D8188 / 20188

Class 20 1000HP Bo-Bo, Built by English Electric.

One of 228 built for BR, 20188 was one of the last delivered; in 1966. The class became a freight favourite with low gearing and high tractive effort. This loco spent most of its BR life allocated to Toton Depot. It moved to Ilford Depot for use by the Training School, finally being privately purchased by Pete Waterman in 1994.

After restoration it spent a couple of years at the East Lancs Railway before being sold to its present owner in November 1996. It moved to Yeovil soon after and saw limited use on the cramped site. In May 2000 it was towed by 33109 to the MHR, where 71A assisted the owner with preparing the loco for mainline operation. An opportunity to work on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link was taken up and D8188 was one of the stronger and reliable locos among the 20s working there. After protracted engine repairs D8188 returned to service at Swanage in early 2006 and was a relaible performer before moving to the Severn Valley Railway to assist in repairs to the line after floods damaged much of the railway. The loco is currently based at Kidderminster.
 

© 2005 71A Locomotive Group