Class 52 Westerns: The Twilight Years: The Amberley Railway Archive

2015 | Transportation

The seventy-four Class 52 diesels were built between 1961 and 1964 for British Railways' Western Region as high-powered locomotives to haul inter-city services. Given two-word names that began with 'Western', they inevitably became known as the Westerns. Although the Westerns could be seen on most routes in the Western Region, they were mostly seen on London to South Wales, London to Birmingham and London to Paignton, Plymouth and Penzance services. The charismatic Westerns were among the first diesel locomotives to enjoy a cult following among railway enthusiasts and as the Westerns were withdrawn from service between 1973 and 1977 enthusiasts would congregate to photograph and travel on services hauled by one. This collection of photographs by Class 52 enthusiast Stephen Dowle was taken during the last years in service of the Westerns and shows something of their appeal to enthusiasts.

Stephen Dowle (Author)