40145 & 55022

40145 & 55022 ROYAL SCOTS GREY

Visions has agreed to sponsor the repaint of 40145 into large logo livery, work started on preparing the loco on 30 June ‘07 and it will make it’s debut in these colours during the East Lancs 20th Anniverasry celebrations from 25th - 29th July. The decision to go large logo was taken by the Class 40 Preservation Society’s membership during their last AGM. It certainly should look the part when the loco embarks on it’s next trip to the West Highlands and Fort William on 25th August 07.

Visions International actively support main line running of preserved locomotives. The two locomotives that we donate towards are 40145 and Beaver Sports Class 55 ‘Deltic’ 55022 Royal Scots Grey. To date the CFPS have benefited to the tune of £3,500 thanks to our Class 40 programmes and we anticipate that 55022 will benefit by a similar amount with the release of 55022 The Third Age. Of course this is only possible through our customers buying our programmes, so we would like to say THANK YOU for allowing us to do our bit for preservation.

The damaged power unit was removed from 55022 on 20th January (see piccy above). Since this image was taken the generator has been split from the engine and many other parts removed. It's hoped to have the loco back on twin engine operation soon. Martin Walker, Beaver Sports MD has made the following statement:

“The removed generator and auxiliary will be en-route to Dowding & Mills in the next day or so for a thorough cleaning, service, commutator skim, VPI etc. This has been entirely financed by the fantastic sales income and very generous donation received from Visions International through the '55 022 - The Third Age' DVD, so all who've bought that have helped!!”

The new power unit has now been fitted and after a few teething problems is up and working. The loco will have a load bank test at Barrow Hill and will then be available to go back out on the main line. The incredible story of how a Napier Marine power unit has been converted for use inside 55022 will be told in a future production.

To find out more about the two locomotives please visit the websites shown below.