Recognition and Equipment information
CLASS 57



Updated 16 June 2002


One of the most surprising 'new' class introduced in recent years has been the Class 57s. These are total rebuilds of Class 47s, now fitted with reconditioned General Motors 645 power units, coupled to reworked ex-Class 56 alternator groups.
The rebuilding work, undertaken by Brush of Loughborough, was in terms of the first six locos a direct contract by Freightliner Ltd, as part of that company's post privatisation drive to improve its traction fleet. As part of the rebuilding work, new cab interiors were built , based on the principal of removing all redundant equipment, including the now obsolete vacuum brake system. The positions of cab equipment were also revised to be more user-friendly, while at the same time new paneling and a behind-seat bulkhead were installed to minimise cab draughts.
The original rebuild contract for six locos was placed in 1997 this was extended by a deal through Porterbrook Leasing to cover a further six in 1999. At an early stage it was decided, on grounds of economy, not to buy new power units but follow the American principle of engine remanufacture to obtain the required unit. The chosen engines were sourced from VMV in Paducah, Kentucky, one of the the Worlds most established engine rebuild businesses. The engines, fully bench-tested, were crated and shipped to Loughborough for the Brush-rebuilt alternator group to be added. The contract also called for the full rebuild of the original Brush bogies, which have now been fitted with sanding equipment.
Although the 2,500hp GM645 engine is technically a Type 4, the operating characteristics put it in the Type 5 group, and thus the locomotives' deployment has replaced pairs of multiple-fitted Class 47s on some of the heaviest duties.
The first Class 57 to be completed was rolled out of the Brush works on July 21 1998 and also launched the new Freightliner livery of two-tone green, with large Freightliner name on the bodyside, mounted on a reflective ground. Yellow ends have been retained. All 12 of the Freightliner locos, have been named in a Freightliner-prefixed series, with the names selected by company staff. The locos are allocated to Crewe Basford Hall, and are usually deployed on the Leeds, Southampton and Tilbury routes. The rebuilding work should give a further 15-20 years' operational life.
In autumn 1999 talks started between Porterbrook and Brush for a Class 47-57 modification to provide a loco with electric train supply, to replace the fleets of Class 47/4s still required even after new traction classes were introduced. The project resulted in a trial conversion, funded by Porterbrook of No. 57601, which emerged from Brush in spring 2001 painted in Porterbrook silver and mauve livery. The rebuild work was more wide reaching than the Freightliner locos and saw a new front end to remove much of the original clutter which incorporated large head lights, a roof mounted marker light and new multi marker and tail lights. The loco was then hired to First Great Western for use on Plymouth-Paddington services for an extended trial until a long term decision was made on the future of the Class 47/4 fleet.
A Further 12 Class 57/6 conversions were carried out for a joint Porterbrook/Virgin Trains contract in 2002-2003 to provide emergency rescue and pilot locos for Pendolino stock. These 12 locos are fitted with a slightly more powerful engine set to deliver 2,750hp and are fitted with revised cooler groups and silencer assemblies. the 12 locos are allocated to Willesdon and operated under contract by Alstom. All are named after the 1960s TV series 'Thunderbirds'.


Still looking very much like a Class 47, the first Class 57 rebuild No. 57001 stands outside the Loughborough works of Brush in July 1998. Viewed from its No. 1 end, this was the first time the new Freightliner livery had been seen. As well as the major internal rebuild, No. 57001 also received sanding equipment to improve adhesion. CJM


Class 57/0 front end. A-NRN radio aerial, B-sealed beam marker lights, C-red tail lights, D-headlight, E-coupling, F-air brake pipe, G-main reservoir. CJM.


Viewed from its No. 1 end, the Porterbrook-liveried prototype Class 57/6 No. 57601 stands outside Brush, Loughborough in spring 2001/ The re-design of the front end is the most noticeable change, together with the livery which changes the look of the machine totally. CJM.


Class 57/6 front end. A-NRN radio aerial, with horns behind grill to the rear, B-high level marker light, C-screen wash water jets, D-high power headlights, E-LED operated marker/tail lights, F-ETS jumper socket, G-brake pipe, H-main reservoir pipe, I-coupling, J-ETS jumper cable. CJM.


Class 57/6 cab layout, showing the totally re-styled layout, with new paneling all round and revised positions for desk switch equipment and brake valves. The original Brush power controller and master switch have been retained, while a new instrumentation panel has been fitted above the driving cab window which includes TPWS and an event recorder. CJM.


The 12 Porterbrook/Virgin Class 57/3s are all painted in mock 'Pendolino' livery and allocated to Willesden depot in North London for West Coast 'Thunderbird' duties. All are fitted with an up-rated GM power unit set to deliver 2,750hp and have the revised style of cab end, with the two large hi-power headlights and joint tail/marker lights, plus a cant rail height marker light. All 12 locos are named after character's in the 1960s TV show 'Thunderbirds'. No. 57301 is seen at Euston. CJM.

Copyright 2002 Colin J Marsden/TheRailwayCentre.Com