The Wensleydale Railway has expanded its heritage diesel fleet with the acquisition of a British Rail Class 47 diesel locomotive, numbered 47714. Purchased from The Harry Needle Railroad Company in Derbyshire, the locomotive was delivered to Leeming Bar on 11 November by Class 50 ‘Thunderer’ (50008) from Hanson & Hall Rail Services Solutions Limited. From Castle Hills Junction at Northallerton, the railway’s Class 37 locomotive (37250) brought the new addition onto Wensleydale Railway’s line.
Following its arrival, the railway’s diesel traction team of staff and volunteers conducted thorough mechanical and electrical inspections, culminating in a successful first startup on Sunday, 17 November.
Tim Williamson, Director of Engineering and Rolling Stock at Wensleydale Railway PLC, highlighted the significance of the acquisition:
“The purchase of this locomotive improves our operational capabilities. It has electric train-heating capacity, which will allow us to heat our carriages during the cold winter months. Our immediate focus is to get 47714 fully operational and available as a back-up for 33035, which is currently in use for this year’s The Polar Express™ Train Rides. We will begin bodywork repairs in the New Year and aim to have it repainted for the summer.”
Nick Keegan, Marketing and Fundraising Manager, praised the team’s dedication:
“It was fantastic to see the loco start up, first time, at our railway. There is much work still to be done, but we are fortunate to have a great team of dedicated staff and volunteers managing this project. They did a superb job of the recent repairs and repainting of 37250, so 714 is in safe hands!”
About the Class 47 Locomotive
The Class 47, also known as the Brush Type 4, is a diesel-electric locomotive first developed in the 1960s by Brush Traction in Loughborough. Between 1962 and 1968, a total of 512 Class 47 locomotives were built, with production split between Brush’s factory in Loughborough and British Railways’ factory in Crewe. Known for their versatility, these locomotives have become a key part of Britain’s rail heritage.
The Wensleydale Railway’s newest addition will undergo bodywork repairs and a repaint in 2024, ensuring it takes pride of place within the growing heritage fleet.
