The seventeen year and four month career of D5202/25052 included almost ten years allocated to London Midland depots, the remainder on the Western Region.

Built: BR Derby Locomotive Works.
Boiler equipped.
Assuming the transfer to Skipton (10G) is correct, D5202 was the only Class 25 ever allocated there.
Royal Train cabling modification (cab front access panel) (removed 11/1975).
Time between last Classified repair and withdrawal: 58 months.
Time between withdrawal & scrapping: six weeks (possibly the shortest time for any Class 25 between withdrawal and scrapping).

Allocations

D5202 was new to Toton (18A) on June 1st 1963. Further transfers were:

September 1963 to Toton (16A) (depot code change).
January 1964 to Longsight (9A).
May 1964 to Skipton (10G).
July 1964 to Longsight (9A).
September 1964 to Toton (16A).
December 1964 to Nottingham (16D).
January 1965 to Nottingham Division (D16).
June 1965 to Saltley (2E).
April 1966 to Birmingham Division (D02).
April 1966 to London Midland (Midland) Lines LMML.
November 1967 to Springs Branch (8F).
June 1968 to Liverpool Division (D08).
January 1972 to Bristol (82A).
May 1976 to Laira.
Withdrawn October 5th 1980.

Renumbered February 1974.

25052 was the 46th Class 25 withdrawn, one of four retired during October 1980.

After withdrawal 25052 was moved to Swindon Works on October 8th 1980 and scrapped there during the second week of November 1980.

Works Visits

Works visits (records incomplete).

Noted Derby Works August - October 1964.
Noted Derby Works May 1965.
Noted Derby Works December 1966.
Noted Derby Works October & November 1975 (gangway doors sheeted over).
Noted Derby Works August 1977.

Highlights

1965
On August 12th D5202 worked the 5M08 16.40 Hinksey Yard - Water Orton.

1966
On February 24th Burton shed was host to 44 locomotives, 21 steam (all in service) and 23 diesels comprised of D9, D135, D143, D1650, D2384, D3572, D3586, D3778, D4150, D5202, D5212, D5293, D7509, D7511, D7514, D7532, D7533, D7536, D7538, D7542, D7544, D7567 & D7594.

On the morning of May 28th D5202 was noted at Cricklewood.

On the evening of June 12th D5202 was stabled at Wellingborough.

On Sunday November 27th stabled at Saltley were D5183, D5202, D5226, D5230, D7519, D7534, D7574, D7575, D7588, D7589, D7597 & D7639.

1967
On the morning of January 19th D5202 was stabled at Leicester and later headed south with a freight.

Condition August: blue livery with full yellow cab fronts (an early example in blue livery), gangway doors present, BR emblems on cab sides & numbers on bodysides.

1968
On the morning of March 23rd D5202 was shunting at Warrington Bank Quay.

On April 28th D5202 worked the 16.53(Sun) Preston - Liverpool.

On the late morning of August 17th 5202 was southbound at Crewe with a freight.

1969
The 1F51 21.25 Preston - Liverpool Exchange was worked by 5202 on March 4th & March 11th.

On June 29th 5202 & 7532 worked a roundtrip Wellingborough - Brighton day excursion.

An Open Day at Allerton depot on July 26th featured 5202 as one of the featured locomotives on display, along with 216, 409, 3353, E3189 and steam locomotives 7029, 5428 & 5593.

The 17.30FO Manchester Victoria - York was worked by 5202 on October 24th.

1970
On January 22nd 5202 was noted at Liverpool Lime Street with an Inspection saloon.

On August 15th 5202 & 5209 (or 5208?) worked a Blackpool North - Glasgow Central service via Beattock due to a derailment at Kirkconnel on the GSW line. At this time the Class 25s were no strangers to passenger work over the northern end of the WCML, however to have the opportunity to ride over both Shap & Beattock on the same service no doubt added a little spice for any enthusiasts on the train.

On October 3rd 5202 was at Wigan NW with an up freight.

On November 21st the FA Cup first round matches began, with 5202 & 7650 working a Wigan - Tyne Dock football special. The empty coaching stock ran onto South Shields allowing the locomotives to reverse and head off to Heaton Carriage sidings.

1971
At about 7.45am on September 21st 5202 was noted passing Parkside with an up freight.

1972
At about 6pm on April 12th 5202 was noted passing Manchester Exchange with a down van train.

On June 27th the 15.20 York - Bristol Temple Meads saw 5202 take over at Sheffield, remaining on the train to Bristol Temple Meads.

On the evening of July 14th 5202 & 5227 were noted at Exeter with the 7V95 04.10 Carlisle - Exeter Riverside freight. These locomotives were return north on July 15th's 7B15 03.30 Exeter Riverside - Bristol freight.

On July 26th 5202 & 5209 worked a Washwood Heath - Gloucester freight.

5202 was noted at Bristol Bath Road on the morning of August 2nd.

On August 8th 5202 was noted at Exeter with the 14.30 Witham - (Paddington??) St Erth inspection saloon with W9005W.

On the evening of August 9th 5202 (82A Bristol allocation) was at Exeter stabling point.

Freight or local trains noted at Bristol on October 7th include:
5230 2B46
5202 8B12
1811 1Z69
84 4V07
111 8C65
185 9B11
1840 1Z37
7068 2V60
7068 2O69.

On November 22nd the 08.00 Bristol Temple Meads - Penzance saw 5202 replace 6553 & 824 (failed) at Exeter, the Class 25 worked at least as far as Plymouth.

On December 9th 5202 worked the 6B67 10.40 Barnstaple - Exeter vans and later worked the 2B99 16.05? Exeter St Davids - Barnstaple.

At about 4.30pm on December 16th 5202 was noted at Exeter having run light engine from Barnstaple.

At about 4.30pm on December 30th 5202 arrived at Exeter stabling point from the down direction.

1973
On February 2nd 5202 was noted at Exeter stabling point.

On February 3rd 5202 worked the 6B66 10.40 Barnstaple - Exeter vans (six vans).

On February 7th 5202 was noted at Exeter stabling point.

On April 13th 5202 was noted at Exeter stabling point.

On June 7th, 8th, 9th & 13th 5202 was noted at Exeter stabling point.

At about 04.15am on June 16th 5202 left Exeter stabling point for Exeter Riverside to work the 7B19. It later worked the 6B16 11.05 Barnstaple - Exeter vans.

On June 18th 7577 & 5202 (dead) worked the 4B66 10.45 Barnstaple - Exeter vans (four vans).

On August 11th 5202 worked the 09.51 Exeter St Davids - Barnstaple and the return 12.20, the 15.55 Exeter St David - Barnstaple and the return 17.55.

On August 13th 5202 worked the 6B66 Barnstaple - Exeter vans.

On August 14th & 17th 5202 was noted at Exeter stabling point.

On October 6th 5202 worked the Lapford - Exeter milk (three tanks).

On October 9th 5202 was noted at Exeter stabling point.

On October 14th 5202 was noted arriving at Exeter with the previous day's (?) 6V13 14.30 York - Plymouth parcels. 5202 retired to the stabling point and 17 took over.

On the morning of October 24th 5202 was noted at Severn Tunnel Junction.

On December 8th 5202 was noted at Exeter stabling point.

1974
On February 13th 25052 was noted on Exeter stabling point.

On February 14th 25052 was noted on Exeter stabling point, being scheduled to work the 03.00 Exeter - Barnstaple.

On February 23rd 25052 was noted on Exeter stabling point.

On May 21st 25052 was noted at Exeter with the 4B10 16.05 Bristol - Plymouth parcels (seven vans).

On May 23rd 25052 worked the 6B58 15.05 Whimple - Exeter Riverside.

On May 25th 25052 worked the 6B66 11.05 Barnstaple - Exeter vans, the 2B99 15.55 Exter - Barnstaple and the 17.55 Barnstaple - Exeter.

On the evening of May 31st 25052 was noted at Exeter stabling point.

On June 1st 25052 worked the 2B99 12.20 Barnstaple - Exeter, the 15.55 Exeter - Barnstaple and the 17.55 return to Exeter.

On June 6th, 7th & 8th 25052 was on Exeter stabling point.

On June 9th whilst 25052 was working he Hemyock trip the 1V69 09.29 Manchester Plymouth with 131 failed at Wellington. 25052 was sent to rescue the service, taking everything to Exeter where 131 & 25052 came off and 47229 took over.

On August 7th 25052 worked the 6B58 15.05 Whimple - Exeter Riverside.

On September 10th 25052 became a failure due to an electrical fault at Uffculme whilst working the afternoon freight to Hemyock. 31193 was utilised to rescue the failure and bring it back to Exeter.

On September 11th 25052 was noted at Exeter stabling point.

On September 17th 25052 worked the 7B58 15.05 Whimple - Exeter Riverside freight.

On September 21st 25052 worked the 6B70 17.05 Hemyock - Exeter milk (four tanks).

On September 24th & 25th 25052 was noted at Exeter stabling point.

1975
At about 4pm on March 3rd 25052 & 25153 departed Exeter stabling point with an immobilised 47248 headed for?

On the morning of March 14th 25052 was noted at Taunton stabling point.

25052 worked the Fry's trip freight to Keynsham on May 1st. On May 27th, 29th & 31st 25052 was noted at Exeter stabling point.

On June 6th 25052 was noted at Exeter stabling point.

On June 13th a faded, work stained 25052 was noted at Newton Abbot assisting 47083 with a westbound passenger service.

On June 14th 25052 worked the 6B70 17.05 Hemyock - Exeter milk.

Condition June: blue/yellow livery, gangway doors present, no blanking plates, hand/footholds plated over, Royal Train circular communication access cover in driver's side gangway door.

On November 28th 1975 25055 made a test run from Derby Works.

The snag sheet for November 28th recorded:

Radiators unbalanced B side low
No.2 cab driver's side door lock requires attention
Oil pressure low on top (46)
Overspeed tripped
No.2 cylinder linerpiece broken.

1976
On January 29th, 30th & 31st 25052 was noted at Exeter stabling point.

On February 2nd 25052 worked the 2B84 20.15 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot.

On February 14th 25052 was noted at Exeter stabling point.

25052, 25060 & 25119 were noted at Gloucester on March 26th.

The 06.00 Nottingham - Lincoln parcels was worked by 25052 on April 14th.

During May 25052 was transferred to Laira, resulting in the locomotive featuring on the summer passenger locals in the Exeter & Plymouth area.

On May 17th the 7E19 19.40 St Blazey - Temple Mills (all Presflos) was noted at Exeter Riverside behind 50019, 25052 & 25215. Presumably the Class 50 came off here and worked on to Exeter stabling point.

On May 28th 25052 was noted at Exeter stabling point.

On June 1st 25052 worked the 14.10 Exeter St. Davids - Paignton, no doubt many other similar workings like this took place during this summer and the summers of 1977 - 1980.

On June 28th 50046, 25216 & 25052 were noted at Exeter with the 6E19 19.40 St Blazey - Temple Mills freight (29 wagons and brake van). 50046 came off at Exeter and retired to the stabling point.

During the morning of June 29th 25052 worked a Liskeard to St Blazey freight.

On the morning of July 2nd 25052 worked a Liskeard - St Blazey freight.

On July 19th 25052 & 25170 worked the 6E19 19.40 St Blazey - Temple Mills (14 wagons and brake van).

On July 22nd 25052 was noted at Lostwithiel with loaded clay hoods.

On July 28th was noted at 6.45am at Lostwithiel with an unidentified Up freight.

On the evening of August 6th 25052 & 25220 were noted passing Liskeard with a St Blazey - Temple Mills freight. On August 19th 25052 was noted westbound at Bodmin Road with a freight.

On the morning of September 4th 25052 was at Laira.

On the late afternoon of September 8th 25052 was on a down permanent way train at Plymouth.

On September 13th the 10.20 Penzance - Leeds was worked to Plymouth by 47001 & 25052.

At about 10pm on October 29th 25052 was with a down goods at Plymouth.

On November 3rd 25217 & 25052 were noted at Exeter with the 6E19 19.40 St Blazey - Temple Mills freight (21 wagons).

On November 4th 25215 & 25052 were noted at Exeter with the 7E79 19.40 St Blazey - Temple Mills freight.

On November 5th 25052 worked the 9B73 15.05 Whimple - Exeter Riverside (four CovHops and brakevan). It later worked the 9B75 21.10 Exeter City Basin - Exeter Riverside.

On November 8th 25052 worked the 9B70 13.25 Exeter Riverside - Whimple freight.

On November 12th St Blazey sent out 25080 & 25063 on the 18.05 St Blazey - Etruria clay and 25052 & 25223 on the 19.45 St Blazey - Temple Mills goods.

On November 16th 25052 worked the 6B70 15.05 Whimple - Exeter Riverside. At about 5pm 25052 took the 5Z08 up to Exeter Central or Exmouth Junction, with 47246 providing banking assistance. 25052 later returned to the stabling point and would work the 2B44 19.35 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot (eight coaches). At about this time there was drama on a nearby platform as 47077 waited to work the air-conditioned eight coach 2B42 18.45 Exter St Davids - Paignton. The Taunton guard refused to work the train due to there being no heat. A spare guard substituted in order to allow the service to go ahead.

In the early hours of November 20th noted at Exeter shed were 25052, 25220, 25225 & 31230.

On November 27th 25052 & 25220 worked the 07.40 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids.

On December 8th 25052 worked the 9B70 15.05 Whimple - Exeter Riverside.

On December 9th 25052 worked the 9B70 15.05 Whimple - Exeter Riverside.

On December 23rd 25052 worked the 2B99 17.52 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids and the 19.35 Exeter St. Davids - Paignton.

On December 24th 25052 worked the 2B44 19.35 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot (nine coaches).

On December 28th 25052 was stabled at Exeter.

On December 29th 25052 was noted at Exeter stabling point parked on the cripple road. This was a day of extreme cold, wintry weather which had hit the railways badly. Other locomotives at Exeter were in poor shape, 25032 would not reverse, 31260 had two traction motors isolated, 47063 was restricted to local work, 47103 was suffering a complete power loss. 31124 & 31229 had come off a Salisbury - Meldon empties with one of the Class 31s having developed a fault. The two Class 31s later towed 47103 & 25032 to Bristol Bath Road. The good news was that 50044 was available for work!

1977
On the afternoon of January 3rd 25052 was noted light engine at Plymouth.

On January 5th 25223 & 25052 worked the 6E19 19.40 St Blazey - Temple Mills.

On January 21st 25052 worked the 6B70 17.00 Chard Junction - Exeter milk (three tanks).

25052 was stabled at Exeter on March 3rd. On March 15th 25052 worked the 2B44 19.35 Exeter Riverside - Newton Abbot (nine coaches).

On March 17th 25052 worked the 7B73 15.05 Whimple / 17.00 Chard Junction - Exeter Riverside (fifteen vans?)

On the late evening of March 25th 25052, 25215, 47106 & 50014 were stabled at Exeter depot.

On March 26th 25052 worked the 2B99 17.52 Barnstaple - Exeter.

On April 2nd 25052 was noted at Exeter stabling point with the steam heating working well. On April 5th 25052 worked the 9B75 21.10 Exeter City Basin - Exeter Riverside.

At about 10pm on April 12th 25052 was noted on platform six at Exeter St Davids providing steam heat to a sleeper coach.

On the late afternoon of April 16th 25052 was stabled at Laira.

At about 7pm on April 27th 25052 was noted at Exeter providing steam heat to a sleeper in the sidings. On April 30th 25052 and three milk tanks worked the 6B18 14.50 Exeter - Chard Junction milk empties.

On May 10th 25052 worked the 6B75 21.10 Exeter Central - Exeter Riverside, then proceeded to the stabling point.

On May 13th 25052 worked the 6B70 13.40 Exeter Riverside - Chard Junction.

On May 19th 25052 worked the 7B70 17.05 Chard Junction - Exeter Riverside.

On May 21st 25052 worked the 2B99 15.55 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids. At Exeter 25052 left the stock in the carriage sidings and then made its way to the banking spur.

On May 25th 25052 worked the 7B70 13.40 Exeter Riverside - Chard Junction.

On May 28th 25052 worked the 2B99 15.55 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids and the 18.04 Barnstaple - Exeter??

On June 3rd 25052 worked the 7B70 13.40 Exeter Riverside - Whimple / Chard Junction.

1977 produced a further selection of local Exeter area passenger workings. Other highlights included on June 4th a Bideford - Paddington day excursion to celebrate the Queen's Silver Jubilee was worked from Bideford to Exeter St. Davids by 25052 & 25223.

On June 10th 25052 worked the 7B70 17.05 Chard Junction - Exeter Riverside.

On June 17th 25052 worked the 15.20 Penzance - Paddington vans to Plymouth, returning west with the 04.27 Longport - St Blazey clay.

25052 and freight were noted at Wadebridge on the early morning of June 22nd then later seen at Moorswater on clay wagons at about 9.00am. At about 8.30pm on June 27th 25052 & 25223 were noted at Par.

On June 28th 25052 & 25170 worked the 19.50 St Blazey - Carlisle goods.

On July 1st 25052 & 25225 worked the 20.55 St Blazey - Temple Mills goods to?

On August 12th 25052 was noted at Exeter with the 4B10 16.12 Bristol - Plymouth parcels (six vans).

On August 20th 25052 worked the 11.58 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids.

On the morning of August 21st 25052 was stabled at Newton Abbot, it would later work the 11.10 Exeter St Davids - Barnstaple, the 12.30 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids and the 14.20 Exeter St Davids - Paignton.

At mid-day on August 23rd 25052 was stabled at Exeter shed, it would later work the 19.35 Exeter - Paignton.

On the morning of August 25th 25052/31295 & 33012 were stabled at Exeter.

On August 28th 25052 worked the 13.20 Exeter St Davids - Paignton and was also noted this day working an up empty coaching stock near Bishopsteignton.

The local Round Table in the Barnstaple area ran a special on August 29th from Barnstaple to Meeth. The ten coaches were 'top & tailed' by 25223 & 25052! Later this would form the 16.25 Barnstaple - Newton Abbot empty coaching stock with 25223 & 25052.

On September 1st 25052 worked the 7B70 21.10 Chard Junction / 17.58 Whimple - Exeter Riverside. On September 9th 25052 was noted at Exeter St Davids with a passenger service (to Barnstaple?)

On September 11th 25052 was westbound at Dawlish with a passenger service.

On September 20th 25052 worked the 2B99 17.45 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids.

On September 21st 25052 worked the 7B70 17.05 Chard Junction - Exeter Riverside (three tanks, one CovAB and brakevan).

On September 22nd 25052 worked the 7B70 17.05 Chard Junction / 17.58 Whimple - Exeter Riverside (one tank, two CovABs and brakevan).

On September 30th 25052 worked the 9B70 13.40 Exeter Riverside - Whimple (two CovHops and brakevan).

On October 9th a Paddington - Kingswear railtour was worked roundtrip Exeter St. Davids - Paignton by 25052 & 25223 (see image below).

On October 10th 25052 worked the 2B44 1935 Exeter St Davids - Paignton (eight coaches).

On October 14th St Blazey sent out 25223 & 25052 on the 19.50 Carlisle goods and 25170 & 25216 on the 20.55 Temple Mills goods. 25052 & 25223 returned from? with the 18.25 Avonmouth - Truro goods and 25216 & 25170 returned with the 23.45 Exeter Riverside - St Blazey goods.

On the afternoon of October 26th 25052, 25080, 25155 & 25223 were stabled at Laira.

Busy times were noted for the Laira Class 25s on December 23rd:
25170 on an up goods at Plymouth (08.20)
25225 with the 10.30 Exeter Riverside - Newcourt goods
25080 & 25052 on a down clay at Exeter (16.30)
25225 with the 16.20 Exeter St Davids - Barnstaple, the 17.45 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids and the 19.35 Exeter St Davids - Paignton
25145 on the 18.45 Barnstaple - Exeter Riverside goods
25223 & 25216 on the 20.55 St Blazey - Temple Mills goods (at Exeter).

At 8pm on December 30th 25217 & 25052 were up light engines at Plymouth.

1978
On February 17th 25052 & 25223 were noted at Plymouth with the 19.50 St Blazey - Carlisle freight.

On February 28th 25052 was noted in the yard at Liskeard.

On March 3rd 25052 & 25216 were noted at Plymouth with the 19.50 St Blazey - Carlisle goods.

25052 was stabled at St Blazey on March 5th.

On March 23rd 25052 worked the 9B75 22.05 Exeter City Basin - Exeter Riverside (18 Texaco tank empties and brakevan).

On a wet April 1st 25052 & 25224 were noted at Exeter St Davids with a mixed train (one GUV, two Mark I coaches, three CCTs and two PMVs), possibly the early morning Barnstaple - Exeter mixed service. On the late evening of April 11th 25052 was stabled at Exeter. The next day (12th) 25080 & 25052 were noted as double headed light diesels in the Up direction passing Plymouth at 1.30pm (to Laira to refuel?). Later that afternoon the same pair of light diesels were noted in the Down direction passing Plymouth to work a St Blazey - Carlisle freight? On April 21st 25052 & 25170 worked a St Blazey - Carlisle freight to Exeter Riverside.

On April 29th 25052 was stabled at St Blazey.

On May 5th 25052 & 25225 worked a St Blazey - Carlisle freight to Exeter Riverside. Late in the afternoon of May 10th 25052 was noted light diesel at Plymouth in the up direction. On May 12th 25052 & 25155 were noted passing Plymouth at 8.30pm with the down clay empties, headed for Fowey.

At about 8pm on May 19th 25052 & 25223 were noted at Bodmin Road with a St Blazey - Carlisle freight.

On July 10th 25052 was noted at St Erth with a freight. On July 14th 25052 & 25155 were noted light engines at Mutley Tunnel. Typical of the workings of the summer of 1978 included the 16.40 Plymouth - Paignton on July 25th and the next day's 10.00 Paignton - Plymouth. On July 29th 25052 worked the 06.35 Plymouth - Old Oak Common vans at least as far as Reading West (possibly further). On the late afternoon of July 30th 25052 was noted at Taunton. On the morning of July 31st 25052 was noted at Exeter stabling point, it would later be used on the 19.35 Exeter - Paignton.

On the afternoon of July 14th 25052 & 25207 were noted at Plymouth with a down clay.

On the evening of July 19th 25052 was stabled at Laira.

On the afternoon of July 24th 25052 was up light engine at Plymouth.

On July 26th 25052 worked the 10.00 Paignton - Plymouth.

On the afternoon of July 27th 25052 was noted at Laira.

On July 29th 25052 worked the 06.35 Plymouth - Old Oak vans to?

On the morning of July 31st 25052 was stabled at Exeter shed. It would later work the 19.35 Exeter St Davids - Paignton.

On the morning of August 1st 25052 was at Exeter stabling point, later that day it would work the 13.40 Riverside - Chard milk empties, the return 7B70 17.05 Chard Junction - Exeter Riverside (nine CovAB and brake van) and the 19.35 Exeter St Davids - Paignton.

On August 3rd 25052 worked the 2B48 20.20 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot.

On the morning of August 8th 25052 was at Exeter stabling point. On the evening of August 11th 25052 was noted at Newton Abbot with a passenger service.

On the afternoon of August 16th 25052 was on Exeter shed.

At about 09.30 on August 19th 25052 & 25225 were on Exeter shed.

25080 & 25052 worked the 19.50 St Blazey - Carlisle freight to Exeter Riverside on August 25th.

On September 1st 25052 & 37142 were noted at Exeter with the 7M86 19.50 St Blazey - Carlisle (30 wagons and brake van).

On September 8th St Blazey sent out 25052 & 37142 on the 19.50 St Blazey - Carlisle goods and 25206 & 25207 on the 20.50 St Blazey - Temple Mills goods.

On September 13th 25052 & 25207 worked the 20.50 St Blazey - Temple Mills to Exeter Riverside. Two days later on September 15th 25052 & 37142 worked the 19.50 St Blazey - Carlisle to Exeter Riverside. On September 22nd 25052 & 37267 worked the 19.50 St Blazey - Carlisle freight to Exeter Riverside.

On the afternoon of September 27th 25052 was at Saltash with an up permanent way train.

At 10am on September 29th 25052 was up light engine at Plymouth.

On the afternoon of October 22nd 25052 was stabled at Exeter shed.

On the evening of November 2nd 25052 was stabled at Exeter.

On November 7th 25052 worked the 2B54 21.52 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot.

The 'Welsh Wonder Relief' railtour on December 2nd from Paddington - Blaenavon saw the Paddington - Severn Tunnel Junction leg handled by 25052 & 25225.

On the morning of December 9th 25052,25057, 25206 & 25223 were stabled at Exeter shed.

On the morning of December 12th 25052 was at Exeter Riverside Yard.

On the morning of December 16th 25052 & 25057 were stabled at Exeter shed.

At 11am on December 22nd 25052, 33032 & 47233 were stabled at Exeter shed.

1979
Heavy snow over the New Year plagued services with delays and faulty equipment making life even more difficult to maintain the timetable. In the West Country Exeter proved to be a graveyard for frozen up locomotives, with temperatures reaching down to –13C most things simply froze up. At Exeter the local services were cancelled with the diesel multiple units frozen solid. The diesels fared little better with eighteen frozen up locomotives including 25052, 25206/225/263.

At about 2pm on a very, very cold January 2nd Exeter stabling point contained 08288, 08641, 08953 (station pilot) 25052, 25206, 25225, 25263, 31107, 31138, 33009, 33114, 46020, 47008 & 50022. Most of these locomotives were unserviceable, either unable to start, or unable to heat a train. The diesel multiple units were in equally poor condition. Set P464 had been obtained from Newton Abbot to work the Exmouth branch on a go-when-ready basis. At about 7am 46020 was sent from Laira to Exeter equipped with a steam lance and carrying a fitter and an electrician. Later in the day when the 'Golden Hind' failed at Brent 46020 went to its rescue, taking it as far as Newton Abbot. All the trains passing through Exeter were standing room only. 47008 had arrived with empty coaching stock from Newton Abbot to work the 07.15 to Plymouth, whilst waiting to depart the brake gear on the locomotive froze solid.

On January 11th 25052 worked the 20.45 Exeter St. Davids - Newton Abbot.

January 16th was a day of ASLEF strike action, at 3.30pm Exeter stabling point contained 08641, 08953, 25048, 25052, 25080, 25206, 33001, 33004, 46017, 46043, 47091, 47290, 47509 & 47543 (14 locomotives).

On the morning of January 22nd 25052 & 25206 were stabled at Exeter shed.

On February 16th 25052 worked the 18.00 Truro - Plymouth Friary goods and the 19.50 Plymouth Friary - St Blazey goods.

On the late afternoon of February 23rd 25080 & 25052 were noted at Exeter St Davids with an up clay.

On the morning of March 12th 25052 was noted at Laira.

On March 23rd 25052 worked the 16.08 Exeter St Davids - Barnstaple and the 19.30 Exeter St Davids - Paignton.

On March 24th 25052 was noted light engine at Exeter St Davids.

On the morning of March 26th 25052 was stabled at Newton Abbot.

25052 was stabled at Exeter on April 7th. On the early evening of April 10th 25052 was stabled at Exeter depot. On April 17th 25052 worked the 07.46 Barnstable - Exeter and during the afternoon was noted at Exeter stabling point.

At about 2pm on May 5th 25048/25052/25223/25225 were at Exeter shed.

On May 17th 25052 & 25058 were in charge of the 19.50 St Blazey - Carlisle freight as far as?

On June 1st 25052 & 25225 were in charge of the 20.05 St Blazey - Carlisle freight as far as?

On a wet June 13th 25052 was noted arriving at St Erth from Hayle Wharf with two wagons for the up side goods yard to be loaded with scrap metal. A week later on June 20th was noted at Exeter St Davids with a short freight from the direction of Exeter Central.

On the early afternoon of June 10th 25052 was stabled at Laira.

On June 23rd 25052 worked the 2B82 13.40 Exeter St Davids - Barnstaple and the 2B87 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids.

On the evening of June 30th 25080 & 25052 worked the 19.xx Newquay - Duddeston ECS to Plymouth, here the Class 25s were replaced by 47136.

June 30th's 22.41 Manchester Piccadilly - Penzance was worked forward from Plymouth by 25052 & 25080.

On the early afternoon of July 1st 25052 & 25080 were stabled at Laira.

On the morning of July 7th 25048 & 25052 were noted at Exeter stabling point along with three Class 47s. 25052 would later work the 14.43 Exeter Riverside - Chard milk empties and return with the 17.00 Chard - Exeter Riverside milk. On the afternoon of July 8th 25048, 25052 & 25249 were noted on Exeter stabling point. On July 10th 25052 worked the 19.32 Exeter - Paignton.

On July 12th 25052 worked the 19.37 Exeter St Davids - Paignton. On July 19th 25052 worked the 2B56 21.52 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot (nine coaches). On the morning of July 28th 25052 was at Exeter stabling point.

On August 2nd 25052 worked the 19.35 Exeter - Paignton. On the morning of August 4th 25052 was at Exeter stabling point. On August 17th was noted at Exeter Central having collected empty Presflos from the nearby Blue Circle Cement terminal in Exeter Central goods yard. The cement empties would be headed to Riverside Yard for a service back to Westbury cement works. On August 18th 25052 worked the 13.50 Exeter St Davids - Barnstaple.

On September 15th noted at Exeter St Davids were 25052, 25057 & 25058. On the afternoon of September 16th 25057 & 25052 were noted at Exeter stabling point.

After a summer of local workings the Crewe - Meeth/Meldon Quarry 'Atlantic Coast Express' on October 20th/21st was worked roundtrip Exeter St. Davids - Meeth/Meldon Quarry by 25052 & 25223.

On October 27th 25052 worked the 21.10 Paignton - Newton Abbot.

On the afternoon of October 28th 25052 was noted at Exeter shed.

On November 2nd 25052 worked the 2B77 07.50 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids. After arrival at Exeter 25052 assisted 25207 working the 8B73 09.15 Exeter Riverside - Exmouth Junction coal trip as banker up to Exeter Central.

On November 5th 25052 worked the 7B71 22.05 Exeter City Basin - Exeter Riverside Texaco empties.

On the evening of November 10th 25052 was at Exeter shed.

On the afternoon of November 11th 25052 was at Exeter shed.

On the afternoon of November 18th 25052 & 25080 were noted at Exeter shed.

At 8.00am on December 8th 37142 & 25052 were noted with a down clay at Plymouth.

At mid-day on December 21st stabled at Exeter shed were 25052, 31106, 33010, 33020 & 33113. Later this day 25052 worked the 2B44 19.37 Exeter St Davids - Paignton (eight coaches).

On December 27th heavy rains in the West Country caused interruption to services on the 27th/28th in the Exeter area. The Barnstaple & Salisbury lines were closed to flooding early on the 28th, but light engines sent out confirmed the lines were passable. The 10.10 Exeter - Waterloo was the first sent out over that route with 31258 and five air-conditioned coaches, the stock had not been cleaned, with no food service or heat. The 12.28 Exeter - Waterloo departed with 31183 and eight heated vacuum braked coaches, 25052 banked the train up to Exeter Central.

At mid-day on December 31st 25052 & 25223 were noted at Exeter shed.

1980
On the evening of January 4th 25052 was at Exeter shed.

On the morning of January 5th 25052 & 25225 were at Exeter shed.

On the late afternoon of February 1st 25052 was noted at Exeter shed.

On the late afternoon of March 31st 25052 was noted at Exeter shed.

During the second week of May (exact date uncertain) 25052 & 37142 were noted at Falmouth with mineral wagons.

It must be assumed that 25052 did work some passenger services during 1980, if so these workings went unrecorded.

On June 24th 25052 worked the afternoon Truro Yard - St Blazey freight, noted passing Burngullow Junction with just three wagons.

25052 was noted at St Blazey on July 5th, 20th, 24th & 27th.

25052 was noted running light engine at Bodmin Road on September 13th and was noted passing Bodmin Road on September 15th with loaded clay hoods.

The end of the summer timetable saw 25052 withdrawn during the first week of October, it was quickly moved to Swindon Works and scrapped there by early November 1980, one of the quickest disposals recorded for any Class 25. Withdrawn at the same time as 25052 were Laira shedmates 25223 & 25225.

36/1907
flk 0921

Not all known passenger workings are recorded on this page.

Resources:
1970s Western Region information courtesy online notebooks of Sean Greenslade.

Page added May 3rd 2013.
Last updated February 29th 2024.

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