Railway Herald
An interesting view of Gloucester on 9th April 1969, before the old Gloucester Central Station buildings, tall office block, goods shed and National Carriers Limited Depot were all swept away. Brush Type 4 diesel electric No. 1646 pauses for crew relief on a northbound freight from Severn Tunnel Junction. The loco was new from Crewe Works in December 1964 and had an interesting service life. It was allocated Class 47 No. 47062 under TOPS but it was never applied, instead becoming No. 47545 in November 1974. It then became No. 97545 in September 1988 and finally No. 47972 in July 1989. The loco was named 'The Royal Army Ordnance Corps' at MOD Kineton on 26/2/93. It was withdrawn in April 2000 and after a period in store at Carnforth, was cut-up by CF Booth of Rotherham during March 2010.
Derek Jones
