's. No irony lost here in that the WR were quick to publicise the considerable weight differential between their new Warship Class Bo-Bo's and the LMR Class 40/44/45/46's - no matter their qualities many ended their days in scrap wagons leaving Swindon.

Seen here on October 26th 1980 45053 had been sent to Swindon for repair, these were then authorised for Crewe to handle, but once 45053 reached here the locomotive was withdrawn for good. Scrapping finally occurred in October 1988, though the headcode boxes were saved for fitting to preserved D100 (45060).

Many of the Class 46's were pulled from service in full working order and after a period of storage at Swindon returned briefly to further service. One such machine was 46007, seen here on June 6th 1981, which returned to service in November 1981 only to be finally retired three months later.

46012 was an early casualty in the run down of the Class 46's. A cracked frame led to withdrawal from Laira in July 1980. The locomotive was quickly moved to Swindon, seen here on August 10th 1980, by October 1980 46012 had been scrapped.

A familiar view from the Works Open Day June 6th, 1981 with 46041 pulled in for storage, looking like its just come off a NE/SW express. By December 1981 46041 would be withdrawn and finally scrapped there by August 1983.

April 1977 somewhere in the scrapyard area at Swindon, a line-up of engines retrieved from the Class 52's.

Another view from April 1977 of now silent power units from the Western Region's former diesel-hydraulic fleet.

Withdrawn from Laira in December 1975 1046, would like all Westerns that were not preserved, be sent to Swindon for scrapping. Seen here on November 7th 1976 there is little time now left for 1046.

With the cabs removed from 1046 and the bodysides cut into pieces and dumped on the ground little remains now apart from the frame and fuel tanks.

It's a dull Sunday afternoon, November 7th 1976, how about a game of golf? a movie perhaps? or a walk down the beachfront with the girlfriend? No, none of this is acceptable, lets drive a hundred miles to slog round a scrapyard full of oil, grease, rusted metal, broken glass and who knows what else. And fill a book full of numbers from places no one has heard of, eat cold sandwiches & pop and photograph things like this, the remnants of the inside of a Class 52. And tomorrow I put on my shirt & tie and become a banker for the next five days............

Its a dull January 23rd 1977 as 1036 is slowly stripped prior to being moved out into the yard for scrapping. In front of 1036 is a Class 24 bogie, presumably detached allowing its traction motors to be removed.

Pointing the camera at the sun is not recommended, but then the sun was such a rarity at Swindon on Sunday afternoons we probably didn't know what it was. Hence the inclusion of this technically abominable shot of soon to be scrapped Class 24 & 52's surrounded by generators, presumably from the Class 24's, November 7th 1976.

Little time remains for 1043 as the grounded body begins to receive the attention of the cutters. Seen here on an overcast Sunday January 23rd 1977 by the beginning of February the locomotive will be no more.

Retired during April 1976 1049 is seen here undergoing removal of parts in Swindon's workshops on November 7th 1976. From here it would be out to the scrapping area, where the end came for 1049 during February 1977.

1072 heads a line-up of Westerns at Swindon on November 7th 1976. It was not long out of service and would linger at Swindon until April 1977.

Page added September 18th 2001
Page updated May 28th 2005.
Return to Picture menu
Return to Home Page

	25170 had been stopped at Reddish because of generator problems in March 1982, it was sent to Derby Works during April for repair, at which time it was discovered that more work was required, so the locomotive was condemned. Seen here on March 8th 1983 the final cutting of 25170 is underway. Photograph courtesy A Healey.
	Withdrawn at Tyseley in March 1982 25261 quickly moved to Derby Works for stripping, becoming just one more scrap Type 2 shell awaiting cutting. Whilst in the process of being cut up during June 1983 a dispute arose and no further locomotives were cut up at Derby. All the other Type 2's were eventually moved to Swindon, it would be left to Vic Berry's men to lay 25261 to rest in November 1985. Seen here partially dismantled February 26 1985.
	Scrapping of locomotives at Derby was handled by a small team of men, who judging by this view of 25271 (and of 25261 above) had an 'artist' among them who seemed averse to cutting in straight lines. Here in this September 29 1982 view the partially burned/dismantled remains present some grotesque, almost gothic image amongst the piles of scrap metal. Photograph courtesy John Glynn.
	Withdrawn during October 1981 and dumped at Tyseley 25290 initially moved to Swindon Works during March 1982 but during June was moved north to Derby Works. In this March 15 1983 view 25290 appears to be the next machine in line for breaking up. By the end of April 25290 was no more. Photograph courtesy A Healey.

	After spending four years rotting at Eastfield 24006 moved during the summer of 1980 to Glasgow Works for scrapping. In this view on October 4th 1980 24006 is next in line for the torch. This was the last of the original twenty built, outliving its nearest neighbour, 24019 by two years.
	This October 4 1980 view reveals just the frame & bogies remaining of 25009.
	26022 comes to the end of the line, having sustained minor collision damage at some point. A rainy May 16th 1981 provides a gloomy backdrop for a familiar scene.
	27043 has been withdrawn for about a month in this May 17th 1980 scrapline view. However the Glasgow cutters will not get to this machine. Instead it will have the glorious fate of being dumped in Patterson's Tip, Mount Vernon in the winter of 1985!
	A second view of a seemingly roadworthy 27043 at Glasgow on May 17th 1980. The foreground is filled with parts from engines and generators of locomotives that have long ceased to exist.
	A giant tarpaulin monster attempts to devour 27009 ..... well not quite, maybe I've seen too much Dr Who. But its Glasgow Open Day June 27th 1981 and withdrawn 27009 & 27044 keep company with still operational 25068. Quite a change in scenery from the highland grandeur of the routes these Class 27's once travelled over.
	With 27202 as a distant backdrop, the foreground reveals a multitude of bits from recently departed Scottish Sulzers, June 27th 1981. Fire damaged 27202 remained on the scrapline until January 1982.
	Metro Cammell Class 101 50745 with collision damage stands gutted at Glasgow Works on October 4th 1980. Withdrawn from Dundee in February 1976 50745 would not be broken up until sometime in 1987.
	The first of the Class 303's withdrawn were vehicles from sets 033 & 043 during May 1977. Seen here on June 27th 1981 it would be another six years before these vehicles were finally scrapped! (The vehicle on the left is SC61513, set 033, on the right SC75753, set 043)
	A gloomy & poignant view of how the mighty are fallen. Once shiny and new from Derby Works, now so much rust & decay at Glasgow Works, a cab from 25108. The dull day & the grainy image add to the depressing quality of the view. Although I've received several views of this cab I regret I can't remember the name of this contributor, sorry - back to my notes for more research to correct this.

	Five early Class 08's were modified for snowplough service, one example seen here is the former D3006, now DB966507. Seen here on August 5th 1979 this machine will be broken up within the month.
	Its November 6th 1977 and 24001 sits alongside 24147 waiting for the end to come. Of the first twenty Class 24's commissioned by the Modernisation Plan, Doncaster Works cut up the majority with a total of fourteen, Glasgow dealt with four, Derby & Swindon taking one a piece. Photograph courtesy Tony Sayer.
	Stored & withdrawn during the great purge of the Class 24 fleet during the summer of 1975 24007 spent over two years in the deadlines at Carlisle Kingmoor. Movement to Doncaster Works occurred during December 1977, (seen here on 18th). Shortly after the New Year 24007 would be no more. The cabs of 24072 sit to the right.
	A sunny trip around Doncaster during July 1976 finds 24071 being stripped of various components prior to final cutting. The centred headcode discs on the sheeted over gangway doors are the sign of a repair at Glasgow Works.
	Three Class 24's reached 1975 still carrying green livery, the only green ex-Scottish machine, 24090 ended its days at Doncaster, seen here on December 18th 1977 being stripped of components. That 24090 made it this far is somewhat remarkable as it was withdrawn during 1969 after sustaining considerable collision damage, languishing at Derby for a while. However a shortage of locomotives on the Eastern Region provided Derby with the incentive to re-instate & repair 24090. Interestingly it received a fresh coat of green paint, whilst other outshopped at this time received the corporate blue livery.
	Withdrawn from Haymarket during July 1976 24147 spent over a year in Carstairs shed keeping company with the local pidgeons. Finally removed to Doncaster Works, 24147 is seen here on October 23 1977. The locomotive carries the unusual cab roof headcode housing, similar to the Class 25/1's but without the horn receptacles. Within a month 24147 would be gone.
	The cutters are in the process of getting to grips with 25189, seen here are April 27th 1986. Photograph courtesy Paul Bettany.
	A long line of Sulzer powered Type 2 & 4's await the end at Doncaster, though some would eventually be removed for storage at Goole prior to heading south to Leicester. 25300 heads the line up on this overcast day. Photograph courtesy Paul Bettany.
	Afterr its working days ended at the Research Dept 5901 was removed to Doncaster for breaking and is seen here on May 2nd 1976.
	The cab of 03014 remains recogniseable amidst a sea of parts on May 2nd 1976, including the bogies and fuel/water tanks of a Class 24 in the foreground.
	Two more Class 03's were awaiting scrapping on May 2nd 1976 in the shape of 03091 & D2173 whilst in the background 5901 awaits its demise.
	After spending its first twenty years on the LMR 08042 moved to York in July 1974, spending its last five years on the ER. It's seen on May 6th 1979, the end is very near.
	A threatening sky overshadows the demise of 31015, seen here on October 5th 1980.
	More gloomy & damp weather greets the visitors on March 10th 1985 as the cutters are well into ending the existance of 40152. Photograph courtesy Robert Inns.
	Across the yard from 40152 sat 46026 'Leicestershire & Derbyshire Yeomanry', a popular Class 46 in their final days. Not much now remains to be done on this damp March 10th 1985. Photograph courtesy Robert Inns.
	Looking like another journey could well occur 46052 infact waits for the end at Doncaster on March 10th 1985. Behind 46052 sits 46010 which would live on into preservation. Photograph courtesy Robert Inns.
	Surprise visitors from the Southern Region including a number of Class 71's for scrapping. Seen here on August 5th 1979 71010 is next in line for cutting.
	Three Class 71's and 74010 await their turn for disposal. Leading the line up on August 5th 1979 is 71011.

	The stay of 08135 at Swindon was brief. It was withdrawn from Gloucester in February 1977, still in green livery, and by the date of this view April 3rd 1977 - the locomotive has been reduced to the cab and frames and awaits movement to the scrapping area for the final coup-de-grace.
	The wintry afternoon sun on January 13th 1980 catches withdrawn 08154 awaiting entry into the workshops for removal of components. Withdrawn from Selhurst in October 1979, by March 1980 08154 would be no more.
	Elsewhere in the works on January 13th 1980 were 08223 with 08155 & 08156 in the background - all withdrawn. 08223 had made a break for freedom from Tinsley, choosing to use the Catcliffe motorway as its route of escape. The adventure did not succeed, 08223 sustained minor damage, was withdrawn in June 1979 and scrapped finally in February 1980.
	OK, so this locomotive is not withdrawn, it was infact under repair and did become the only Class 13 not broken up at Swindon. So here is one half of 13003 at Swindon on August 10th 1980.
	And for the heck of it here is the other half of 13003 at Swindon on August 10th 1980!
	Rejected by the National Railway Museum in favour of a re-engined Class 31, the pioneer BR/Sulzer Type 2 24005 succumbed to Swindon's cutters during March/April 1977. A pile of scrap, seen here on April 3rd represents the remains of one of the cabs. Still just visible under the blue paint are the numbers D5000 & 5000.
	24033 & 24005 are little more than a day or so away from ceasing to exist.
	Long time Reddish residents 24020 & 24021 await scrapping at Swindon on March 23rd 1977. 24020 has revealed its pre-TOPS number, 5020 on one cab, whilst 24021 still retains its nose end gangway doors, a lion & wheel emblem can still be seen on the bodyside. Delivered together from Derby in July 1959 so they would go out together at Swindon during April 1977. Photograph courtesy Neil Phillips.
	24025 missed the initial round of major withdrawals in the summer of 1975, being withdrawn in Jan 1976. Seen here at Swindon on June 12th 1977 24025 presents some interesting features. It carries one frost screen from an early 24, it carries the extra grille on the upper row and just visible are the headboard brackets mounted on the cab front, only carried by the early 24's. The cab roof also lacks the air vent above the doorway.
	For two years Swindon Works was graced by numerous Class 24's sent for scrapping. Here on August 18th 1976 newly arrived 24049 is logged into the books of visiting spotters. One cab has gained the roof from a Class 24/1, 24049 spent much time in 1974 in and out of Derby Works, possibly the roof was fitted during one of those visits. As D5049 this was one of the few Class 24's ever to be allocated to Tinsley (41A), for the month of June 1965. Photograph courtesy Neil Phillips.
	All that remains now for 24056 is to be parted from its bogies to allow the cutters to do their job. Seen here in Swindon Works Yard on November 7th 1976, 24056 has already been stripped of all re-usable components or those with significant scrap value. The locomotive still retains its nose end gangway doors and is a fine example of Derby's standard blue livery application with the BR emblem centred on the side.
	24064 & 25016 await the final movement from here to the scrapping area. Seen here towards the end of 1976, 24064 had been withdrawn that January from Crewe, and wouldn't see the year out, dispatched by Swindon's cutters in December. Interestingly the scrap from 24064 and a number of Class 52's was later reported in RA King's Snailwell scrapyard
	Three green liveried Class 24's remained in service until the major purge of 1975 when the operating fleet was decimated on the LMR & ScR. Here 24092 soaks up the summer sun on August 18 1976, having recently arrived with 24049/58/62 from Basford Hall. By Christmas 1976 all four would be gone, with 24092 cut up in December. Swindon also dealt with green liveried 24136 whilst Doncaster despatched 24090. Photograph courtesy Neil Phillips.
	One of the most interesting Class 24's to reach Swindon was 24134 and is seen here on June 12th 1977. In particular the style of the cab roof, in this view the locomotive reveals it carries a modified 25/1 roof, with the 'wings' but not the air horn housings. It was also one of the few to operate in service with the boiler water tank removed.
	A view from the other end of 24134, this end has the full blown Class 25/1 cab roof, complete with air horn receptacles. The main radiator grille on the other side of the locomotive was from one of the original batch (D5000 - D5006), with the split frost screen grille! Clearly 24134 had quite a selection of non-original parts added at various overhauls.
	Having just been placed in the main erecting shop 25052 awaits the attention of those that will slowly strip the locomotive prior to it being taken out to the scrapyard area for final breaking up. Seen here on October 26th 1980, the locomotive had just been withdrawn from Laira, within a month 25052 would be no more.
	Former Cricklewood based 25114 awaits in the yard on June 6th 1981 for the cutters, the wagons behind the Class 25 are already filled with recogniseable bits of locomotives. This was one of the Class 25's to have the boiler room grille sheeted over, just visible at the far end of the locomotive. 25114's stay at Swindon was brief, withdrawal had come in February 1981, the end would come a month after this view, in July 1981.
	In the process of being stripped 25166 receives a fleeting visit by a father and son on June 6th 1981. Within a month 25166 will be no more, another Class 25 which did not linger too long at Swindon.
	Although most Class 25's making the trip to Swindon were bound only for scrapping, during 1980 a number received unclassified repairs here to ease the workload at Derby & Glasgow. Seen here is one of those to pass through Swindon in one piece, 25236 on March 1st 1980. Swindon would eventually claim 25236, broken up here in November 1986.
	The June 6th 1981 Open Day at Swindon produced fine weather, big crowds and plenty to see at the Workshops. Regretably most of the diesels were there for scrapping including ex Scottish Region 40066. Withdrawn from Haymarket in April 1981 40066 was quickly broken up, and by October 1981 was no more.
	Another Class 40 'on display' on June 6th 1981 was 40071 which had clearly been through the stripping process and was now just waiting for the cutters to finish off the bodyshell & bogies. Withdrawn from Healey Mills in December 1980, 40071 would be no more by October 1981.
	Against the unmistakeable backdrop of brickwork that was Swindon Works 40119 heads a line-up of condemned locomotives, seen here on June 6th 1981. Withdrawn from Longsight in December 1980, 40119 would linger at Swindon until October 1982.
	One more view from June 6th 1981, here 45039 The Manchester Regiment heads up a line of withdrawn Class 45's. No irony lost here in that the WR were quick to publicise the considerable weight differential between their new Warship Class Bo-Bo's and the LMR Class 40/44/45/46's - no matter their qualities many ended their days in scrap wagons leaving Swindon.
	Seen here on October 26th 1980 45053 had been sent to Swindon for repair, these were then authorised for Crewe to handle, but once 45053 reached here the locomotive was withdrawn for good. Scrapping finally occurred in October 1988, though the headcode boxes were saved for fitting to preserved D100 (45060).
	Many of the Class 46's were pulled from service in full working order and after a period of storage at Swindon returned briefly to further service. One such machine was 46007, seen here on June 6th 1981, which returned to service in November 1981 only to be finally retired three months later.
	46012 was an early casualty in the run down of the Class 46's. A cracked frame led to withdrawal from Laira in July 1980. The locomotive was quickly moved to Swindon, seen here on August 10th 1980, by October 1980 46012 had been scrapped.
	A familiar view from the Works Open Day June 6th, 1981 with 46041 pulled in for storage, looking like its just come off a NE/SW express. By December 1981 46041 would be withdrawn and finally scrapped there by August 1983.
	April 1977 somewhere in the scrapyard area at Swindon, a line-up of engines retrieved from the Class 52's.
	Another view from April 1977 of now silent power units from the Western Region's former diesel-hydraulic fleet.
	Withdrawn from Laira in December 1975 1046, would like all Westerns that were not preserved, be sent to Swindon for scrapping. Seen here on November 7th 1976 there is little time now left for 1046.
	With the cabs removed from 1046 and the bodysides cut into pieces and dumped on the ground little remains now apart from the frame and fuel tanks.
	It's a dull Sunday afternoon, November 7th 1976, how about a game of golf? a movie perhaps? or a walk down the beachfront with the girlfriend? No, none of this is acceptable, lets drive a hundred miles to slog round a scrapyard full of oil, grease, rusted metal, broken glass and who knows what else. And fill a book full of numbers from places no one has heard of, eat cold sandwiches & pop and photograph things like this, the remnants of the inside of a Class 52. And tomorrow I put on my shirt & tie and become a banker for the next five days............
	Its a dull January 23rd 1977 as 1036 is slowly stripped prior to being moved out into the yard for scrapping. In front of 1036 is a Class 24 bogie, presumably detached allowing its traction motors to be removed.
	Pointing the camera at the sun is not recommended, but then the sun was such a rarity at Swindon on Sunday afternoons we probably didn't know what it was. Hence the inclusion of this technically abominable shot of soon to be scrapped Class 24 & 52's surrounded by generators, presumably from the Class 24's, November 7th 1976.
	Little time remains for 1043 as the grounded body begins to receive the attention of the cutters. Seen here on an overcast Sunday January 23rd 1977 by the beginning of February the locomotive will be no more.
	Retired during April 1976 1049 is seen here undergoing removal of parts in Swindon's workshops on November 7th 1976. From here it would be out to the scrapping area, where the end came for 1049 during February 1977.
	1072 heads a line-up of Westerns at Swindon on November 7th 1976. It was not long out of service and would linger at Swindon until April 1977.