The Wensleydale Railway has expanded its heritage diesel fleet with purchase of a class 47 locomotive.

The engine, number 47714, is a British Rail Class 47 or Brush Type 4 diesel, and has been bought from The Harry Needle Railroad Company in Derbyshire.

The design was developed in the 1960s by Brush Traction in Loughborough. Five hundred and 12 class 47 locomotives were built between 1962 and 1968 at Brush’s factory in Loughborough and also the British Railways' factory in Crewe.

(Image: CHRIS GEE)

Wensleydale Railway is currently home to examples of class 03, class 14, class 33 and class 37 diesel locomotives, in addition to a growing collection of industrial diesels.

Tim Williamson, director and member of the General Management Group at Wensleydale Railway PLC, said: “The purchase of this locomotive improves our operational capabilities. It has electric train-heating capacity which will allow us to heat our carriages during the cold winter months, and particularly when operating our Polar Express Christmas train services.”

Nick Keegan, fundraising and marketing manager at the railway, added: “Acquiring the class 47 compliments our excellent heritage diesel collection. Enthusiasts will have seen the recent news of our resident class 37 loco receiving a stunning EWS livery.

"Our team will be considering a new livery for the class 47 too, but a final decision has yet to be made. Enthusiasts will need to watch this space for more news!”