Recognition and Equipment information
CLASS 07





One of the more advanced fleet of diesel shunting loco were this batch of 14 0-6-0 diesel-electric locos, introduced specifically for use in Southampton Docks, where they replaced the famous ex-USA 0-6-0 tank locos introduced in 1946. The locos design by Ruston & Hornsby was specific for dock line work where tight curvature existed, the design was in fact a compromise between the larger BR standard 0-6-0 of Class 08-10 and the smaller Class 03-04 fleets. When built the fleet were fitted with vacuum train braking, this was supplemented by air brakes from the late 1960s after electrification of the Waterloo-Bournemouth line and the use of trailer control sets with air brakes into the dock complex, for this reason some locos were fitted with waist height dual brake pipe and main reservoir pipe connections.
With the development of containerised freight through Southampton, the wagon load shunting need reduced and in the 1970s and 95 per cent of freight transferred to Freightliner style operation using new purpose built terminals at Southampton, The Class 07 fleet were then doomed as no other work could be found for them. Some withdrawals were made in 1973 and the remainder taken out of traffic in 1976-77. Originally the locos were allocated to Southampton Docks shed, but after this closed the fleet were transferred to Eastleigh. When built the locos were finished in BR green, which after 1967 was changed to standard BR rail blue.
After finishing work at Southampton Docks, some locos operated as yard pilot at Eastleigh depot and others worked in Eastleigh Works, where No. D2991 (07007) was retained as a static generator for many years and is now preserved. Many locos entered industrial use after being withdrawn and many are now preserved.



Now preserved by the 71A Loco group at Eastleigh, No. D2991 is shown from its power unit end. As can be seen from the rather empty buffer beam, this loco is fitted with just vacuum train brakes. Access to the engine and generator group was by side opening doors, while the slightly raised cab gave good all-round visibility for shunting and trip freight operation especially over dock lines. No. D2991 is painted in a light green in BR style. CJM.




Showing post-1967 BR standard rail blue, No. 07009 is stabled at Eastleigh depot in June 1976 and viewed from the short (electrical end). This loco is one of the batch fitted with dual brakes and high level air connections, recognisable from the nose end connections and a frame mounted box located just in font of the cab section. CJM.