Preserving Diesel Hydraulic Locomotives

1977–82
The reflections of a diesel locomotive enthusiast in the early days of the diesel preservation movement.

In the 1970s diesel locomotive preservation was very much in its infancy. With most of these locomotives having been built in the 1960s it seemed inconceivable that anyone would consider preserving one as they were so relatively young. However, despite steam having been phased out by 1968, the railways were rapidly changing and many of the early diesel classes were starting to be taken out of service due to dwindling work and line closures. Also, BR wanted to standardise the fleet. The diesel hydraulic classes were one type of locomotive targeted for early withdrawal. The first ones were taken out of service in 1968 and the final ones in 1977. In the last few years of their lives, they gained a tremendous following from enthusiasts which ignited a passion to try and preserve some before it was too late. As the movement gathered pace more people became involved and one of these was author Steve Crowther. In this book he details the ups and downs of saving not one but three of these iconic locomotives for posterity.

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