D8512

Diesel Dilemmas - top page

RTC Main Line Locomotives 1968 - 1978 - top page

Arrived at the Railway Technical Centre (RTC), Derby on 23rd July 1969 from Carlisle. Although based at the RTC it would appear that it was often to be found at Wilmslow, where it is understood the RTC had an outstation, or at Longsight Depot, Manchester. Test trains appear to have regularly run between Manchester and Crewe using this locomotive and either Test Coach 'Hermes' (RDB975081) or Test Coach 'Mentor' (ADB975091) which was fitted with a pantograph. It is reported to have been taken out of service at Derby in October 1971 with a siezed turbo-charger. However, the submission of a sighting of it at Longsight two months later suggests it returned to service. Railway Magazine (p.280 5/72) reports that it arrived at the GEC Works at Stafford on 22nd/23rd February along with D8545 & D8567 from Polmadie for use as emergency generators. The Railway Observer (p.172 5/72)reports the trio passing through Stoke-on-Trent on 10th March destined for Cockshute depot. The report does not make it clear whether all three were towed by another locomotive or whether D8512 towed the other two. It would appear to have then moved to Longsight Depot where it was joined by its replacement D8598. Clearly it was taken out of service during the first half of 1972 but a more accurate date has yet to be established. During late July/early August 1972 it was moved to Glasgow Works for scrapping. Sightings which would confirm its movements at this time would be particularly useful. D8598 arrived at the RTC as a replacement in the Spring of 1972.