I was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time, to see 20170 slowly pass by Derby station with just one wagon in tow. It was running on the freight lines to the east side of the station, rather than through a platform line. This is a good location for pictures, as it can be easily seen from platform 6 at the station.
20170 has just received an overhaul at Derby Locomotive Works, whose clock tower is visible in the background. It has also just been repainted in the newly-introduced Railfreight grey livery, replacing the Rail Blue livery it carried latterly. Its train is one equally spotless MGR hopper wagon, number HAA 353224. The locomotive dates from 1966, the wagon is younger.
This is a complete train (demonstrated by its carrying a tail lamp) and not a shunting move within station limits. I believe it was on its way to a rail industry exhibition, hence its spotless condition.
For the modelling fraternity this is an ideal prototype, given the train's short length and immaculate condition!
Not
just heritage schemes, not just commemorative schemes - this album is devoted to some of the world's most interesting paint schemes, past or present.
