D7570, 7570, 25220
D7570, 7570, 25220

Photograph courtesy John Turner (via RG)
Sometime during April 1982 25220 with a loaded coal train heads north through Cheltenham station.

The almost nineteen year career of 7570/25220 included a short time at Leeds Holbeck and longer spells on the Western and London Midland Regions.

Built: BR Derby Locomotive Works.
Boiler equipped.
Royal Train cabling modification (cab front circular access point).
Center lampbracket & other fittings removed (No.2 cab only).
Time between last Classified repair and withdrawal: ?? months.
Time between withdrawal and scrapping: 34 months.

Allocations

D7570 was new to Nottingham (16A) on October 5th 1963. Further transfers were:

April 1964 to Saltley (2E).
April 1966 to Birmingham Division (D02).
April 1966 to LM Midland Lines.
August 1967 to Birminghm Division (D02).
August 1967 to Leeds Holbeck (55A) on loan, then made permanent.
May 1968 to Springs Branch (8F).
June 1968 to Liverpool Division (D08).
May 1970 to Manchester Division (D09).
September 1972 to London Division Western Lines (D01).
March 1973 to Nottingham Division (D16).
May 1973 to Toton.
May 1974 to Bristol.
July 1975 to Laira.
December 1976 to Cardiff.
November 1977 to Crewe.
Withdrawn June 13th 1982.

Renumbered February 16th 1974.

25220 was the 130th Class 25 withdrawn, one of three retired during June 1982.

After withdrawal 25220 was moved to Derby Works by August 1982 and remained here until moved to Swindon Works (with 25050/062, 25129/133/146, 25220/233/274/294) on February 3rd/4th 1985 and scrapped there the third week of April 1985.

Photograph courtesy Adrian Healey
25220 (showing its No.2 end) & 40018 at Derby Works on March 15th 1983.

Photograph courtesy Phillip Moore
25220 (showing its No.1 end) at Derby Works on November 26th 1983. In comparison with the view above the detail differences between the two cab fronts can be noted.

Works Visits

Works visits (records incomplete).

Noted Derby Works February 1967.
Noted Crewe Works November 1968.
Noted Derby Works April 1973.
Noted Derby Works June & July 1975 (gangway doors removed, full repaint).
Noted Derby Works October - December 1977.

Photograph courtesy Tony Sayer
One cab from 25220 at Derby Works on March 18th 1978. This cab was presumably removed from the locomotive during its visit to Derby Works during the last quarter of 1977.

Highlights

At the last update of this page (November 2016) the recorded passenger mileage of 7570/25220 placed it in the top ten for passenger mileage worked, wth 19,262 miles now identified.

1963
Condition November: green livery with small yellow warning panels, curved upper corners, warning panel covers frame level stripe.

1965
On the morning of September 25th D7596 & D7570 were northbound at Preston with a special (1T07).

On the morning of October 2nd D7570 was eastbound at Nottingham Midland with a freight.

1966
On the afternoon of February 12th D7570 was at shunting Sheffield Midland.

1967
On June 19th D7570 was noted southbound at Skipton with a three-car diesel multiple unit, the headcode suggests it was not a passenger service.

Condition June: green livery, white stripe with small yellow warning panels, curved upper corners, warning panel covers frame level stripe, no blanking plates.

On Friday September 15th D7570 worked a Leeds/Huddersfield - Blackpool Illuminations special. The train was poorly supported, its return working on the Sunday was cancelled.

1968
On January 22nd D7570 worked the 3N25 Wigan - Leeds City vans.

On the afternoon of May 11th D7570 was northbound at Skipton with a parcels.

The 09.20 Carlisle - Edinburgh was worked by D7570 on June 22nd. A visit to Patricroft shed on June 30th (the shed had closed to steam the previous day) found thirty steam locomotives present and diesels D214, D342, D344, D3860, D5226, D7570 & D7671.

Although the Sheffield - Llandudno Town summer dated passenger workings were usually powered by Sheffield area locomotives, on July 6th the round trip was worked by D7570 & D5149.

On July 31st D7570 and the Walsall Engineer's Saloon DBM999501 travelled over the Nuneaton - Coventry - Leamington branch with a view to the singling of the line due to light traffic on some sections.

On the afternoon of August 3rd D7570 was southbound at Crewe with a freight 5H18. Although for most August 3rd was just a typical day, for British Railways it marked the last day of standard gauge steam service, with the last services being in the Preston area.

1969
On July 2nd 7570 worked the 17.30 Manchester Victoria - York throughout.

1970
On January 2nd 7570 worked the 02.10 York - Manchester Victoria (2M12).

On July 27th the 10.05 Manchester Victoria - Morecambe was worked by 7570 & 7540.

On the afternoon of August 22nd 7570 was shunting at Preston.

1971
During the early evening of July 19th 7570 was noted on an up hopper train at Miles Platting. During the early evening of July 26th 7570 was noted on a down hopper train at Miles Platting, also passing were light engines 228+7539+5689.

1972
7570 was the Manchester Victoria banker (T43) on February 4th.

On February 23rd 1972 the 10.00 Liverpool - Newcastle was noted at Huddersfield with 1551 piloting 7570 (was the Class 25 present for steam heat purposes?). The return 15.45 Newcastle - Liverpool was worked by the same locomotives.

At about 6pm on March 14th 7570 was noted passing Manchester Exchange with a down van train.

At about 6pm on April 24th 7570 was noted passing Manchester Exchange with a down van train.

1973
On August 10th 1973 7570 & 5357 worked a Stranraer Harbour - Euston as far as Carlisle.

On the afternoon of September 3rd 7570 was light engine at York station.

1974
During May 1974 25220 was transferred to the Western Region, initially to Bristol but in July 1975 it moved further west to Laira where it was able to acquire more passenger mileage.

On June 1st 25220 was stabled at Exeter.

At about 2pm on August 8th 25220 hauled five ballast hoppers and a brake van in the down direction at Exeter St Davids, later running light engine on to the stabling point.

During the afternoon of September 5th 25001 & 25220 were noted coupled together at Exeter stabling point.

1975

Photograph courtesy Gordon Coltas
25220 stands at Plymouth Laira on May 25th 1975 in very shabby condition. Within a matter of days it will be moved to Derby Works for overhaul, which will include the sheeting over of the gangway doors and a fresh coat of blue paint. During late June it will be outshopped and will return to Laira.

On July 10th 25220 made a test run from Derby Works.

The snag sheet for July 10th recorded:

No.2 end leading, recording made from No.2 cab.

25220; July 10th 1975; 1M51 9.41 Derby
Load Speed Amps Volts Notes Other
1 26 950 - - FTR
2 33 - - - -
3 40 - - - -
4 46 - - - -
5 - - - - -
6 70 - - - -

Right hand side fuel tank union leak
Union on fuel line to header tank leak
Knecht fuel filter adaptor leak
A side crankcase door
No.1 cab heater switch.

Ex-works 25220 worked a morning Nottingham - Lincoln parcels on July 15th.

On July 23rd 25220 was noted at Exeter stabling point.

On July 24th 25220 worked the 6B73 17.00 Chard - Exeter Riverside milk (five tanks).

On July 26th 25220 worked the 6B71 16.25 Torrington - Exeter milk (12 tanks).

With eighteen months spent at Laira the recently outshopped 25220 was able to see service on a number of passenger workings which included a variety of local workings out of Exeter. On August 30th 1975 25220 was stationed at Par to provide assistance to the heavy summer trains working over the Newquay branch. Assistance was given to the 08.45 Newquay – Manchester behind 45010, returning with 1063 & twelve coaches prior to both working the 13.22 Newquay – Paddington.

On October 29th the St Blazey Class 25s were dispersed as follows: Wadebridge, Liskeard & Hayle 25223; St Blazey - Drinnick Mill 25167, 25220; Goonbarrow Junction 25225; Control Train 25217.

1976
On February 12th 25170 & 25220 were noted at Exeter with the 6E18 19.15 St Blazey - Temple Mills freight (26 wagons).

On March 17th 25220 & 25217 were noted at Exeter with the 6E79 19.15 St Blazey - Temple Mills freight (29 wagons).

25220 was stabled at St Blazey on June 2nd.

On June 12th 25220 worked the 2B99 12.20 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids, the 15.46 Exeter St Davids - Barnstaple and the 18.00 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids.

On June 16th 25220 worked the 2B44 19.30 Exeter St Davids - Paignton (nine coaches).

On June 19th 25220 worked the 2B99 14.30 Exeter St Davids - Barnstaple and the 15.50 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids. It then worked the 5B75 17.10 Exeter - Laira empty coaching stock (six coaches).

On June 22nd 25220 worked the 2Z44 14.10 Exeter St. Davids - Paignton.

On June 25th 25220 worked the 17.00 Chard Junction - Exeter Riverside (13 milk tanks 3? CovHops and a brake van).

At about 10pm on June 28th 25224 & 25220 departed Exeter stabling point as light engines in the down direction, 25220 was reported as failed.

Photograph courtesy John Turner (via RG)
25220 departs Newton Abbot sometime during June 1976.

On July 2nd 25220 worked the 9B73 15.05 Whimple - Exeter Riverside (one CovHop and brake van).

On July 8th 25220 worked the 2B44 19.30 Exeter Riverside - Paignton (nine coaches).

On July 9th 25220 worked the 6B64 15.20 Newton Abbot - Exeter Riverside (12 wagons and brake van).

At about 2.40pm on July 10th 25220 was noted at Exeter with six milk empties for Chard Junction.

On August 3rd 25220 was noted at St Blazey on loaded china clay hoods. On August 6th 25052 & 25220 worked the 19.45(?) St Blazey - Temple Mills freight, being noted passing Liskeard at 20.23.

On the afternoon of September?? 12th 25220 was noted at Exeter preparing for the Whimple trip.

On November 24th 25220 worked the 6B75 21.10 Exeter City Basin - Exeter Riverside. At about this time 1054 was noted at Exeter St Davids in charge of the 1V94 14.43 Leeds - Plymouth, running about fifteen minutes late and working its last train. It would be condemned at Laira the next day.

On November 27th 25220 worked the 20.00 Newton Abbot - Paignton, a journey of eight miles!

On November 30th 25220 worked the 2B44 19.35 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot (eight coaches). On this day the 17.00 Paignton - Exeter and the 18.45 Exeter - Paignton had been worked by 50033, whilst in the early evening the 4B10 15.57 Bristol - Plymouth was noted at Exeter without a locomotive, 31231 was hooked on to the train, but the relief driver did not have traction knowledge for the Class 31!

Christmas 1976 at Tyne Yard found 25063 & 25220 laying over after they worked the 3E07 21.40 Bristol - Sunderland parcels of December 23rd.

With its transfer to Cardiff during December 1976, 25220 began a lengthy period in which the Cardiff - Crewe services featured prominently. It was noted on a variety of Crewe - Cardiff workings between December 9th & 14th.

1977
25220 was active on the Crewe - Cardiff services between March and September. Dates noted include March 13th/19th, April 1st/2nd/12th/23rd/26th/30th.

25054 & 25220 were noted light engines at Cambridge on June 16th headed for March depot. On June 7th 25220 was stabled at Cardiff Canton.

On July 3rd 25220 & 25029 worked the 08.45 Birmingham New Street - Barmouth to Shrewsbury, returning from there with the 17.30 Barmouth - Birmingham New Street.

Crewe - Cardiff services continued on July 8th, August 4th/29th and September 24th/29th.

1978
24047 & 25220 were active in the Stoke on Trent area on June 19th.

25220 was noted on the Crewe - Cardiff services on June 24th/29th/30th.

Photograph courtesy Dave Plimmer
On July 14th 1978 Prince Charles made a visit to Bangor from ? 25220 & 25221 were in charge of the train as it arrived at Bangor, whilst 25219 was used to shunt the stock at Bangor, the empty coaching stock later headed east.

During July 25220 was noted on Crewe - Cardiff services on July 19th/20th/22nd/24th/25th. The working on July 22nd was double headed by 25220 & 25269 with the ten coach 07.50 Cardiff - Crewe.

On August 1st 25220 was noted at Northwich with bogie ICI hoppers awaiting banking assistance in the Works, eventually provided by 40079.

On August 3rd 25220 worked the 15.08 Cardiff - Crewe. Two weeks later 25220 strayed a little from the Crewe - Cardiff runs. On August 15th 25220 worked two Manchester Victoria - Bangor roundtrips.

The first week of September was quite hectic for North Wales workings, beginning on September 1st with a Crewe - Holyhead relief. Two days later (3rd) 25220 & 25169 worked the roundtrip 'White Rose 2' (North Wales Railway Circle) Bangor - York railtour, totalling 429 passenger miles. Between September 4th & 9th 25220 was busy working to Llandudno Town & Bangor from either Manchester Victoria or Crewe. With the end of the 1978 summer season 25220 returned to the Crewe - Cardiff line, being noted working passenger services on September 22nd, 25th, October 1st & November 11th.

On December 12th 25220 was noted on Crewe shed.

1979
25220 was noted on Crewe - Cardiff workings on January 1st, 3rd, 4th, 7th, 28th, 31st and February 3rd, 6th, 10th, 17th.

On February 3rd the 01.47 Crewe - Cardiff was worked by 25220 & 46021.

25220 was noted on the Crewe - Cardiff services on March 30th, 31st, April 3rd, 4th, 5th, 26th, May 5th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st, (from May 28th through June 2nd 25220 worked daily the 10.00 Crewe - Cardiff, the 15.08 Cardiff - Crewe and the 19.30 Crewe - Cardiff), June 1st, 2nd, 18th - 24th.

On June 16th 25220 was noted at Cardiff with the 1V92 14.23 Manchester - Swansea, 47242 took the train forward.

On June 26th 25220 worked the 06.03 Crewe - Cardiff and the 12.05 Cardiff - Portsmouth, presumably as far as Bristol.

On June 30th 25220 was noted at Stoke Gifford with a train of chemical tanks.

On July 3rd 1979 the 08.12 Leeds - Birmingham featured 25220 & 31216 which returned north on the 09.58 Weymouth - Leeds! On July 27th 25220 worked the 09.40 Manchester Victoria - Llandudno Town.

25220 returned to the Crewe - Cardiff services being noted on August 14th, 15th, 17th, 21st, 22nd. On August 22nd 25220 failed on the 10.00 Crewe - Cardiff and was rescued by 40096.

25220 was noted on the Crewe - Cardiff services on September 1st, 3rd, 4th, October 5th, 6th, 10th, 12th, 13th, 14th & 22nd.

On December 7th 25220 worked the 16.00 Cardiff - Portsmouth, presumably as far as Bristol.

1980
25220 was noted on the Crewe - Cardiff services on:
January 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 18th, 20th, 23rd, 24th, 25th & 31st.
February 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 25th, 28th.
March 1st, 3rd, 10th, 19th, 22nd, 27th, 28th, 29th, 31st.

In between these runs in March, on March 4th 25220 worked the five (?) coach 11.20 Crewe - Derby and the following day (5th) worked the 10.15 Birmingham New Street - Norwich and 15.18 return, a 350 mile day out.

Crewe - Cardiff workings continued on:
April 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 17th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 24th, 25th.
May 2nd, 7th, 10th, 13th, 16th, 17th, 23rd.
June 16th, 21st, 23rd.

25220 & 25160 worked the 18.10 Llandudno - Birmingham New Street on June 24th, presumably as far as Crewe.

On July 6th 25220 worked the 03.54 Crewe - Birmingham New Street. On July 18th 25220 worked the 10.03 Crewe - Cardiff and was noted back on the Crewe - Cardiff workings on July 22nd, 23rd & 28th.

On August 2nd 25220 & 25027 worked the 10.00 Crewe - Cardiff and 25220 alone on the 17.10 Cardiff - Crewe.

25220 was also noted on the Crewe - Cardiff services on:
August 1st, 6th & 26th.
September 2nd, 20th, 27th, & 30th.
October 3rd, 4th, 11th, 12th, 23rd, 29th & 30th.
November 4th, 9th & 15th.
December 6th, 11th & 20th whilst on the evening of December 28th 25220 & 25042 handled a nine coach Crewe - Cardiff passenger, and finally a working on December 29th.

1981
The first two weeks of January saw plenty of activity for 25220 on the Crewe - Cardiff services, being noted on January 1st/6th/7th/9th/10th/16th/17th.

No passenger workings have so far been recorded for February, but during March 25220 was again noted on the Crewe - Cardiff services on March 3rd/21st/24th, whilst on March 22nd 25220 worked the 04.10 Crewe - Birmingham New Street. On March 18th 25220 worked a Leicester - Didcot parcels. 25220 was noted at Cardiff Canton on March 30th.

During April 25220 was working Crewe - Cardiff services on April 11th/13th/15th. 25220 was noted at Crewe on April 28th with an inspection (?) saloon.

Crewe - Cardiff services worked by 25220 during May include May 2nd/3rd/7th/10th/11th/19th/25th. On May 4th 25220 & 25042 worked a round trip Longbridge - Aberystwyth day excursion, another 280 miles travelled.

Photograph courtesy Peter Lovell
25220 accelerates out of Hereford with the 17:10 Cardiff – Crewe on May 2nd 1981. The Class 47 on the following Hereford – Paddington has been very quick off the mark in running in to the platform.

May 31st 1981 was officially the last day for the Class 25s on the Crewe – Cardiff workings. The Southern Region were intending to release Class 33s from discontinued van traffic workings to take over from the Class 25s, however a strike on the SR and continued operation of the van traffic permitted some Class 25s to remain on these workings until June 4th. Throughout the last week 25042/60/66, 25219/220/245 handled the diagrams although by midweek 25220 was replaced by 47099.

On July 11th 25220 & 25177 worked the 08.35 Derby - Yarmouth to Norwich, coming back with the 14.20 ex-Yarmouth from Norwich. Four days later (15th) and now with 25169, 25220 worked the 09.28 Derby - Skegness and 18.40 return.

Photograph courtesy Mark Bennett
On July 11th 1981 25220 & 25177 worked the 08.35 Derby - Yarmouth to Norwich, coming back with the 14.20 ex-Yarmouth from Norwich. The pair are seen at Derby at the end of their day out.

A winter's day out on December 11th 1981 took 25220 and another high passenger mileage machine, 25224, on a roundtrip Birmingham New Street - Aberystwyth working.

1982

Photograph courtesy Paul Bettany
25220 stands at Cockshute on February 20th 1982.

25220 was noted on March 9th's 13.45 Manchester Victoria - Bangor following the failure of a Class 47 prior to departure from Manchester Victoria.

25062 & 25220 were noted heading eastbound through Wakefield Kirkgate on March 11th with a lengthy train of Mermaid ballast wagons.

1982 was 25220's last year in service and managed three busy days during April. On April 15th & 16th 25220 worked the 02.10 Manchester Piccadilly - Cleethorpes and the following 08.26 Cleethorpes - Doncaster (load ten coaches/vans on 15th). Its final recorded passenger working took place on April 17th 1982 working the 07.42 Manchester Victoria - Bangor and 11.03 return. Four days later 25220 was at Cambridge Street (St Pancras) receiving an 'A' exam (see image below).

25220 was withdrawn on June 13th 1982.

Not all known passenger workings are recorded on this page.

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

154/19262
flk 1021 (2)

Page added February 21st 2013.
Last updated January 7th 2023.

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