Railway Herald
Stripped of its raised numerals, prototype 25kV AC electric test locomotive No. E2001, attached and cabled to two modified electrification vehicles, is stabled on a embankment at Akeman Street on 21st June 1970, on the line from Ashendon Junction to Grendon Underwood Junction. Following a period in store after it had finished its duties at Rugby Test Plant towards the end of 1961, it was being used for pantograph wind velocity tests. In 1958 the loco had been converted from the former 1951-built Metropolitan-Vickers gas turbine No. 18100 to a prototype AC electric locomotive. Initially numbered E1000, it was used for testing and training purposes. The loco was withdrawn in April 1968 and scrapped by J Cashmore of Great Bridge during November 1972.
Derek Jones
