The sixteen year eleven month career of D7575/25225 was split almost equally between allocations to London Midland & Western Region depots.
Built: BR Derby Locomotive Works.
Boiler equipped.
Center lampbracket & other fittings removed.
Three piece miniature snowploughs noted 12/76 & 1/80.
Time between last Classified repair and withdrawal: 48 months.
Time between withdrawal & scrapping: 6 weeks.
Allocations
D7575 was new to Toton (16A) on November 9th 1963. Further transfers were:
November 1963 to Cricklewood West (14B).
October 1964 to Derby (16C).
December 1964 to Cricklewood West (14B).
January 1965 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).
Withdrawn October 5th 1980.
Renumbered February 6th 1974.
25225 was the 48th Class 25 to be withdrawn, one of four retired during October 1980, including shedmate 25223.
On October 18th 1980, three days after its withdrawal 25225 was moved to Swindon Works, by the last week of November 1980 25225 had been broken up.
Works Visits
Works visits (records incomplete).
Noted Derby Works June 1972.
Noted Derby Works November 1973.
Noted Derby Works September & October 1976 (full repaint, gangway doors sheeted over).
Highlights
1963
The frames for D7575 were laid down during the late summer of 1963 at Derby Works, with D7575 delivered to Toton during early November, then quickly transferred to Cricklewood (14A) the same month. On November 5th D7575 & D7576 had worked their test train to Corby.
1964
D7575 was noted working a Failsworth - Morecombe excursion on June 20th, the train had been doubled headed to Rochdale with 44356. On June 23rd D7575 was northbound at Millers Dale.
1966
On the afternoon of June 12th locomotives stabled at Derby included D344, D5024, D7523, D7564, D7575, 44858, 48620, 92050, 92074 & 92103.
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 3rd D7575 was at Spondon with an up freight.
On the morning of April 27th D7575 was light engine at Crewe.
On June 10th the summer dated roundtrip Nottingham - Llandudno Town service was hauled by D7575 & D7531. Paired Type 2s were still frequently allocated to Midland passenger services, on October 18th D5205 & D7575 arrived at London St Pancras with an early morning service from Leeds.
1968
On the evening of August 2nd D1874 & D7575 were light engines at Crewe.
On August 19th D5136 became derailed at Chequerbent (Bolton - Leigh line), leaning over to about a 30 degree angle, though the locomotive appeared to have sustained little or no visible damage. The next day (20th) D7575 & D5054 arrived with two rerailing trains and cranes to rerail D5136. One of the cranes was from Newton Heath.
1969
On the afternoon of May 4th 7575 was noted at Crewe.
1970
The 17.30 FO Manchester - York was worked by 7575 on February 13th. On February 20th 7575 was noted passing Manchester Exchange with a crane.
On September 15th D7575 was noted at Lancaster with a parcels train.
1971
At about 6pm on June 18th 7575 was noted passing Manchester Victoria with a down van train. On June 30th 7575 was the Manchester Victoria banker.
On July 1st & 13th 7575 was the Manchester Victoria banker.
At about 8am on September 10th 7575 was noted passing Ardwick with a down tank train.
With the WR 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.
7573 & 7575 would spend the rest of their working lives on the Western Region, they would become familiar locomotives handling the secondary passenger duties in the Exeter area, with eight years in this area it is more than likely they covered all the local passenger duties many times over. They would also be very active on the summer holiday extras and assisting the long distance workings out of Penzance & Plymouth from time to time.
At about 7.30pm on October 4th 7573, 7575 & 7577 were noted at Exeter St Davids on transfer from the Manchester Division to Laira. This date would also mark the official usage of only Class 33s on the Waterloo - Exeter services.
On October 15th 7575 worked the 6B74 16.57 Hemyock - Exeter milk tanks (eight tanks), returning to the stabling point after this job.
7575 was noted heading west at Exeter on November 12th.
On December 22nd 7575 worked the 7B18 04.30 Exeter Riverside - Torrington freight.
On December 28th 7575 worked the 2B84 20.10 Exeter - Newton Abbot service.
1972
On March 11th 7575 worked the 6B74 16.35 Torrington - Exeter milk, then retired to the stabling point.
On March 13th 7575 worked the 6B67 19.05 Barnstaple Junction - Exeter vans (two vans).
On March 25th 7575 worked the 6B74 16.35 Torrington - Exeter milk (three tanks), then retired to the stabling point.
On March 27th 7575 worked the 6B67 19.05 Barnstaple Junction - Exeter vans (two vans), then retired to the stabling point.
A roundtrip from Plymouth to Fishguard and return on March 28th include the following observations:
1045 & 128 1E99 05.40 Plymouth - Sheffield (uncertain where 1045 came off)
7575 at Plymouth
Newton Abbot:
1026 23.45 Paddington - Penzance
1021 06.40 Newton Abbot - Paddington
Exeter St Davids:
805 & 1010 07.10 Exeter - Penzance
6540 07.20 Exeter - Waterloo
7508, 812 stabling point
Taunton:
7588, 7677
Severn Tunnel Junction (passing):
115, 144, 1035, 1039, 1640, 1683, 1745, 1845, 5227, 5180, 5181, 6923
East Usk:
7513
Ebbw Junction
1672, 6999, 7005, 7092, 7099, 7510, 7514
Cardiff:
1061 1C13 08.00 Paddington - Swansea
Cardiff Canton:
129, 1910, 5842, 7086
Margam:
1648, 1945, 6606, 6837, 7098
Landore:
1017, 1056, 1665, 1901, 6887
Swansea:
1056 11.50 Swansea - Fishguard
Fishguard:
6883, 6975
1056 1C68 14.00 Fishguard - Swansea load 11
Swansea:
1925 1BXX 15.55 Swansea - Bristol load 6
Margam:
138, 1611, 1709, 1720, 1750, 6955, 6957
Cardiff Canton:
177, 1923, 6973, 6994, 7075, 7086
Cardiff station:
1609, 6602, 6888, 6930, 6971, 6973, 6985, 7510, 7514
Ebbw Junction:
1902, 5181, 5227, 6875, 6923, 6925
Severn Tunnel Junction:
163, 1589, 1594, 1640, 1729, 5180, 7512, 7624
Bristol Temple Meads (18.10hrs):
68 1V87 09.40 Edinburgh - Plymouth
814
Bristol Bath Road:
806
Taunton:
1654 6M44
7677
Exeter St Davids:
6529 & 812 19.55 Exeter St Davids - Basingstoke
1670 1B75 17.30 Paddington - Plymouth.
On March 30th 7575 worked the 6B67 19.05 Barnstaple Junction - Exeter vans (three vans), then retired to the stabling point.
On the afternoon of April 1st 7575 worked a special 6B73 Exeter - Hemyock, returning with the 6B73 16.45 Hemyock - Exeter milk (eight tanks).
On April 4th, 7th, 10th, 11th, 13th & 14th 7575 worked the 20.10 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot.
On April 4th 7575 worked the 6B74 16.57 Hemyock - Exeter milk (nine tanks).
On April 11th 7575 worked the 6B74 16.57 Hemyock - Exeter milk (nine tanks).
On April 14th 7575 worked the 6B74 16.57 Hemyock - Exeter milk (nine tanks).
On May 1st 7575 worked the 6B67 19.05 Barnstaple Junction - Exeter vans (two vans).
On May 5th the 6A17. 15.20 Penzance - Paddington milk & perishables (two tanks, 11 vans) arrived at Exeter with 7575 & 825, 7575 came off here and retired to the stabling point.
On May 6th 7575 worked the 6B66 10.40 Barnstaple Junction - Exeter vans (two vans).
On May 9th 7575 and Inspection Saloon W9005W were noted at Newton Abbot having come of the Heathfield branch.
7575 was noted shunting milk tanks at Lostwithiel on May 20th.
7575 was under repair at Derby Locomotive Works during June. On June 27th 7575 made a test run from Derby Works. The snag sheet indicated:
No.1 & No.6 fuel pumps required attention (electricians?)
No.3 rocker cover
A Side C/D
No.1 cab to engine room door seal
Boiler repair to be completed.
On June 30th 7575, in ex-works condition worked the 6B16 17.15 Lapford - Exeter milk. At about 6pm the 4B10 15.58 Bristol - Plymouth parcels arrived with 149, which retired to the stabling point with 7575 taking the train forward.
On July 1st 7573 & 7575 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. The same diagram was worked by 7575 & 7577 on July 15th.
On August 12th, 19th and September 2nd 7574 & 7575 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 12th the 6A17 15.20 Penzance - Paddington milk and perishables arrived at Exeter with 7575 & 1014, 7575 came off here and retired to the stabling point.
On September 16th 7575 worked the 09.51 Exeter St Davids - Barnstaple, the return 12.18 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids, the 15.55 Exeter St Davids - Barnstaple and the return 17.55 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids.
On October 5th St Blazey received 7575 & 7676 for taking up further Class 22 duties, unfortunately 7575 was defective and returned to Laira for repair. Its replacement was 5180, with the two locomotives handling the trips to Dennis Junction, Retew and Goonbarrow Junction.
On December 23rd 7575 worked the 15.55 Exeter St Davids - Barnstaple and the return 17.55 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids.
1973
At about 05.20 on March 22nd 7575 was noted at Exeter with the 4V03 02.22? Birmingham Curzon Street - Plymouth parcels.
On June 2nd 7575 worked the 6B66 11.05 Barnstaple - Exeter vans.
7575 & 5223 were noted working an engineers train at Barnstaple on June 3rd.
At about 06.40am on June 16th 7575 was noted at Exeter with the 15th's 6B14 23.23 Severn Tunnel Junction - Totnes tanks (two tanks).
On June 22nd 7575 worked the 7B49 19.15 Truro - Plymouth Friary freight.
On June 29th green liveried Class 31 No.5827 was noted on the 1V76 09.20 Liverpool - Penzance, working the train at least from Plymouth to Penzance. At this time there were few Laira men trained on Class 31s. A light engine move the next day (June 30th) saw Class 52 No.1049 take 5827 & 7575 from Penzance to Plymouth (see image below).
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.
On the late evening of August 20th 7575 worked the 6Zxx 23.00 Tavistock Junction - Gunnislake permanent way special.
At about 17.45 on September 9th 7624 & 7575 were noted passing Liskeard with the ?Z86 ballast train for Tavistock Junction.
On September 15th 7575 worked the 6B27 17.05 Hemyock - Exeter milk (two tanks).
7575 worked the 09.51 Exeter St Davids - Barnstaple and the return 12.20 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids on September 22nd.
On September 29th 7575 worked the 6B66 11.02 Barnstaple - Exeter vans.
On September 30th 7575 was at Hemyock with the 6B27 milk tanks and at Hemyock displaying 6B17 with three brakevans.
On October 6th 7575 was noted at Exeter with the previous day's 14.30 York - Plymouth parcels (running about seven hours late), uncertain if 7575 worked through to Plymouth.
7575 paid a visit to Derby Works during November.
1974
On January 15th a 24 hour strike by ASLEF members shut down the railway network, stabled at Exeter were 124, 141, 165, 1003, 1015, 1034, 1058, 1059, 1601, 1655, 1754, 3525, 5689, 6522, 7575, 7625 and six diesel multiple unit sets. All the locomotives were switched off. An ASLEF overtime ban and work-to-rule were in effect but the non-cooperation policy had been curtailed on January 11th.
At about 10pm on January 17th locomotives stabled at Exeter included 7516, 7575 & 7625.
On January 19th 7575 worked the 6B66 10.40 Barnstaple - Exeter vans.
On February 7th 25225 worked the 07.30 Tavistock Junction - Hackney.
25225 was noted at Plymouth North Road on the morning of February 25th.
At about noon on March 21st 25225 was noted shunting vans at Penzance.
On April 18th 25225 and another Class 25 were noted at Plymouth with a permanent way train.
At about 1pm on May 20th 25225 was noted at Penzance.
On the morning of May 29th 25225 was noted at Hayle and later noted at Penzance.
On June 6th the 6O42 18.35 (Tho) Burngullow - Sittingbourne tanks with 1044 was noted at Plymouth with 25225 as pilot, at least as far as Newton Abbot.
On the evening of June 18th 25225 was noted at Exeter stabling point, possibly failed, 25225 was still present on June 19th.
On August 10th 25225 worked the 4B08 10.25 Plymouth - Penzance vans.
On August 24th the 4B08 10.50 Plymouth - Penzance vans on a summer Saturday (timed at 10.25 on a Saturday) was often a Class 25 turn, on this day 25225 handled the job.
On September 14th 25225 was noted at Exeter stabling point.
On October 6th 25225 worked the 06.30 Tavistock Junction - Looe permanent wau train.
On October 26th 25225 worked the 7B66 11.05 Barnstaple - Exeter vans (six vans).
On October 30th 25225 was stopped at Exeter stabling point with flat batteries.
At about 13.30 on November 2nd 25225 departed Exeter for Chard Junction with six milk tanks. It returned later with the 6B58 17.00 Chard Junction - Exeter milk (seven tanks).
At about noon on November 6th 25225 worked an Exmouth Junction - Exeter Riverside trip. It later worked the 6B70 16.57 Hemyock - Exeter milk (two tank).
On November 20th 25225 worked the 6B70 16.57 Hemyock - Exeter milk (one tank).
On Friday November 22nd noted at Exeter stabling point were 25015, 25172, 25224 & 25225.
On November 30th 25225 worked the 6B16 16.25 Torrington - Exeter.
On December 2nd 25225 worked the 2B48 20.10 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot (ten coaches).
On December 4th 25225 was noted at Exeter stabling point.
At about 18.34 on December 9th 25223 & 25225 were noted at Exeter with the 6A19 13.50 St Erth - Acton milk (16 tanks).
At about 11.10am on December 11th 25223 & 25225 were noted at Exeter with the previous day's 6V20 16.05 York - Plymouth parcels (16 vans). The locomotives returned north with the 6A19 13.50 St Erth - Acton milk (16 tanks), passing Exeter at 18.34.
1975
On March 1st 25225 worked the 6B66 11.05 Barnstaple - Exeter vans.
On March 5th 25225 worked a roundtrip over the Taunton - Minehead branch to ensure the branch was 'operational'. The branch had last been used on January 4th 1971 and the imminent movement of 46229 'Duchess of Hamilton' from Butlins, Minehead to Swindon Works required the testing of the branch. The move of 46229 behind 25059 took place on March 13th. 25225 also worked the 9B58 15.05 Whimple - Exeter on March 5th.
On March 8th 25225 worked the 2B99 20.20 Exeter St. Davids - Barnstaple, this was a portion of the 1Z80 16.35 Wembley - Paignton party special hauled by 47079.
On March 10th 25225 worked the 6B58 15.05 Whimple / 17.00 Chard Junction - Exeter Riverside.
On March 11th 25225 worked the 6B70 16.57 Hemyock - Exeter milk (five tanks).
On April 4th & 25th 25225 was noted at Exeter stabling point.
On May 9th the 1B43 18.30 Paddington - Plymouth with 47099 took 25225 as a pilot from Exeter.
On Sunday May 11th the 1E21 11.35 Penzance - Leeds failed at Lostwithiel behind Class 52 No.1070 'Western Gauntlet', 25225 was added to take the train forward to Plymouth, where both locomotives were removed (see photograph below).
25225 was noted at Par station on October 17th with a lengthy train of clay hoods.
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 January 3rd 25225 was noted at Exeter stabling point.
On January 5th 25225 worked the 9B73 15.00 Whimple - Exeter Riverside freight and was also noted at Exeter St Davids with parcels stock.
On January 7th 25225 worked the 2B84 20.15 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot.
On January 9th 25225 worked the 2B99 15.58 Exeter St Davids - Barnstaple and was also noted on a short westbound freight at Cowley Bridge.
On January 12th 25225 was noted at Exeter stabling point.
On January 13th 25225 worked the 2B84 20.15 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot.
25225 was noted westbound at Cowley Bridge Junction with a short freight for Riverside yard on the afternoon of January 16th.
On January 29th 25225 & 25215 were noted at Exeter with the 7E18 19.15 St Blazey - Temple Mills freight (14 wagons).
On February 9th 25225 & 25215 were noted at Exeter with the 7E18 19.15 St Blazey - Temple Mills freight (26 wagons).
On February 10th 25225 & 25169 were noted at Exeter with the 7E18 19.15 St Blazey - Temple Mills freight (26 wagons).
On February 17th 25169 & 25225 were noted at Exeter with the 7E18 19.15 St Blazey - Temple Mills freight (22 wagons).
On March 24th 25225 worked the 6B71 19.10 Barnstaple - Exeter vans.
25225 was noted eastbound at Plymouth with loaded clay hoods on June 2nd.
On June 30th 50007, 25170 & 25225 were noted at Exeter on the 6E19 19.40 St Blazey - Temple Mills (21 wagons and brake van). 50007 came off at Exeter, presumably the Class 25s took the train forward.
On July 23rd 25225 worked the 6B64 09.25 Plymouth Friary - Exeter Riverside.
On July 24th 25225 was noted working the 20.50 Exeter St. Davids - Newton Abbot.
On July 31st 25225 worked the 2B99 18.00 Barnstaple - Exeter.
On August 3rd 25225 was noted at Norton Fitzwarren with a parcels train.
On August 7th 25225 was noted at Exeter with the 15.57 4B10 Bristol - Plymouth parcels.
On August 11th 25225 & 25227 were noted at Exeter stabling point.
On August 14th the 2B99 12.20 Barnstaple - Exeter was worked by 25225 & 25223, following the failure of 25223 at Eggesford. Later 25225 worked the 2B99 15.46 Exeter St Davids - Barnstaple.
On August 19th 25225 worked the 6B71 18.45 Barnstaple - Exeter vans.
On August 20th 25225 worked the 6B71 18.45 Barnstaple - Exeter vans.
On August 21st 25225 was noted at Exeter stabling point.
25225 was at Derby Works during September & October. This was 25225's last classified repair and included sheeting over of the cab front gangway doors.
On October 16th 25225 made a test run from Derby Works.
The snag sheet for October 16th recorded:
| 25225; October 16th 1976; 1C41 | |||||
| Load | Speed | Amps | Volts | Notes | Other |
| 1 | 28 | 900 | - | - | - | 2 | 34 | 930 | - | - | - | 3 | 40 | 960 | - | - | - | 4 | 47 | 990 | - | - | - | 5 | 58 | 1,000 | - | - | - | 6 | 64 | 1,020 | - | - | - |
B side crankcase door seal
No.1 cab driver's side door, seal gap at bottom
Engine oil pressure low on top
Traction motor interlocks.
25225 was noted at Whimple on November 9th with one van and a brakevan.
On November 13th 25225 was westbound at Exeter St Davids with a freight.
On November 18th 25225 worked the 9B75 21.10 Exeter City Basin - Exeter Riverside (16 wagons and brake van). At about this time at the nearby Exeter St Davids what was belived to be the 6Z?? 18.50 Plymouth Friary - Avonmouth Fisons nitrogen liquor (15 tanks) was noted with 47060. This train had broken down on Hemerdon bank with 47088? and was pushed by the 4A13 to Totnes, where 47060 took over after being sent out from Newton Abbot.
On November 19th as 25225 slumbered quietly at Exeter stabling point, also present was 33113 which had failed at Exminster with the 05.00? empty coaching stock from Newton Abbot after its fire extinguishing bottles went off. It was booked to work the 06.10 Exeter St Davids - Waterloo, but it appears 47077 took the working as this locomotive showed up with the return 11.00 Waterloo - Exeter.
In the early hours of November 20th noted at Exeter shed were 25052, 25220, 25225 & 31230.
On November 20th as 25225 waited quietly on the stabling point there was drama unfolding with an arriving service at St Davids. The 1B30 11.45 Paddington - Penzance had seen its locomotive, 50031, catch fire and loose two traction motors between Bruton & Castle Cary. 46044 was added at Taunton, but as the train entered Exeter St Davids a nearby painters tarpaulin was caught in the draught of the train and became partially trapped in the exhaust of 50031. Both locomotives came off here and were replaced by 50041.
On December 18th 25225 was noted at Exeter stabling point, it was idling but making peculiar noises, later attempts to move the locomotive under its own power failed.
On December 23rd 25225 worked the 6B71 18.45 Barnstaple - Exeter vans. 25225 was noted at Bristol Bath Road on December 29th and was fitted with three piece miniature snowploughs.
1977
25225 was noted light engine at Bristol on a wet January 4th.
On February 1st 25225 worked the 2B44 19.35 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot (eight coaches).
On the late evening of February 25th 25225 was stabled at Exeter.
On February 26th 25225 was noted at Exeter stabling point, this was the day of the 'Western Tribute' railtour, the final Class 52 hauled railtour with 1013 & 1023, being noted at Exeter during the afternoon.
On March 11th 25225 & 25216 were noted at Exeter on the 6M86 19.40 St Blazey - Carlisle.
On March 25th 25225 worked the 18.30 St Blazey - Plymouth Friary goods.
25225 was the Exeter St Davids station pilot on April 1st.
On April 12th 25225 worked the 9B75 21.10 Exeter City Basin - Exeter Riverside (15 tanks and brakevan).
On April 26th 25225 worked the 2B44 19.25 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot (nine coaches).
On May 6th 25225 & 25107 (or 25170?) worked the 19.50 St Blazey - Carlisle goods.
At about 19.30 on May 27th 25225 & 25215 were noted up light engines at Plymouth.
On June 17th 25225 worked the 19.05 St Blazey - Exeter Riverside goods.
On June 21st & 22nd the 16.40 Plymouth - Paignton was worked by 25225.
On July 1st 25052 & 25225 worked the 20.55 St Blazey - Temple Mills goods to?
On July 6th the 18.30 Exeter St Davids - Barnstaple diesel multiple unit required the assistance of 25225 from Topsham.
The WR witnessed a number of double headed Class 25s during the summer season, so noted was a Plymouth - Old Oak Common parcels with 25225 & 50029 (July 16th?).
On July 15th 25225 worked the 19.05 St Blazey - Exeter - Riverside goods.
On July 16th 25225 worked the 6B73 14.53 Exeter - Chard Junction (one tank).
On July 22nd 25080 & 25225 worked the 19.50 St Blazey - Carlisle goods to?
On the morning of August 2nd 25216 & 25225 were stabled at Exeter shed.
On August 3rd 25225 was light engine at St Austell.
On August 18th 25225 worked the 16.40 Plymouth - Paignton.
The 19.25 Exeter St. Davids - Paignton was worked by 25225 on August 29th.
On September 10th the 09.35 Penzance - Wolverhampton was worked to Plymouth by 25225 & 25216. They returned west from Plymouth with the 1V63 08.08 Wolverhampton - Penzance which had been brought in by 47099.
On September 16th 25216 & 25225 worked the 19.55 St Blazey - Temple Mills goods to?
On September 30th 25225 & 25224 worked the 19.50 St Blazey - Temple Mills goods to?
On October 13th 25225 worked the 9B70 17.58 Whimple - Exeter Riverside.
On October 14th 25225 worked the 2B44 19.35 Exeter St Davids - Paignton (eight coaches).
Just after midnight on October 15th 25225 was noted stabled at Newton Abbot.
On the morning of November 12th & 13th 25225 was stabled at Exeter St Davids.
On November 22nd 25225 was noted at Exeter with the 4B10 15.55 Bristol - Plymoouth parcels.
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 (seven coaches)
25145 on the 18.45 Barnstaple - Exeter Riverside goods
25223 & 25216 on the 20.55 St Blazey - Temple Mills goods (at Exeter).
1978
On February 3rd 25225 worked the 2B48 20.20 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot.
On the afternoon of March 11th 25225 was noted up light engine at Plymouth.
On the afternoon of April 5th 25225 was noted at Laira.
25225 was noted at Laira shed on the morning of April 29th.
On May 4th 25155, 25207 & 25225 were noted at St Blazey.
On May 5th 25052 & 25225 worked the 18.50 St Blazey - Carlisle goods.
The 19.50 St Blazey - Carlisle freight was worked to Exeter Riverside by 25215 & 25225 on May 12th.
On the evening of May 13th 25225 was book for the 5Z08 19.40 Exeter St Davids - Bideford empty coaching stock move. Low lubricating oil pressure saw 25225 failed at Barnstaple, another Class 25 was sent out from Exeter to take the stock to Bideford and then work the 2Z08 23.00 Bideford - Paddington as far as Exeter St Davids.
Observations in the Plymouth area on May 18th include:
25155 07.55 Plymouth Friary - Keyham goods
25080 08.45 down ballast Totnes
25225 09.00 down clay empties Newton Abbot
33210 10.10 Exeter - Waterloo
33027 & 25048 13.15 Exeter depot
25155 16.20 Laira
On May 21st 25225 worked the 6B70 19.15 Chard Junction - Exeter St Davids milk.
Observations in the Plymouth / Exeter / Bristol area on May 27th include:
Laira 07.30 25058, 25080, 25206, 31232, 50024
50044 07.15 Exeter - Plymouth
31134 06.35 Plymouth - Old Oak vans
25048 07.15 Barnstaple - Exeter vans
Exeter depot 08.30 25225, 50036
50022 07.05 Worcester - Penzance motorail
47129 07.15 Oxford - Paignton
47043 07.55 Worcester - Paignton
Bristol Bath Road 09.50 25248, 25274
47086 08.50 Swansea - Paignton
47121 10.00 Barnstaple - Norwich SAGA
25048 11.57 Barnstaple - Exeter (most of the Barnstaple services this day were handled by Class 31s)
33064 & 33035 08.53 Brighton - Exeter
47452 15.15 Paignton - Oxley ECS
33113 15.55 Exeter - Waterloo
33115 13.00 Waterloo - Exeter and 17.55 return
47204 17.15 Newton Abbot - Cardiff Canton ECS
33209 15.00 Waterloo - Exeter and 19.55 to Basingstoke
47505 20.35 Newton Abbot - Stirling motorail
47167 & 50004 16.20 Penzance - Morden South /Paddington milk and vans
47437 19.35 Penzancez - Oxley ECS.
25225 was stabled at Newton Abbot on June 3rd. 25225 was noted at Newton Abbot on the evening of June 17th.
On July 3rd 25225 was noted in the sidings at Goonbarrow with a short train of clay hoods.
On July 11th 25225 worked the 2B35 17.30 Paignton - Exeter St Davids and the 2B38 18.45 Exeter St Davids - Paignton (five coaches).
On the evening of July 14th 25225 was the Exeter St Davids station pilot and was later stabled at Exeter shed with 31102, 31135, 31228, 33002 & 50036.
At 11pm on July 15th 25080, 25166, 25225, 33021 & 55010 were stabled at Exeter shed.
On July 22nd 25225 worked the 09.50 Exeter St. Davids - Barnstaple, the 11.57 Barnstaple - Exeter St. Davids, the 13.40 Exeter St. Davids - Barnstaple and the 15.52 Barnstaple - Exeter St. Davids.
On July 26th 25248 & 25225 worked the 07.46 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids, 25225 later worked the 19.30 Exeter St Davids - Paignton.
On the morning of July 27th 25225 was stabled at Newton Abbot, it would later work the 16.40 Plymouth - Paignton.
On the morning of July 30th 25225 was stabled at Newton Abbot.
At about 09.30 on August 19th 25052 & 25225 were on Exeter shed.
On August 26th 25225 worked the 09.50 Exeter St. Davids - Barnstaple, the 11.57 Barnstable - Exeter St. Davids, the 13.40 Exeter St. Davids - Barnstaple and the 15.52 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids.
On August 28th 25225 was noted at Newton Abbot depot. On August 29th 25225 worked the 2B99 17.45 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids.
On September 1st 25225 worked the 18.00 Torrington - Exeter milk and the 22.05 Exeter City Basin - Exeter Riverside.
On September 2nd 25225 worked the 09.50 Exeter St. Davids - Barnstaple, the 11.57 Barnstaple - Exeter St. Davids, the 13.40 Exeter St. Davids - Barnstaple and the 15.52 Barnstaple - Exeter St. Davids.
On the afternoon of September 3rd 25225, 33001, 47055 & 47332 were stabled at Newton Abbot.
On the afternoon of September 8th 25057 & 25225 were noted at Exeter shed. 25225 would later work the 19.30 Exeter St Davids - Paignton.
On September 9th 25225 worked the 09.50 Exeter - Branstaple, the 11.57 Barnstaple - Exeter, the 16.40 Exeter - Barnstaple & the 18.03 Barnstaple - Exeter. Finally 25057 & 25225 worked the 21.00 Exeter - Newton Abbot.
On September 10th a Bideford - Kingswear day excursion was worked by 25225 & 25057. The next day (11th) 25225 was stabled at Exeter mid-morning, later the 14.10 Exeter St Davids - Paignton and the 19.30 Exeter - Paignton were worked by 25225. On the very early morning of September 16th 25225 was stabled at Exeter.
On the morning of September 13th 25225 was stabled at Newton Abbot shed.
In the early hours of September 16th 25057, 25155, 25206 & 25225 were stabled at Exeter shed.
On September 28th 25225 worked the Exeter City Basin - Avonmouth oil and the 19.30 Exeter St Davids - Paignton.
On the afternoon of September 29th 25225 was stabled at Exeter, it later worked the 19.15 Plymouth Friary - Exeter Riverside goods.
On November 2nd the 19.50 St Blazey - Carlisle freight was worked to Exeter Riverside by 25223 & 25225.
On November 25th the RPPR 'Welsh Wonder' railtour from Paddington to South Wales left the capital with 25157 & 25225 in charge. However all was not well with the pair, 46001 being added at Reading taking the train as far as Severn Tunnel Junction. Here 20044 & 20188 took over for a trip round the Welsh Valleys, the return to London was behind a pair of Class 37's. The Class 46 and the two Class 25s were later noted at Bristol Bath Road depot. This tour was repeated on the following Saturday, December 2nd, with 25052 & 25225 providing more solid performance between Paddington and Severn Tunnel Jct.
On December 8th 37142 & 25225 worked the 19.50 St Blazey - Carlisle goods.
On December 14th 25225 & 25080 worked the 19.05 Plymouth Friary - St Blazey goods.
On December 16th 25225 worked the 6V53 04.24 Stoke - St Blazey clays empties from Plymouth?
On December 22nd 25225 worked the 19.35 Exeter St Davids - Paignton.
The year closed out with bad weather on December 29th. Heavy snow over the New Year plagued services with delays and faulty equipment made 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. The 00.05 Paddington - Penzance was reported sixteen hours late at Plymouth, 50046 had left Paddington 150 minutes late continuing to loose time throughout the journey, before expiring completely at Brent, with 47106 coming to the rescue. The train was cancelled at Plymouth with Penzance passengers connecting with the 10.30 from Paddington, arriving at Penzance some eighteen hours late! 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, the only serviceable machine being 46020, which had been equipped with steam lances for the freeing of pointwork and rodding.
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 4th 25225 worked the 2B99 17.45 Barnstaple - Exeter St. Davids.
January 25th was a day of ASLEF strike action, at 5pm Exeter stabling point contained 08288, 08641, 08953, 25048, 25080, 25223, 25225, 31145, 31158, 45076, 46016, 46051, 47140, 47180, 47486, 50019, 50020, 50021, 50028 & 50047 (20 locomotives).
On February 11th 37142 & 25225 were noted at Newton Abbot with the 7M86 195.50 St Blazey - Carlisle.
On the morning of February 17th 25225 was noted at Laira.
On April 20th 25058 & 25225 worked the 18.05 Truro - Plymouth Friary freight followed by the 6V53.
On the evening of April 27th 25223 & 25225 were noted at Exeter shed.
On the afternoon of April 29th 25164/25206/25223/25225 were stabled at Exeter.
At about 2pm on May 5th 25048/25052/25223/25225 were at Exeter shed.
On May 8th 25225 worked six loaded milk tanks to Chard Junction as the 6Z58. On May 14th 25225 and brakevan were noted taking the Barnstaple line at Cowley Bridge Junction.
On the late afternoon of May 10th 25225 was up light engine at Castle Cary.
On the afternoon of May 20th 25225 was noted at Newton Abbot shed.
On June 1st 25052 & 25225 worked the 20.05 St Blazey - Carlisle to??
On June 15th 25206 & 25225 worked the 19.35 St Blazey - Plymouth Friary and then the 6V53.
25225 was noted at St Blazey on June 23rd.
On the evening of July 10th 25225 was noted at Laira. On July 20th 25225 was stabled at Laira.
On the morning of September 8th & 12th 25155 & 25225 were noted at Laira.
On October 15th 25225 ran light engine to Fowey to pick up some empties, then worked later in the day to Drinnick Mill with clay empties. Loaded clay wagons then returned to Burngullow during the afternoon hauled by 25225 & 25206.
On the afternoon of December 1st 25058 & 25225 were noted at Exeter shed.
On the afternoon of December 2nd 25057, 25225, 33012 & 33031 were noted at Exeter shed.
On December 6th 25225 worked the 6B70 17.00 Chard Junction - Exeter Riverside (six tanks and one brake van).
On the morning of December 8th 25080, 25225, 31106, 31121 & 50016 were stabled at Exeter shed.
1980
On the morning of January 5th 25052 & 25225 were at Exeter shed.
At mid-day on January 12th 25225 was noted at Laira.
25225 was stabled at Exeter on January 26th and was equipped with three piece miniature snowploughs.
On February 6th 25225 worked the 07.50 Barnstaple - Exeter St. Davids.
On the afternoon of Februry 15th 25225 was noted at Exeter shed.
On the morning of February 16th 25225 was stabled at Exeter shed and later worked the 16.08 Exeter St. Davids - Barnstaple, the 18.03 Barnstaple - Exeter St. Davids and the 20.10 Exeter St. Davids - Paignton. Three days later (19th) 25225 worked the 19.37 Exeter St. Davids - Paignton. This working was also handled on March 21st.
On the late afternoon of February 22nd 25225 was stabled at Exeter shed.
On the morning of February 23rd 25206 & 25225 were stabled at Exeter shed.
On the late afternoon of February 29th 25225 was at Exeter shed.
At mid-day on March 14th 25225 was noted at Laira.
On the morning of March 17th 25206 & 25225 were noted at Exeter shed.
Railtour duty befell 25225 & 25080 on April 12th, taking over at Exeter from 31304 & 31163 on a Paddington - Meeth / Meldon Quarry railtour, the Torrington - Meeth section top and tailed due to lack of run round facilities at Meeth. The special also covered the line to Meldon (see image below).
25225 was stabled at St Blazey on July 20th. 25225 was noted at Barnstaple with loaded clay wagons on the afternoon of July 24th. 25225 was stabled at St Blazey on July 25th. 25225 was noted at Exeter stabling point on July 26th.
On July 29th 25225 worked the 16.05 Newton Abbot - Paignton. On July 30th 25225 worked the 14.16 Exeter St. Davids - Paignton.
Late July / early August workings included July 31st's 14.16 Exeter St. Davids - Paignton, Saturday August 2nd 13.45 Exeter St. Davids - Barnstaple and the 15.52 return, the 17.25 Exeter St. Davids - Paignton and the 19.05 return, August 3rd 12.25 Newton Abbot - Exeter St. Davids and the 14.45 Exeter St. Davids - Paignton. 25225 was noted at Exeter St Davids yard on August 4th. 25225 came to the rescue of the 18.56 Exeter - Barnstaple diesel multiple unit on August 15th (throughout?) & returning with the 20.50 to Exeter. On August 16th 25225 worked the 12.00 Barnstaple - Exeter St. Davids and the 14.35 Exeter St. Davids - Barnstaple. On August 24th a four coach Torrington - Southampton excursion was worked by 25225 from Torrington to Bristol Temple Meads. Here the four coaches were attached to a Bristol - Portsmouth Harbour service hauled by 33110. The return was similarly worked with 25225 taking over at Bristol for the return to Torrington. On August 30th 25225 worked the 17.25 Exeter St Davids - Barnstaple and the return service.
On September 3rd 25225 worked the 11.04 Paignton - Exeter St. Davids.
On the afternoon of September 9th 25225 was noted at Exeter stabling point.
On September 13th 25225 worked the 16.42 Exeter St Davids - Barnstaple. On September 15th 25225 worked the 18.00 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids, having to later return to the branch to assist ailing 25207 on the 17.15 freight to Exeter.
On September 15th 25225 worked the 18.00 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids.
25225 was withdrawn on October 5th 1980.
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flk 0824
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 August 4th 2024.
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