Sign up to our weekly newsletter, RAIL Briefing

Freightliner to end its association with Class 47s


17/07/2024 in News
Freightliner’s 47830 Beeching’s Legacy is due to be retired and made a farewell to the company’s use of Brush Type 4s at the East Lancashire Railway’s June 27-30 diesel gala. It leads the 1530 Heywood to Rawtenstall away from Burrs Country Park on June 30. TOM MCATEE.

Freightliner’s last surviving Class 47, 47830 Beeching’s Legacy, was due to be withdrawn in early July because it requires expenditure that is not being sanctioned.

The locomotive took a farewell bow when it was a guest (along with 70014) at the East Lancashire Railway’s June 27-29 diesel gala.

It will end a 28-year association with Class 47s for the company, which was formed after a management buyout in May 1996.

Want to read more? Subscribe today and never miss an issue of RAIL. With a Print + Digital subscription, you’ll get each issue delivered to your door for FREE (UK only). Plus, enjoy an exclusive monthly e-newsletter from the Editor, rewards, discounts and prizes, AND full access to the latest and previous issues via the app.

National Rail Awards 2025 - enter now

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Entries are now open for RAIL’s National Rail Awards 2025, celebrating railway excellence from individuals and organisations.

The ‘Railway Oscars’, Britain’s biggest and most respected rail awards ceremony, celebrates outstanding achievements across the industry over the past year, highlighting those which demonstrate innovation and deliver measurable performance improvements.

Those recognised range from senior management to frontline staff, while the event also salutes engineering successes, environmental sustainability, and safety improvements.

All form part of the NRA’s aim to promote the rail industry’s longer-term success and sustainability, in which a highly skilled, diverse, motivated and engaged workforce can thrive under first-class leaders.

ENTER TODAY

Login to comment

Comments

No comments have been made yet.

RAIL is Britain's market leading modern railway magazine.

Download the app

Related content

Will all of the UK train assembly lines survive?

24/01/2025

UK train manufacturers face even leaner times ahead unless the government has a clear strategy for new rolling stock and places some orders, says Philip Haigh.

Northern begins negotiations with manufacturers for 450 new trains

17/01/2025

Northern Trains has taken a significant step towards the largest investment in its history, with the potential to see up to 450 new trains introduced across its network.

Behind the scenes: GWR trials fast-charging battery technology

15/01/2025

Joe Campbell joins the team conducting trials of fast-charge battery technology on the West Ealing to Greenford branch.