The twenty two year six month career of D7574/25224 saw allocations to London Midland Region & Western Region depots.

Built: BR Darlington Locomotive Works.
Boiler equipped.
Center lampbracket & other fittings removed - No.2 cab only.
Time between last Classified repair and withdrawal: 78 months.
Time between withdrawal & scrapping: 9 months.

Allocations

D7574 was new to Cricklewood West (14B) on October 26th 1963. Further transfers were:

October 1964 to Derby (16C).
December 1964 to Cricklewood West (14B).
January 1965 to London Midland (Midland) Lines (LMML).
April 1966 to Nottingham Division (D16).
September 1966 to London Midland (Midland) Lines (LMML).
August 1967 to Birmingham Division (D02).
September 1967 to London Midland (Midland) Lines (LMML).
April 1968 to Allerton (8J).
June 1968 to Liverpool Division (D08).
May 1970 to Manchester Division (D09).
October 1971 to Laira (84A).
May 1978 to Crewe.
January 23rd 1983 - withdrawn.
February 1983 reinstated to Crewe.
Withdrawn May 8th 1986.

Renumbered February 1974.

25224 was the 282nd Class 25 to be withdrawn, one of four retired during May 1986.

25224 was stored at Crewe after withdrawal until sold to Vic Berry, Leicester during December 1986. On January 9th 25064, 25198, 25224/269 were moved from Crewe to Leicester, with 25224 entering Vic Berry's yard on January 12th 1987 and was scrapped during February 1987, however the cabs lingered until at least November 1987.

Works visits (records incomplete).

Noted Crewe Works June 1966.
Noted Crewe Works October 1968.
Noted Derby Works October 1971.
Noted Derby Works May - June 1973 (full repaint, green to blue, gangway doors sheeted over).
Noted Derby Works August - October 1979 (General & Fire).

Highlights

1963
The frames for D7574 were laid down during the summer of 1963 at Darlington, being delivered to Cricklewood (14A) during October.

This batch D7568 - D7577 were numerically built out of sequence, chronologically they followed on from D5222 at Derby. D5223 - D5232 were planned for construction at Derby but this batch were transferred to Darlington to allow Derby to tool up for the redesigned Class 25's commencing with D5233.

D7573 & D7574 worked their test train to Corby on October 18th 1963.

1964
On April 5th D5084 & D7574 were stabled at Kentish Town.

1965
The Type 2s made regular visits on excursions and specials to the south coast resorts, visiting Eastbourne on May 25th were D7595 & 7574 (25th), having originated from the Eastern Region.

On July 10th the summer dated roundtrip Nottingham - Llandudno Town were worked by D7574.

On the morning of December 7th D7574 was at Werrington with a Leicester - Peterborough passenger.

1966
On the morning of February 27th D7574 was station pilot at St Pancras.

Noted at Nottingham shed on Sunday September 18th were D5208, D5261, D5262, D5282, D7534, D7539, D7540, D7548, D7574, D7593 & D7657.

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 April 24th D7574 was noted at Caverswall with an up freight.

On July 22nd the summer dated roundtrip Nottingham - Llandudno Town were worked by D7574 & D5228.

1968
On the evening of March 9th D7574 was at Stoke on Trent with an up parcels.

On May 10th D7574 was noted passing Manchester Exchange on an up van train.

On June 15th the 09.00 Manchester Exchange - Filey Camp appears to have been booked for D7574 & D5291, but D7574 failed before departure. D320 took D7574 to Newton Heath depot whilst D5291 took the train forward taking assistance from the Manchester Victoria banker 45156.

On the afternoon of October 24th 7574 & 6943 were light engines at Crewe.

By October 7574 had been received by Crewe Works for repairs.

1969
The 17.34 Manchester Exchange - York (via Hebden Bridge) was worked by 7574 on January 3rd.

1970
On the afternoon of February 18th 7574 was at Edge Hill with a wiring train.

The 17.30 Manchester - York was worked by 7574 on April 3rd.

On November 17th 7574 worked the 05.07 Leeds City - Manchester Victoria vans (4M03).

1971
7574 was the Manchester Victoria banker on March 17th & 18th.

On the late afternoon of May 24th 7574 was noted passing Manchester Exchange with a down van train.

On the late afternoon of June 10th 7574 was noted passing Manchester Exchange with a down van train. At about 9am on June 13th 7574 was noted passing Ashton Moss with an up permanent way train.

With the Western Region making further inroads into its hydraulic fleet 7573 - 7575/7577 were transferred to Laira (84A) during October, part of a larger fleet reorganisation. At the time of these transfers 7574 visited Derby Works during October. The Class 25s were not the most popular machines in the south-west, their mechanical condition leaving a lot to be desired. Typical was 7573 spending a month out of service at Exeter before being moved to Laira for repair. The Class 25s had still not fully replaced the Class 22s on the local duties in Devon and Cornwall, crew training still taking place at several locations. Not helping matters was the use of Laira based 7574 at Bristol for crew training. Additionally the Class 25s were still not cleared for use on the Drinnick Mill branch.

Condition October: lined green with full yellow ends.

On October 26th the 20.20 Plymouth Friary - Exeter Central cement arrived with Class 52 No.1044 hauling twenty Presflos was taken up to Exeter Central by 7574 & 185. On October 27th(?) 7574 worked the 6B67 19.05 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids, after this working it would join 7677 on the stabling point. On October 28th 7574 & 820 worked an evening Exeter - Plymouth Friary freight. On October 29th & 30th 7574 was at Exeter stabling point.

On November 8th the 20.20 Plymouth Friary - Exeter Central cement arrived with Class 47 No.1656 & 7574 hauling twenty Presflos, assistance was provided by 824 up to Exeter Central, but its not certain where 7574 came off the train.

1972
On January 7th 7574 worked the 6B74 16.57 Hemyock - Exeter milk (two tanks).

On February 7th 7574 worked the 6B74 16.57 Hemyock - Exeter milk, then retiring to the stabling point. At about 21.00 7574 departed the stabling point to pick up the empty coaching stock in order for it to work the 2B84 20.10 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot.

On February 11th 7574 worked the 6B16 17.15 Lapford - Exeter milk (nine tanks). At Exeter it was added to the 4B10 16.00 Bristol – Plymouth parcels

On February 12th 7574 worked the 0B74 Exeter - Tiverton to work the 6B74 16.45 Hemyock - Exeter milk.

On February 19th 7574 worked the 6B67 19.05 Barnstaple Junction - Exeter vans (three vans).

On March 13th the 6B65 20.20 Plymouth Friary - Exeter Central cement (20 Preflos) arrived at Exeter St Davids with 7574 & 1741. Here 7574 came off the train, 1741 ran round the train with 1027 added as the banker.

On April 3rd 7574 worked the 6B74 13.10 Exeter - Torrington and the 16.35 Torrington - Exeter milk tanks (thirteen tanks).

On the late afternoon of April 4th 7574 was noted at Exeter with the 4B10 with six vans.

On April 7th the 11.10 Plymouth - London Paddington with Class 47 No.1687 utilised 7574 as pilot between Plymouth & Exeter St Davids. Later that day 7574 worked the 4B10 15.53 Bristol - Plymouths parcels (12 vans) forward from Exeter.

At about 4.30pm on May 12th the 6O59 Plymouth Friary - Fawley empty bitumen tanks (13 tanks) arrived at Exeter Riverside with 7574, the locomotive came off and retired to the stabling point. At about 5.30pm the 4B10 15.58 Bristol - Plymouth parcels arrived at Exeter with 7045, this retired to the stabling point. 7574 took over (now the 3B10) with nine vans.

On May 19th the 6A17 15.20 Penzance - Paddington perishables arrived at Exeter with 7574 & 1029. 7574 came off the train and retired to the stabling point.

On May 20th 7574 worked the 6B66 10.40 Barnstaple Junction - Exeter freight (six vans) and later running light engine to Tiverton to work the 6B74 16.57 Hemyock - Exeter milk.

On June 3rd & June 10th 7505 & 7574 worked the 7B34 19.40 Bristol Temple Mills to Ponsandane freight, the 1E21 10.30 Penzance to Bradford passenger service to Plymouth, then light engines to Laira depot and ending with the 7B31 18.20 Plymouth Friary to Par freight.

On June 24th 7508 & 7574 worked the 7B34 19.40 Bristol Temple Mills to Ponsandane freight, the 1E21 10.30 Penzance to Bradford passenger service to Plymouth, then light engines to Laira depot and ending with the 7B31 18.20 Plymouth Friary to Par freight.

On July 7th the 4B10 15.55 Bristol - Plymouth parcels arrived at Exeter St David with 163, which came off the train and retired to the stabling point. 7574 took the train forward with five vans.

On July 8th the through Paddington - Barnstaple service was worked forward from Exeter St. Davids by 7503 & 7574.

On July 27th 7574 worked the 6B74 16.57 Hemyock - Exeter milk (four tanks).

On July 29th 7574 worked the 6B74 14.07? Lapford - Exeter milk (eight tanks).

At about 2pm on August 5th 7574 ran light from Exeter stabling point to Tiverton Junction in order to work the afternoon Hemyock - Exeter milk.

On August 8th 7574 worked the 6B70 16.57 Hemyock - Exeter milk (six tanks).

On August 12th & August 19th 7575 & 7574 worked the 7B34 19.40 Bristol Temple Mills to Ponsandane freight, the 1E21 10.30 Penzance to Bradford passenger service to Plymouth, then light engines to Laira depot and ending with the 7B31 18.20 Plymouth Friary to Par freight.

On September 2nd front line duty befell 7574 & 7575 when they were noted leaving Penzance in charge of the northbound Penzance - Bradford 'Cornishman'.

On October 28th 7574 was stabled at Laira (condition: green livery, frame level stripe, full yellow ends, gangway doors present).

On November 7th 7574 worked the 6B70 13.15 Exeter Riverside - Tiverton freight, later in the day it worked the 20.10 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot. From Newton Abbot 7574 returned east piloting the 18.00 Penzance - Bristol Temple Meads with Class 52 No.1027 to Bristol Temple Meads. The following night (8th) the same service was similarly worked by 1017 & 7574.

1973
On February 10th 7574 worked the 6B24 16.35 Torrington - Exeter milk (15 tanks).

On March 10th 7574 worked the Barnstaple of a Wembley day excursion as far as Exeter St Davids.

On March 13th the 4B10 15.55 Bristol - Plymouth parcels arrived at Exeter with 5823, this came off and the train went forward behind 7574.

On March 16th 7574 worked the 6B66 10.20 Barnstaple - Exeter vans (four vans) and the 7B70 13.15 Exeter Riverside - Hemyock.

On April 26th 7574 worked the 6B66 10.40 Barnstaple - Exeter vans.

On June 1st 7574 made a test run from Derby Works.

The snag sheet for June 1st recorded:

On June 7th 7574 worked the 6B67 19.10 Barnstaple - Exeter vans, the locomotive in ex-works condition.

On July 21st a Kensington Olympia - St. Austell motorail service failed behind 1662 at ??,7574 & 7573 were used to drag the service to St. Austell. They were then used to start out the returning working as far as??

At about 6.30pm on August 12th 7574 & 7575 were noted passing Liskeard with the 6A21 16.40 St Erth - Acton milk (18 tanks). A locomotive change would take place at Plymouth, this was often a pair of Class 25s on Sundays during the summer of 1973.

At about 5pm on August 19th the 15.30 St Austell - Newton Abbot empty coaching stock off the down motorail was noted passing Liskeard with 1716 & 7574. About an hour later 7574 returned light engine to St Blazey.

On August 25th 7574 worked the 2B24 17.42 Plymouth - Penzance passenger.

On August 26th 7574 & 7506 were noted passing Liskeard at about 7pm with the 6A21 16.40 St Erth - Acton milk (20 tanks), going as far as Plymouth.

At about 17.00 on October 20th 7573 & 7574 took over the previous day's(?) 6xxx 14.30 York - Plymouth special parcels at Exeter. This train had been noted stopped at Whiteball at about 13.00 with no locomotive, but arrived at Exeter behind 1055 & 1050. The two Class 52s were later joined by 1067, all three then running light together to Plymouth Laira.

1974
On March 8th 25224 & 7573 worked an additional 6Zxx St Blazey - Stoke load clay as far as Exeter Riverside.

On April 16th 25224 worked the 6B70 16.57 Hemyock - Exeter milk (five tanks).

On April 23rd 25224 was noted at Exeter stabling point.

On the afternoon of June 2nd 25224 was at Laira depot.

On the afternoon of June 24th 25224 was noted at Exeter St Davids with a weedkilling train, it was later berthed in some nearby sidings.

At about 2pm on June 28th 25224 with a weedkilling train was parked in the sidings at Exeter St Davids.

On July 2nd 25224 was noted at Exeter stabling point.

On July 3rd 25224 worked the 6B70 16.57 Hemyock - Exeter milk (four tanks). It later worked the 2B48 20.10 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot (eight coaches).

On July 5th & 6th 25224 was noted at Exeter stabling point.

On July 10th 25224 worked the 6B70 16.57 Hemyock - Exeter milk (four tanks). On July 11th 25224 was shunting clay wagons at Barnstaple (2B48).

On July 15th 25224 worked the 2B48 20.15 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot (nine coaches). It is also believed to have worked the 6B70 milk this day.

On July 17th 25224 was noted at Exeter stabling point. It later worked the 6B70 16.57 Hemyock - Exeter milk (three tanks) and the 2B48 20.15 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot.

On July 19th 25224 was noted at Exeter stabling point.

On July 20th 25224 was noted at Exeter stabling point. At about 3pm 25224 came of the stabling point with two empty milk tanks, headed for Hemyock.

On October 21st, 23rd & 31st 25224 was noted at Exeter stabling point.

On November 4th 25224 worked the 2B48 20.15 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot.

On November 9th 25224 worked the 6B66 11.05 Barnstaple - Exeter vans.

On November 15th 25224 worked the 6B70 16.57 Hemyock - Exeter milk (six tanks). It later worked the 2B84 20.10 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot.

On November 16th 25224 worked the 6B58 17.00 Chard Junction - Exeter milk (nine tanks).

On Thursday November 21st noted at Exeter stabling point were 25024, 25224 & 25275.

On Friday November 22nd noted at Exeter stabling point were 25015, 25172, 25224 & 25225.

On December 9th 25224 was noted at Exeter stabling point.

Late on the evening of December 19th Class 25s present at Exeter stabling point were 25171, 25211, 25224 & 25275.

On December 30th 25224 & 47194 worked the 6B59 14.57 Ponsandane - Exeter Riverside freight (16 wagons and brake van).

On December 31st 25224 worked the 2B48 20.15 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot (eight coaches).

1975
On January 1st 25224 was noted at Exeter stabling point.

At about 8pm on January 2nd 25224 worked the 5B80 Exeter - Newton Abbot empty coaching stock (nine coaches).

On January 3rd 25224 worked the 20.15 Exeter St. Davids - Newton Abbot (eight coaches).

At about 20.25 on January 5th 50001, 25224 & 1022 departed Exeter light engines for Laira, only 50001 was running.

On January 17th 25224 worked the 2B48 20.15 Exeter St. Davids - Newton Abbot (eight coaches).

On January 18th 25224 worked the 6B66 11.40 Barnstaple - Exeter vans. Heavy rains in the south west between January 18th and 20th caused flooding on the SR line east of Exeter, on the 18th the 17.55 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids was worked by 25224, which then worked the 19.55 Exeter - Basingstoke as far as Yeovil, the locomotive returning light to Exeter.

On January 27th 25224 worked the 6B70 16.57 Hemyock - Exeter milk (one tank).

On February 3rd 25224 was noted at Exeter stabling point carrying freshly painted three-piece miniature snowploughs.

On February 8th 25224 worked the 6B16 16.25 Torrington - Exeter milk (eight tanks).

On March 27th the 17.30 Plymouth - Penzance and the 21.05 Penzance - Plymouth were worked by 25224 & 25223.

On Tuesday April 1st the 1Z15 09.50 Plymouth - Liverpool Lime Street special was noted arriving at Exeter St. Davids with 25223 & 25224. The locomotives came off here and were replaced by 45073.

On July 9th 25224 was shunting vans at Truro.

On July 17th 25274, 25224 & 25306 were noted on a loaded china clay train at St Austell, 25306 was removed at St Austell.

A Paignton - Exeter St. Davids service was worked by 25224 on October 15th.

On December 9th 25224 worked the 2B84 20.15 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot.

25224 was noted at Okehampton on December 10th with a lengthy train of short wheelbase vans and also worked the 2B84 20.15 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot.

On December 11th 25224 worked the 9B78 15.05 Whimple - Exeter Riverside (one CovHop and brake van) and the 2B84 20.15 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot.

At about 2pm on December 13th 25081, 25122, 25169 & 25224 were noted at Exeter stabling point.

At 5pm on December 16th 25152, 25158, 25169, 25216, 25217 & 25224 were noted on Exeter stabling point.

At 2pm on December 20th 25157, 25160, 25161 & 25224 were noted on shed at Exeter.

On December 10th 25224 was at Okehampton with about twenty short-wheelbase vans (6B15).

On December 30th 25224 was noted on shed at Exeter.

1976
On January 1st & 9th 25224 was noted at Exeter stabling point.

On January 6th 25224 worked the 2B84 20.15 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot.

On January 20th 25224 and a rerailing train were attending to a derailed Mk1 coach at Exeter St Davids.

On February 25th 25216 & 25224 were noted at Exeter with the 6E78 19.15 St Blazey - Temple Mills freight (25 wagons).

On May 26th 25223 & 25224 were noted at Exeter stabling point.

On June 23rd 25224 worked the 2Z44 14.10 Exeter St. Davids - Paignton.

On June 25th 25224 worked the 2Z44 14.10 Exeter St. Davids - Paignton.

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

On July 5th 25216 & 25224 were eastbound through Plymouth with loaded clay hoods.

25224 worked a Liskeard to St Blazey freight on July 26th.

On the afternoon of August 7th 25224 was noted at St Blazey, keeping company with 25052, 25170, 25216, 25217 & 25220.

On August 17th 25224 was noted at Lostwithiel with loaded clay hoods.

On a very wet September 14th 25224 ran light from Moorswater to Liskeard to shunt the yard.

On September 21st 25223 & 25224 were noted at Exeter with the 6E19 19.40 St Blazey - Temple Mills freight (17 wagons).

On October 20th 25216 & 25224 worked the 17.20 St Blazey - Exeter Riverside goods.

The 16.00 Exeter St. Davids - Barnstaple was worked by 25224 on October 30th.

On November 13th 25224 worked the 5Z21 14.15 Barnstaple - Exeter empty coaching stock. This stock was destined for Clapham Junction with 33020, but this locomotive appeared to have some sort of problem.

On November 24th 25223 & 25224 were noted at Exeter with the 6E19 19.40 St Blazey - Temple Mills freight (16 wagons).

On November 26th 25224 & 25217 were noted at Exeter with the 6E19 19.40 St Blazey - Temple Mills freight (20 wagons).

On December 10th 25216 & 25224 worked the 19.45 St Blazey - Temple Mills to?

On December 17th 25224 & 25223 were noted at Exeter with the 6E19 19.40 St Blazey - Temple Mills freight (19 wagons). During the late afternoon delays were experienced over this route when 47027 working the 1E70 14.30 Paignton - York suffered engine failure between Newton Abbot & Teignmouth, the engine stopped and was unable to be restarted. 45024 rescued the train.

On December 23rd 25224 & 25217 worked the 19.45 St Blazey - Temple Mills goods to?

1977
On the afternoon of January 1st 25216, 25223 & 25224 were stabled at Par.

On January 4th 25224 & 25223 were noted at Plymouth with the 19.45 St Blazey - Temple Mills freight.

On January 28th 25080 & 25224 were noted at Plymouth with the 19.45 St Blazey - Temple Mills freight.

On February 18th 25224 & 25170 were noted at Exeter on the 6M86 19.40 St Blazey - Carlisle.

On March 4th 25224 & 25170 were noted at Plymouth with the 19.40 St Blazey - Carlisle goods.

Shortly after mid-day on March 5th 25224 & 25170 were noted down light engines at Plymouth.

During the late afternoon of March 11th 25224 & 25080 were noted on an up clay train at Plymouth.

On March 18th 25224 & 25080 were noted at Plymouth with the 19.40 St Blazey - Carlisle freight.

25224 was stabled at St Blazey shed on March 12th.

On April 7th 25224 worked a late evening Exeter St. Davids - Barnstaple service. The next day 25224 worked the 07.16 Exeter St. Davids - Barnstaple, the 18.04 Barnstaple - Exeter St. Davids and the 21.00 Exeter St. Davids - Newton Abbot.

On April 11th 25224 worked the 2B99 16.00 Exeter St Davids - Barnstaple, the 17.52 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids and the 2B44 19.35 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot (eight coaches).

On April 12th 25224 worked the 9B73 15.05 Whimple - Exeter Riverside freight. Later that day it would work the 2B44 19.35 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot (nine coaches).

On April 14th 25224 worked the 15.56 Bristol - Plymouth vans.

On May 6th 25224 worked the 6B70 13.40 Exeter Riverside - Chard Junction.

On May 10th 25224 worked the 7B70 17.05 Chard Junction - Exeter Riverside, then proceeded to the stabling point.

On May 20th 25224 worked the 15.20 Penzance - Paddington vans to Plymouth where 50049 took over, 25224 returned west with the 18.20 Plymouth Friary - St Blazey goods.

On May 27th 25170 & 25224 were noted at Plymouth with the 19.50 St Blazey - Carlisle goods.

On June 1st, 2nd & 16th 25224 worked the 16.40 Plymouth - Paignton.

On June 18th 25224 worked the 2B99 16.35 Exeter St Davids - Barnstaple and the 18.04 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids.

On the evening of June 24th 25224 was stabled at Newton Abbot.

On the evening of June 25th 25103, 25172, 25215, 25224, 31200 & 47511 were stabled at Exeter depot.

The last week of June was hectic for 25224, being noted on Exeter area services on June 25th & 26th and on Paignton - Plymouth services on June 27th, 29th & 30th.

On July 1st 25224 was noted at Hemerdon with the 4B10 16.12 Bristol Temple Meads - Plymouth parcels.

On July 2nd 25224 worked the 2B99 16.35 Exeter St Davids - Barnstaple.

On July 4th 25224 was noted at Exeter St Davids with a lengthy train of Presflos.

On the evening of July 10th 25216 & 25224 were stabled at Exeter shed.

25224 was noted at Barnstaple on July 13th with a parcels van and possibly attached to a diesel multiple unit (unless they were sharing the platform).

On July 15th 25224 worked the 2Z63 14.10 Exeter St Davids - Paignton.

On July 17th an Exeter St. Davids - Barnstaple service was worked by 25224. Four days later (21st?) 25224 worked the 09.50 Exeter St. Davids - Paignton.

On July 21st 25224 worked the 9B70 17.58 Whimple - Exeter Riverside (one CovHop and brakevan).

On July 25th a relief 00.05 Paddington - Penzance led to an additional connecting Newton Abbot - Paignton service worked by 25224.

On August 18th 25217 & 25224 worked the 19.50 St Blazey - Carlisle to?

25080 & 25224 were noted at Par with an up china clay train on August 19th.

On September 2nd 25216 & 25224 worked the 19.40 St Blazey - Carlisle goods to?

On September 9th 25224 worked the 19.15 St Blazey - Plymouth Friary goods and from Plymouth?? 25224 & 25216 worked the 19.40 St Blazey - Carlisle to??, followed by 25224 working the 04.20 Stoke - St Blazey clay (from Exeter?).

On September 16th 25223 & 25224 worked the 18.50 St Blazey - Carlisle goods to?

On September 17th 25223 & 25224 worked the 1M39 09.35 Penzance - Wolverhampton to Plymouth, replaced here by 47489. They then returned west with the 1V63 08.08 Wolverhampton - Penzance which had arrived at Plymouth with 47241.

The 09.35 Penzance - Wolverhampton and the 08.08 Wolverhampton - Penzance were worked west of Plymouth by 25224 & 25216 on September 24th.

On September 23rd 25216 & 25224 worked the 19.55 St Blazey - Temple Mills goods to?

On September 24th 25224 & 25216 worked the 1V63 08.08 Wolverhampton - Penzance forward from Plymouth.

On September 30th 25225 & 25224 worked the 19.50 St Blazey - Temple Mills goods to?

On October 7th St Blazey sent out 25170 & 25224 on the 19.50 Carlisle goods and 25217 & 25080 on the 20.55 Temple Mills goods.

On October 12th 25224 worked the 6B75 21.10 Exeter Central - Exeter Riverside trip.

In the early hours of October 15th 25217, 25224, 33117 & 47111 were stabled at Exeter shed.

On October 21st 25224 worked the 2B99 17.45 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids and the 2B44 19.35 Exeter St Davids - Paignton (eight coaches).

On November 15th 25224 worked the 2B99 07.46 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids.

On November 26th a return excursion from Fratton with 47129 arrived at Exeter St Davids, 25080 & 25224 worked the train forward to Bideford.

On the morning of December 23rd 25215, 25224, 47098 & 50023 were noted at Exeter stabling point.

1978
25224 was noted at Par with loaded clay hoods on January 9th and at Middleway on January 11th.

On January 13th 25224 & 25155 were noted at Plymouth with the 20.55 St Blazey - Temple Mills freight.

On the afternoon of February 14th 25224 was noted at Laira.

On the morning of February 19th 25224 was noted at Laira.

25052 & 25224 were noted westbound at Exeter St Davids on a rainy April 1st with eight parcels vehicles. On April 14th 25224 worked the 15.52 Bristol - Plymouth vans.

On the morning of April 10th 25052, 25224, 31154 & 31158 were noted at Exeter shed.

On May 3rd & 6th 25224 worked a number of local passenger services in the Exeter area.

Observations at Exeter St Davids on May 6th include:
Exeter depot 09.30: 25080, 25223, 25224
33011 10.10 Exeter - Waterloo
33061 06.30 Waterloo - Exeter and 12.28 return
47086 06.50 Bridgnorth - Kingswear excursion
40118 09.50 Cardiff - Exeter - Didcot tour
33032 09.00 Waterloo - Exeter and 14.28 return
33001 09.00 Brighton - Exeter and 13.58 return
33019 11.00 Waterloo - Exeter and 15.55 return
25224 16.20 Exeter - Barnstaple
33003 13.00 Waterloo - Exeter and 17.55 return
33017 15.00 Waterloo - Exeter
25224 17.45 Barnstaple - Exeter
47479 1V92 terminated at Exeter, locomotive failed
25224 19.35 Exeter - Paignton
33014 19.55 Exeter - Basingstoke piloted by 45007
50028 16.30 Paddington - Plymouth terminated at Exeter
33027 17.00 Waterloo - Exeter

Observations on the evening of May 12th at Plymouth include:
25224 18.06 Truro - Plymouth Friary goods
25293 15.52 Bristol - Plymouth vans
25224 03.24 6V53 Stoke - St Blazey clay empties
25052 & 25155 down clay
25215 & 25222? 18.50 St Blazey - Carlisle goods.

On the morning of May 19th 25224 was noted at Moorswater with a clay working.

Observations at Plymouth on the evening of May 19th include:
25215 & 25224 18.05 St Blazey - Stoke clay
25058 15.52 Bristol - Plymouth vans
25223 & 25052 19.50 St Blazey - Carlisle goods.

After six years seven months allocated to Laira 25224 was transferred north to the Stoke Division (D05) during May, this transfer probably prevented 25224 from being an early casualty on the Western Region two years later. Now based in the Crewe area it would be frequently used on the Crewe - Cardiff passenger services.

The Crewe - Cardiff passenger workings for 25224 would be many, shortly after its transfer from the Western Region it was noted on these services on May 29th, 30th and June 2nd, 4th, 7th and 17th.

The 11.11 Manchester Victoria - Llandudno Town was worked by 25224 on July 11th. The next day (12th) 25224 worked the 16.00 Crewe - Cardiff.

The last ten days of July saw 25224 busy on a variety of services. On July 20th 25224 & 25289 worked a Coventry / Leamington Spa - Barnstaple day excursion from/to Exeter St. Davids (?). Two days later (22nd) the same pair worked the Walsall - Norwich (for Yarmouth) Norwich - Derby diagram. 25224 & 25289 remained together to work two roundtrip Skegness services, from Leicester on July 23rd and from Burton on Trent on July 24th. A rescue job took place on July 29th when the 07.30 Nottingham - Llandudno Town failed behind 25224 at Crewe, 47227 worked the train forward.

25224 was noted at Crewe Diesel Depot on the early morning of August 16th. 25224 was noted on Crewe - Cardiff services on August 26th, 30th, September 6th, November 4th with 46007 on the 01.47 Crewe - Cardiff, November 5th (services operating south of Hereford due to engineering works) and December 2nd.

1979
Crewe - Cardiff workings continued for 25224 on January 14th, 15th, February 13th, 17th, 23rd, 28th, March 3rd & 16th.

At mid-day on January 20th 25137, 25224 & 25280 were noted at Leicester shed.

On February 23rd 47131 & 25224 worked the 17.10 Cardiff - Crewe.

On March 17th 25224 worked a roundtrip Birmingham New Street - Norwich service.

Crewe - Cardiff workings continued for 25224 on March 25th.

On the morning of April 9th 25224 was noted at Wolverhampton steel terminal.

Crewe - Cardiff workings continued for 25224 on April 28th, May 28th, 31st, June 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 28th, 29th & 30th. 25224 was scheduled to work the 10.00am Crewe - Cardiff on June 8th but failed before departure with 25270 taking over.

25224 was noted light engine at Crewe station on May 12th.

Observations at Plymouth on the evening of May 19th include:
25215 & 25224 18.05 St Blazey - Stoke clay
25058 15.52 Bristol - Plymouth vans
25223 & 25052 19.50 St Blazey - Carlisle goods.

On July 30th 25224 worked the 13.45 Crewe - Cardiff and the 18.50 Cardiff - Crewe.

On July 31st 25224 worked the 12.25 Crewe - Cardiff and the 17.10 Cardiff - Crewe.

25224 was on the Crewe - Cardiff services on August 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 9th & 10th.

From the middle of August to October 25224 was at Derby Works for a General Repair including making good some fire damage. The No.2 cab was replaced, with the center lampbracket and other fittings missing from the No.2 cab from this overhaul until withdrawal.

The 07.47 Manchester Victoria - Bangor and the 11.30 Bangor - Manchester Victoria were worked by ex-works 25224 on October 22nd.

On the evening of November 2nd 25224 was noted at Crewe on a down freight. 'The Stoneliner' railtour on November 24th from Paddington to Westbury was worked by 25224 & 25027 over the route Parson Street, St. Phillips Marsh, Lawrence Hill, Avonmouth, Bristol Parkway, Tytherington and return to Bristol Temple Meads.

Class 25s stabled at Wolverhampton on the morning of November 10th were 25151, 25224 & 25282.

On the evening of November 23rd noted at Bristol Bath Road were 25027, 25224, 31423, 47070 & 50026.

25224 was noted at Exeter stabling point on the morning of November 27th.

25224 was active on the Crewe - Cardiff services on December 1st, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 26th & 27th.

On December 1st whilst working the 16.02 Crewe - Cardiff 25224 became a failure and required the assistance of 40170.

On December 20th 25224 & 25221 were noted on an unidentified charter train at Bewdley.

On the afternoon of December 11th 25118, 25224 & 25283 were stabled at Leicester shed.

The year closed out with heavy rains leading to flooding from December 27th in many areas. The Berks & Hants line was closed at Laverton, as was Box Tunnel and the WR Bristol line at Saltford. On the SR the Weymouth line was closed at Yetminster, with the Exeter route closed at Crewkerne and between Chard & Axminster. The Barnstaple and Looe branches also went underwater. The Central Wales line was closed south of Llanwrtyd Wells, whilst the Hereford - Newport line was cut in two places, at Ponthir & Pandy, trapping 46040 on the 12.25 Crewe - Cardiff. 25224 on the 11.30 Cardiff - Crewe was running an hour late due to heating problems, whilst 25055 on the 16.02 return encountered moderate flooding at Woofferton. The Class 46 was finally released from its impoundment early on December 29th. Also closed were the Rhondda & Rhymney Valley lines and a weakened embankment on the South Wales main line west of Neath led to single line working.

1980
25224 was active on the Crewe - Cardiff services on:
January 1st, 3rd, 11th, 23rd, 24th & 25th
At 5pm on January 27th 25060, 25224 & 25264 were stabled at Crewe Diesel depot.

25224 was active on the Crewe - Cardiff services on:
February 14th, 16th, 28th
March 6th, 8th, 17th, 19th, 22nd, 23rd, 28th, 29th
April 12th - 19th, 21st, 26th, 29th
May 10th, 23rd, 29th, 30th
June 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, 14th, 17th, 19th, 28th
July 14th, 19th, 24th
On July 26th 25224 was stabled at Cardiff Canton.

25224 was active on the Crewe - Cardiff services on:
August 4th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 21st
September 1st, 3rd, 10th, 13th, 17th, 18th, 20th, 26th, 30th.

On October 8th 25224 was stabled at Cardiff Canton.

25224 was active on the Crewe - Cardiff services on October 14th, 18th; November 1st, 15th, 20th, 22nd.

A Euston - Bridgnorth special on December 20th worked forward from New Street behind 25221 & 25224 running via Sutton Park, Dudley & Stourbridge, services in the area were somewhat in turmoil due to freight train derailments at Barnt Green & Rowley Regis.

25224 was active on the Crewe - Cardiff services on December 4th, 6th, 11th, 12th & 31st.

1981
25224 was active on the Crewe - Cardiff services on:
January 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 14th, 24th, 26th, 29th.
February 2nd, 7th, 9th - 12th, 14th, 18th - 20th, 23rd (snow), 26th, 27th.
March 2nd, 5th - 7th, 10th, 13th, 14th, 16th, 17th, 20th, 21st, 23rd.
April 3rd, 4th, 9th, 15th, 30th.

The arrival of the summer timetable saw 25224 continue to rack up miles on the Crewe - Cardiff line services, being noted on May 2nd, 5th, 8th, 9th, whilst on May 10th 25224 worked the 03.57 Crewe - Birmingham New Street via Cannock. Further service on the Crewe - Cardiff line continued on May 16th, 18th, 19th, 21st, 22nd & 23rd.

On the afternoon of May 8th 25224 wass on a down goods at Gloucester yard.

There is an absence of 25224 on the Crewe - Cardiff line services during the second half of 1981.

On June 6th 25224 was noted northbound through Crewe with a Class 304 unit.

On July 4th the 04.10 Shrewsbury - Aberystwyth and the return 10.07 Aberystwyth - Euston were worked by 25224 & 25080. The next day (5th) the same pair worked the 08.45 Birmingham New Street - Aberystwyth (via Bescot) and the return 18.00 Aberystwyth - Euston to Nuneaton. 25224 & 25161 were noted at Rugby on July 7th with cement tanks.

On August 1st the 04.10 Shrewsbury - Aberystwyth and the return 10.07 Aberystwyth - Euston were worked by 25224 & 25130. The next day (2nd) the same pair worked the 08.45 Birmingham New Street - Aberystwyth and the return 18.00 Aberystwyth - Euston to Wolverhampton.

On August 10th (or 5th?) the 15.32 Norwich - Birmingham New Street failed at Nuneaton behind 31260 with a defective speedometer, 25224 assisted the service to Birmingham New Street. The next day (11th) 25224 worked the 10.15 Birmingham New Street - Norwich and the return 15.32 Norwich - Birmingham New Street. 25224 was stabled at Carlisle station on August 25th.

On September 4th 25224 was southbound at Blea Moor with a mixed freight.

On October 27th 25224 was at Washwood Heath with a freight.

On a very snowy December 11th 25224 & 25220 worked an Aberystwyth - Euston Students charter train as far as Birmingham New Street.

1982
Early in 1982 25224 spent a little time in Scotland, on a bitterly cold snowy January 7th 25224 was noted passing Markinch with a southbound rake of ballast hoppers, presumably from the Clachard Craig quarry a few miles further north near Newburgh, on February 26th it was on the Dundee - Glasgow circuit, whilst on March 5th & 6th it worked the 10.14 Perth - Motherwell with 25037, though on the latter day both Type 2s failed near Gleneagles.

On March 11th 25224 had the slow job of towing 08149/303/455/622 from Derby to Swindon Works. Only one of the shunters (08622) was for overhaul, the rest were for scrap, ironically 08303 & 08455 were withdrawn whilst allocated to Derby. Two days later (13th) 25224 & 25327 worked the return leg of an excursion (ex-Nelson) from Preston back to Leamington Spa.

On March 28th 25224 & 25275 were at Willesden with ballast empties.

On the evening of April 20th & 21st 25224 was stabled at York.

25224 was noted at Manchester Victoria on May 8th. A Kettering - Chester day excursion on May 15th was worked out and back by 25224 (& ??).

On June 19th 25224 was deputising for a diesel multiple unit on the 09.19 Morecambe - Leeds. More majestic scenery beckoned on June 26th when 25224 worked the 8.57 Leeds - Carlisle & 15.37 return.

25224 made two summertrips over the Cambrian lines during July. On July 3rd 25224 & 25133 worked the 7.38 Shrewsbury - Aberystwyth and 10.07 Aberysywyth - Euston to Wolverhampton. And on July 28th 25224 & 25167 worked a roundtrip Derby - Aberystwyth day excursion, however the recent reduction of run-round facilities at Aberystwyth caused problems to the regular diesel multiple unit service when this excursion arrived late.

The 11.57 Bangor - Manchester Victoria and the 15.45 Manchester Victoria - Bangor were worked by 25224 on August 2nd. The next day (3rd) 25224 was noted westbound through Manchester Victoria with a lengthy freight.

On September 7th 25224 was stabled at Northwich.

Despite the loss of the Scottish allocation of Class 25s they were still frequent visitors to Glasgow, 25224 worked the 17.30 Glasgow - Carlisle on October 20th & 21st, presumably having worked in on the 12.50 Carlisle - Glasgow? More normal power for these services over the GSW featured eth equipped Class 47s.

The 12.46FO Portsmouth - Leeds used 25224 north of Birmingham on December 3rd, the next day (4th) 25224 was in charge of the 10.15 Birmingham - Norwich and 16.45 return.

On the morning of December 10th 25095 & 25224 were stabled at Saltley.

On the afternoon of December 11th 25224 was noted at Saltley.

On December 12th 25224 was noted at Derby with the 12.46 Portsmouth - Leeds.

On December 29th 25224 was stabled at Tyseley.

1983
The New Year was only a week old when 25224 & 25188) worked January 7th's 13.15 Birmingham New Street - Norwich as far as Leicester.

On February 12th 25224 was noted at Llandudno Junction with Presflows from Bangor to Penyffordd cement terminal near Wrexham. On February 28th 25224 worked the 08.01 Crewe - Cardiff and 11.50 return, this was a Monday's only turn due to the regular Class 33 being required for crew training.

A short working on March 27th found 25224 assisting 47439 between Stafford & Birmingham on the 23.55 Glasgow - Bristol.

On the afternoon of March 30th was southbound at Warrington Bank Quay with an officers special saloon.

April saw 25224 on one Cardiff - Crewe service (4th) and one Birmingham - Norwich (20th).

On April 16th 25239 & 25224 were light engines at Nuneaton.

On April 20th 25224 was noted at March.

25224 was noted at St Helens Shaw Street on July 29th.

During the summer season there were no recorded workings of 25224 on the scheduled Aberysywyth services. However it did work a relief Llandudno Town - Euston service as far as Crewe on August 10th.

During September 25224 worked the 07.22 Derby - Birmingham service (2nd) and the 02.10 Manchester Piccadilly - Cleethorpes throughout on 15th.

25224 was noted at Rhyl with an engineers inspection saloon on October 24th, the steam heating was in use.

1984
On March 4th 25224 was at Ince Moss Tip with spoil from the Manchester area.

Deputising for something on March 29th 25224 worked the 18.18 Birmingham New Street - Norwich as far as March, where 37088 took over. 25224 was noted at Derby on the afternoon of March 31st with a parcels train.

On April 1st 25224 was in the engineers sidings at Toton with a mixed enginers train.

On April 7th 25042 & 25224 had railtour duty, working the "Knotty Northern Circular" between Stafford & Leeds and return.

25224 was stabled at Saltley on May 19th & 20th. On May 25th (or 26th) 25042 & 25224 worked the 10.10 Euston - Aberystwyth forward from Birmingham New Street to Wolverhampton. A thrash down the WCML, again with 25042, took a charter train from Wolverhampton to Mitre Bridge Junction (destination Folkestone Harbour) on May 26th. On the last day of May (31st) 25224 filled in on the late evening 22.20 Birmingham New Street - Leicester.

On June 4th 25224 was noted at Manchester Victoria.

On July 6th 25224 was noted with a loaded stone train at Milton, possibly a Caldon Low - Whitton working.

25224's solitary trip over the Cambrian during 1984 occurred on July 7th, again attached to 25042. They worked the 07.35 Euston - Aberystwth forward from Wolverhampton, bringing back the 14.00 to Shrewsbury, which was extended to Birmingham, though the Class 25s came off at Wolverhampton. On July 16th 25224 was stabled at Nottingham Carriage sidings. On July 18th 25224 was at Stafford with a weed killing train. Scottish adventures took place on July 23rd/24th with 25224 taking over the 20.50 Carlisle - Perth at Mossend Yard. Perth turned the locomotive out for the 24th's 01.05 Perth - Aberdeen. After fuelling here it was sent out on the 04.49 to Elgin & Inverness, where its passenger wanderings came to an end.

Stabled at Crewe on the afternoon of August 24th were 25178, 25182 & 25224.

25182 & 25224 were noted passing Abergele with ballast empties for Penmaenmawr on August 31st.

25224 was stabled at Warrington Arpley on September 2nd. 25224 was southbound at Nuneaton with a freight train on September 12th. 25224 was noted at Nuneaton on September 21st with a parcels (?) train headed for the Hinckley line. On September 26th 25224 was in charge of a Manchester - Leeds newspapers train.

25224 was noted at Winwick on October 26th with a short engineers train (two vehicles and a brake van).

After its mid-summer Scottish wanderings 25224 started over nine hundred miles of passenger work between Carlisle and Glasgow Central between December 4th & 8th. Round trips were completed on 5th/6th/7th, a Carlisle - Glasgow leg was worked on 4th & 8th. During 1984 this was the longest consecutive number of days that a Class 25 was on passenger duties. And finally post-Christmas travellers on December 28th had 25224 on the 09.20 Crewe - Lincoln, as far as Derby.

On December 18th 25224 was southbound at Winwick Junction with an engineers train.

On December 20th 25224 was light engine at Preston station.

1985
On January 19th the 12.10 Liverpool - Plymouth failed at Norton Bridge behind 47535, 25224 & 25195 dragged everything to Stafford.

On a very cold February 20th 25224 and an inspection saloon were noted at Helsby Junction, the steam heat was working well on this one coach special.

On March 4th 25224 was noted at Ince Moss with a spoil train from the Manchester area. On March 9th 25034 & 25224 worked the 'Lancashire Linx' railtour between Southport and Birmingham New Street. The last week of March saw the 15.02 Manchester - Bristol parcels behind 25224 (26th) & 25229 (27th). On March 31st 25224 was noted at Derby with a parcels train.

A Stoke - Llandudno Town round trip took place on April 8th with 25042 & 25224 doing the honours.

On the evening of May 3rd 25224 was up light engine at Harrow.

The 07.00 Worcester Shrub Hill - Bristol started its journey behind 25224 on July 11th, the Class 25 being replaced at Gloucester (or did it work throughout?). The 3V20 15.10 Manchester Red Star - Bristol Temple Meads parcels was worked by 25224 on July 18th.

25224 passed southbound through Crewe station on August 14th with a short engineers train. 25224 was noted northbound at Whitacre Junction with a freight on August 22nd.

25224 & 25209 passed through Warrington Bank Quay with a freight on September 21st.

On September 22nd 25224 was stabled at Workington.

When the 13.50 Manchester Victoria - Liverpool diesel multiple unit failed before even starting the journey on October 12th, 25224 was called on to assist - this was possibly 25224's last passenger working. 25224 was noted at Manchester Victoria on October 15th, 19th & 20th.

On December 3rd 25224 was southbound at Tamworth with a five vehicle engineers train.

1986
Late January found a number of Class 25s reaching Exeter. 25057 arrived on 23rd & 29th with an early morning Cartics from Severn Tunnel Jct, 25224 (23rd) with a Hookagate - Newton Abbott engineers train.

On the afternoon of February 27th 25224 was light engine at Bletchley.

On April 1st 25224 worked a breakdown crane and support coach to Machynlleth, returning light to Shrewsnbury.

On April 5th 25224 worked the 3B05 Bangor - Bletchley vans.

On April 29th 25224 worked a Blodwell Quarry - Bescot loaded ballast.

On April 30th the three vehicle 3E16 Sutton Park PCD - Curzon St, Peterborugh parcels was worked by 25224.

25224 was noted at Peterborough stabling point on May 3rd and at Bristol Bath Road depot on May 7th. 25224 was stabled at Crewe on May 12th.

25224 soldiered on until the start of the summer timetable, being withdrawn on May 8th 1986 and stored at Crewe.

Distinguishing features

No.1 cab drivers side corner - three dents & scrape marks; (not present December 1982) July 1983 - until withdrawal.
No.1 cab 2nd mans side - dent/paint missing extreme left handrail mount; (not present July 1981) August 1982 - until withdrawal.
No.1 cab headcode box - much paint missing from edges, especially at the bottom, April 1980 - until withdrawal.
No.1 cab center lampbracket and other fittings present, No.2 cab center lampbracket and other fittings removed; March 1979, summer 1982, March 1984.
BIS side missing paint at various points along bodyside, about four feet up; August 1984 - until withdrawal

Snow ploughs fitted (yellow)(list of dates incomplete): January 1978: April 1978; May 1978; (no ploughs July 1978); May 1979; January 1980; March 1980 - May 1980; (no ploughs February 1981 - April 1981; July 1981), January 1982; March 1982; (no ploughs May 1982); January 1983 - February 1983; (no ploughs July 1983; October 1983); March 1984 - May 1984; (no ploughs November 1984 - December 1984, March 1985, July 1985, September 1985); April 1986 - May 1986

260/29554 (No.1 for passenger mileage)
flk 1223

Not all known passenger workings are recorded on this page.

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

Page added June 21st 2002.
Last updated March 6th 2024.

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