BACK TO THE FUTURE: The latest loco to be released in GBRf’s Class 56 to 69 conversion programme is No. 69007 (ex-56037), which emerged from a repaint at Arlington Fleet Services (Eastleigh Works) on January 10, in a stunning livery of BR blue with full yellow ends – similar to that carried by the Class 56 fleet when introduced in the late 1970s. The loco was also renamed Richard Trevithick, which the former Cardiff Canton-based ‘56’ carried from 1981-1997, and for the event it was temporarily given its old number and a small BR double-arrows logo – these being removed and replaced by its new number and GBRf branding before it left the Works. The event was jointly organised by ex-Canton fleet engineer Andrew Skinner, GBRf’s engineering director Bob Tiller and Arlington, and was attended by other railwaymen from Canton – including the photographer.
ALL PHOTOS BY STEVE MORRIS