Class 58 023 undergoing final preparations before it's move to the SVR on the 14th September 2024

Class 58 No. 58 023 (023) is scheduled to make a historic journey tomorrow, 14th September, marking the first time a Class 58 locomotive has moved on the UK rail network in nearly a decade. The locomotive will be transferred from Leicester to the Severn Valley Railway (SVR).

This event is particularly significant as it marks a major milestone in the preservation of the Class 58s. Once a staple of British Rail freight operations in the 1980s and 1990s, Class 58s have not been seen on the mainline network since 58 016 left Barrow Hill for Leicester in December 0f 2015. 

The move, facilitated by Hanson & Hall, will see 023 travel to the Severn Valley Railway, where it will undergo testing and further restoration and eventually be used for special events at the Railway. The SVR, one of the UK’s leading heritage railways, is an ideal home for the locomotive, providing access to a large community of railway enthusiasts and regular Diesel events throughout the year.

Paul Fuller, Chairman of the Class 58 Locomotive Group, comments: “This is a historic moment for us and the many people who have followed the Class 58’s journey over the years. Seeing 023 return to the mainline, even for a short transfer, is a huge step in our mission to see these locomotives preserved for future generations. It’s the first Class 58 movement on the UK rail network in nearly ten years, and we hope this will spark a renewed interest in their preservation.”

The Class 58 locomotives, known for their modular design and distinctive box-like appearance, were built by British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL) between 1982 and 1987. Despite their relatively short time in operation, they played a vital role in hauling heavy freight across the country.

EWS withdrew 023 from service in the early 2000s, but thanks to the efforts of its private owner and a dedicated team, it has been carefully preserved and restored over the past few years since its purchase from the scrapman in 2016.

The timings of the move are now available on RailTimeTrains, which is linked below.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:R27153/2024-09-14/detailed