Typifying the locomotives in their all-new state, 58018 sports ‘wraparound’ yellow cabs, black window surrounds and plain grey bodywork, offset with a very prominent red solebar. The black TOPS numbers were carried in large digits at one end, while ‘Railfreight’ motifs were applied to the opposite cabside. Large double-arrow logos completed the livery. Initially, overhead line warning flashes were carried on the cab ends only. Doncaster, October 1984.
COLOUR RAIL
The 50 locomotives that comprised Class 58 boasted a power output rated at 3,300hp and were, therefore, designated as Type 5s. The design was something of a departure for British Rail, with the centre section of the locomotive being narrower than the cabs, prompting enthusiasts to christen them ‘Bones’.