I have so many questions about this image, reportedly dated April 1964, of Class 24/1, No.D5115, of Inverness M.P.D., Shed No.60A, taken at Errol Station, on the Dundee and Perth Railway. What I find fascinating about this image, is that this locomotive would appear to be standing at the head of a most unusual train formation, comprising a two-car Metro-Cammell D.M.U. Set, and a six – seven carriage passenger train, headed by an unidentified Class A4 Pacific Locomotive. The entire formation would appear to be standing on the running line to Perth, and would seem to have been ‘parked’ just before the road level crossing, and opposite the Errol Signal Box, which stood on the opposite side of the two running lines and on the far side of the road level crossing.
The cab of No.D5115 would seem to be empty, and the headlamp would seem to have no spectacle glass in-place. The headlamp code, if it is indeed complete, which it probably isn’t, would indicate a freight, a mineral or a ballast train.
The Class A4 locomotive doesn’t appear to be in-steam and it is possible, (but by no means certain), that there is a further steam locomotive standing at the very end of the formation.
If anyone can suggest a likely explanation for this formation, I would be interested to learn.
A partially complete history of No.D5115 is given below.
Built by British Railways, Derby Locomotive Works, to unknown works number, in 1960, as Class 24/1, and was delivered new, to Kittybrewster M.P.D., (Shed No.61A), on 30/04/1960, as No.D5115. The locomotive was transferred to Inverness M.P.D., (Shed No.60A), in May 1960, and from there, back to Kittybrewster M.P.D., (Shed No.61A), in April 1961, and from there, back to Inverness M.P.D., (Shed No.61A), in May 1961. The locomotive was transferred to Haymarket M.P.D., (Shed Code HA), on 25/10/1975, and where it was put into storage, as being unserviceable, on 31/10/1976, and from where it was officially withdrawn from service, on 31/12/1976.
It is reported that following withdrawal from service, that the locomotive was transferred to Millerhill Yard, in January 1977, and from there, it was transferred to British Railways, Swindon Locomotive Works, on 04/05/1977, and scrapped there, in June 1977. The locomotive was renumbered, as No.24115, in July 1974, by British Railways.
COPYRIGHT RETAINED; N. JORDAN - I would ask that you please note that the copyright of this image is fully retained by N. Jordan. Should you wish to either copy this image, for anything other than for private research purposes, or you wish to reproduce and publish this image elsewhere, then I would be obliged, if you would be good enough to seek and secure my express written agreement beforehand.
