Class 31 Brush/English Electric - A1A-A1A diesel locomotives

Class 31 diesel-electric locomotives

[Author & photographer © Dr Phil Brown PhD (plus text help from AI these days), page updated May 6th 2026]

 built for British Railways by English Electric/Brush Traction at Loughborough between 1958 and 1962.

History of Class 31 diesel-electric locomotives

Class 31 locomotives have a maximum tractive effort of 160 kN (45000 lbf).

Class 31 locomotives power at rail of 872 kW

(1170 hp) with design and maximum speed of 90 mph.

Contemporary and Heritage-Preserved, Diesel, Diesel-Electric and Electric Locomotives

My Archive Steam Photos from the 1960s

Class 31 Diesel locomotives featured: D5580, D5600, D5613/31190, D5830, 31018, 31108, 31119, 31128, 31190, 31206, 31271 "Stratford 1840-2001", 31452, 31466, 31601

31128 in Grosmont shed yard.

Diesel-electric locomotive Class 31 31128 CHARYBDIS turning round on the loop at Whitby station for the NYMR return service to Grosmont, November 2023, Class 31 128 (ex D5546, D 5546). was built in 1959 by Brush electrical Engineering Company, Loughborough, Leicestershire.

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Class 31 31271 (31 271) at Wansford station on the Nene Valley Railway (NVR Mixed Traffic Gala, Sept. 2017)
 

Class 31 31271 paired with 66779 leaving Wansford station with an Nene Valley Railway train for Peterborough (NVR Mixed Traffic Gala, Sept. 2017)
 

The same train returning to Wansford later in the afternoon.

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Portrait of Class 31 31271 named "Stratford 1840-2001"

Class 31271 is named "Stratford 1840 - 2001"

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Class 31 D5830 (with D8098), waiting at Loughborough to do a double heading duty (GCR Diesel Gala, Sept. 2017)

Class 31 diesel D5830 leading D8098 in a double header hauled train leaving Loughborough for Leicester (GCR Diesel Gala, Sept. 2017)

Class 31 31108 in British Rail blue & yellow livery, at Midland Railway Centre, Swanwick Junction, Class 31 108 was built as D5526 (D 5526) in 1959 by Brush Electrical Engineering, Loughborough.

also D5526

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Ex EWS Class 31 diesel locomotive 31466 at Grosmont station at the NYMR 2014 Heritage Diesel Gala

Ex EWS Class 31 diesel locomotive 31466 entering Grosmont station  at the NYMR 2014 Heritage Diesel Gala

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Class 31 diesel locomotive D5613 or Class 31/1 loco 31190 at York Station (June 2014), This Class 31 locomotive is operated by DCR, Devon & Cornwall Railway in British Railways green livery.

Ex EWS Class 31 diesel-electric locomotive 31466 leaving Goathland with a train for Pickering at the NYMR 2014 Heritage Diesel Gala

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Diesel-electric locomotive Class 31 31128 CHARYBDIS at Grosmont sheds (31 128, D5546, D 5546). Built in 1959 by Brush electrical Engineering Company, Loughborough, Leicestershire.

NYMR Diesel Gala 2011: Class 31 31128 at Grosmont with a train from Pickering.

NYMR Diesel Gala 2011: Class 31 Type A1A-A1A 31 128 (31128) 'CHARYBDIS' leaving Goathland with a passenger train for Levisham and Pickering. 31 128 is Class 31 built in 1959 by Brush Traction with a power classification of 1470 hp and this loco carries British Rail Blue from the 70s and 80s

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NYMR Diesel Gala 2011: Type Class 31 31128 passing over Grosmont level crossing with a train from Goathland, Levisham and Pickering.

Class 31 A1A-A1A diesel electric locomotive 31018 built in 1957 by Brush Electrical Engineering Company, Loughborough. (31 018, built as prototype D5500, D 5500), photographed in York NRM

Class 31 diesel-electric locomotive 31018 at York NRM, built by Brush traction in 1957, with its A1A wheel arrangement

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Diesels on the Great Central Railway: Orange-brown ('golden ochre') liveried A1A-A1A Brush powered Class 31 D5830 (other possible numbers D 5830, 31297 31 297, 31463 31 463, 31563, 31 563) built at Brush electrical Engineering Company, Loughborough, Leicestershire in 1962).

NYMR Diesel Gala 2011: Class 31 31128 passing an increasingly wet Moorgates with a train bound for Pickering.

NYMR Diesel Gala 2011: Class 31 31128 passing through the New Bridge level crossing just north of Pickering.

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 A pair of Class 31 diesel locomotives near Peterborough, namely Class 31 31190 (in plain BR green livery) and I think Class 31 31452 (plain BR green with DCR logo too) (snapshots from a East Coast mainline train!).

Class 31 diesel D5580 in British Rail blue livery on the Wensleydale Railway (D 5580 31162 built in 1960 by Brush E.E.C. at Loughborough)

Class 31 D5600 built by Brush Electrical Engineering Company, Loughborough in 1960. D 5600 was later numbered 31179 and 31435 and named "Newton Heath TMD". D5600 is pictured here at Bolton Abbey Station on the Embsay and Bolton Abbey railway

Class 31 31119 was built as D5537 by Brush Electrical Engineering Company, Loughborough in 1959. Class 31 31119 (D 5537) is pictured here at Bolton Abbey Station on the Embsay and Bolton Abbey railway

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Green liveried Class 31 diesel 31452 parked by Derby station (18/01/17), this Class 31 locomotive was built as D5809 by Brush Traction, Loughborough in 1961, it was then numbered 31279 and finally 31452.

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Class 31 31128 CHARYBDIS being moved from Pickering NYMR to ? in 2017.

Class 31 diesel locomotive 31206, Wirksworth station yard, Ecclesbourne Valley Railway (April 2018).

Class 31 31206 was built by Brush Traction, Loughborough in 1960 as D5630

31601 ex DC Rail, names "Devon Diesel Society", Wirksworth station yard, Ecclesbourne Valley Railway (April 2018). Class 31 31601 was built by Brush Traction, Loughborough in 1960 as D5609. Class 31 31601 has carried several names previously - "Bletchley Park 'Station X'", "The Mayor of Casterbridge", "Gauge '0' Guild 1956-2006"

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CLASS 31 diesel-electric locomotives from Wiki https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_31
The British Rail Class 31 diesel locomotives, also known as the Brush Type 2 and previously as Class 30, were built by Brush Traction from 1957 to 1962. They were numbered in two series, D5500-D5699 and D5800-D5862.[4][5] Construction of the first locomotive was completed in the final week of September 1957, and the handing-over took place on 31 October.[6] The first Class 31 entered service in November 1957, after the launch of the Class 20 locomotive and was one of the Pilot Scheme locomotives ordered by British Railways to replace steam traction. Class 31 diesel were originally built with Mirrlees JVS12T 1,250 bhp (930 kW) (D5500–D5519) and 1,365 bhp (1,018 kW) engines and Brush electrical equipment, but the engines were not successful and in 1964 D5677 was fitted with an English Electric 12SVT engine (similar to the 12CSVT used in the Class 37 but without an intercooler) rated at 1,470 bhp (1,100 kW). The trial proved successful, and between 1965 and 1969 the entire class was re-engined. The de-rated engine was used as it was the maximum the electrical system could accept.

Classification of Class 31 diesel. The Mirrlees-engined locomotives were originally known as Class 30 under TOPS, with re-engined examples joining Class 31. The class was originally intended for service on the Eastern Region, but gradually became common in both the Western and London Midland regions too.
Several sub-classes of Class 31 diesels exist:
31/0 - First batch of locos, fitted with Red Circle electro-magnetic control equipment - withdrawn in the late 1970s as non-standard. RA 5
31/1 - The standard locomotive, fitted with Blue Star electro-pneumatic control. RA 5
31/4 - As Class 31/1 but fitted with Brush Electric train heating (ETH) apparatus, index 66. RA 6
31/5 - Former 31/4 with the ETH isolated for Civil Engineers Department use. RA 6
31/6 - Standard locomotive through wired for ETH but without ETH apparatus. RA 5
Class 31/0 D5513, one of the original batch, in BR green livery

These first 20 Class 31 diesel locomotives, originally numbered D5500–D5519, were always easily recognisable as they did not have the headcode box mounted on the roof above the cab, leading to the nickname "Skinheads". They were also nicknamed "Gurglers" from the noise of their engines, and "Toffee Apples" from the shape of the control key which had to be taken from cab to cab when changing ends needed] These pilot scheme locomotives were non-standard in having Electro-Magnetic Multiple-Working control equipment, and were limited to 80 mph (130 km/h). After being involved in a serious collision D5518 was rebuilt in September 1967 as a standard locomotive, with indicator boxes, and blue star coupling code. These Class 31 diesel were allocated to East Anglian sheds throughout their service, ending up allocated to Stratford, their initial shed,[9] and latterly sporting that depot's trademark silver roof. Upon withdrawal four locomotives were converted at Stratford into train pre-heating units. Locomotives 31013, 31002, 31014 and 31008 were renumbered ADB968013 to ADB968016 in the order given; ADB968014 was allocated to Bounds Green depot on the Great Northern main line and ADB968015 was based at Great Yarmouth, while the remaining two were allocated to Stratford.

Class 31/1: The first few locos externally had much in common with the original 31/0s as twenty lacked the roof mounted headcode box (D5520–29/35/39/42/47/51/52/55/56/59/62), and fifteen were also limited to 80 mph (130 km/h) (D5520–D5534), but were otherwise the same as subsequent locos. The whole sub-class had steam heating boilers fitted, had the Blue Star Electro-Pneumatic multiple-working controls as found on many other BR classes. The Class 31/1s could be found on a variety of secondary and relief passenger duties as well as parcels and freight traffic. While used in East Anglia, with locos allocated to Stratford and March depots, they were found throughout the Eastern Region of BR with Finsbury Park sporting a large allocation along with the depots at Tinsley, Immingham and Thornaby. Class 31 diesel locos were also allocated to Bristol Bath Road and Old Oak Common on the Western Region, where they could be found working passenger trains as far west as Barnstaple and Paignton In the early 1980s Healey Mills and Bescot on the Midland Region also gained an allocation as replacements for Class 25s.

Class 31/4: The Class 31/4s, numbered from 31400 to 31469, were conversions of 31/1s to which electric train heating (ETH) was fitted. They had an ETH index of 66, equivalent to 330 kW, which was sufficient to power trains of up to eleven Mk 3 carriages. This allowed the Class 31 diesel to pre-heat long trains moving between depot and a station for a service to be worked by a larger locomotive. When passenger services were worked by 31/4s they rarely exceeded four or five carriages. 330 kW accounted for about a third of the total electrical power output. When ETH was being supplied, the traction power output of the 31/4 subclass was therefore limited to around two-thirds of that of the non-ETH variants; this did not help the performance of an already somewhat underpowered locomotive.

Class 31/5: In the late 1980s with increased use of "Sprinter" type units on previously loco hauled diagrams, there were ETH fitted Locomotives to spare and with this in mind, some Class 31s were selected to have their ETH cables removed from the front buffer beam. This was done to try to prevent passenger sectors of BR borrowing the Class 31 diesel locomotives from the Freight sectors, and to cut down on maintenance of surplus equipment. The re-numbering was achieved by simply adding 100 to the existing TOPS number i.e. 31407 became 31507. When the re-numbering was taking place, most locos were still in standard BR Blue livery and the 4 in the number was painted over and a 5 placed over the top. Some of the sub-class were painted into Civil Engineers all over Grey livery, although most were subsequently painted into the "Dutch" Yellow and Grey livery. Only 31530 (Sister Dora), 31544 (Keighley and Worth Valley Railway) and 31568 (The Engineman’s Fund) were named when numbered as a 31/5. 31544 was also notable as the only one of the sub-class with the original "skinhead" style cabs without the route indicators on the roof.

Class 31/6: Only two Class 31 diesel locomotives (31601 and 31602, formerly 31186 and 31191 respectively) received this modification, performed during their time with Fragonset Railways. This modification means they are through wired for Electric Train Heating (ETH) but cannot actually provide it. This means they can be coupled to a train behind another locomotive, and the front locomotive is still able to heat the train via the wiring on the 31/6. 31601 is now preserved at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway where it regularly operates trains while 31602 was scrapped after being withdrawn.

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History of Class 31 diesel-electric locomotives

The British Rail Class 31—originally the Brush Type 2 and briefly TOPS Class 30—were 263 diesel‑electric locomotives built 1957–62, re‑engined 1965–69, and became one of BR’s most widely used Type 2s across passenger and freight duties.

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Origins and Design of the Class 31 diesel-electric locomotives (1957–1962)

The Class 31 story begins with British Railways’ 1955 Modernisation Plan, which ordered several “Pilot Scheme” diesel types to replace steam. Brush Traction of Loughborough built 263 locomotives between 1957 and 1962, numbered D5500–D5699 and D5800–D5862.

Key original features:

• Wheel arrangement: A1A‑A1A (outer axles powered, centre axles unpowered)

• Prime mover: Mirrlees JVS12T, rated at 1,250–1,365 hp

• Electrical equipment: Brush generator and traction motors

• Top speed: 80 mph on early builds

• Train heating: Steam heat boilers

These early locomotives were initially classified as Class 30 under TOPS.

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Re‑engining and Reclassification of the Class 31 diesel-electric locomotives (1964–1969)

The Mirrlees engines proved unreliable. In 1964, locomotive D5677 was experimentally fitted with an English Electric 12SVT engine (a de‑rated version of the Class 37’s 12CSVT). The trial succeeded, and all 262 remaining locomotives were re‑engined between 1965 and 1969, after which the class was reclassified as Class 31.

The new engine produced 1,470 hp, the maximum the electrical system could handle.

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Sub‑classes and Technical Evolution of the Class 31 diesel-electric locomotives

Several sub‑classes emerged as equipment and duties changed:

• 31/0 – Early locomotives with electro‑magnetic control; 80 mph

• 31/1 – Standard electro‑pneumatic control; 90 mph

• 31/4 – Fitted with Electric Train Heating (ETH); used heavily on passenger work

• 31/5 – ETH isolated

• 31/6 – ETH through‑wiring for push‑pull or top‑and‑tail use

The earliest batch lacked headcode boxes above the cab windows and became known as “Skinheads.”

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Operational Service of the Class 31 diesel-electric locomotives

1950s–1970s: Mixed‑Traffic Work

Class 31s were true general‑purpose locomotives, working:

• Secondary passenger services

• Parcels and mail

• Local and medium‑distance freight

Their steam heating made them suitable for passenger trains until ETH became standard.

1980s: Shift to Freight

With the arrival of Sprinter DMUs, Class 31s moved largely to freight and departmental duties. Many had their heating pipes removed to prevent them being borrowed for passenger work.

1990s–2000s: Privatisation Era

After BR, Class 31s passed to operators such as EWS, Fragonset, FM Rail, and Network Rail. Network Rail used them extensively on infrastructure test trains, recognisable by their yellow livery.

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Preservation and Survivors of the Class 31 diesel-electric locomotives

Withdrawal began in 1975 and continued until 2017. At least 36 locomotives are preserved, with several still operational on heritage railways. Examples include:

• D5500 (31018) – Static exhibit at Locomotion, Shildon

• 31108 – In traffic at the East Lancashire Railway

• 31270 – In traffic at Didcot Railway Centre

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Why the Class 31 diesel-electric locomotives matter

• Longevity: Nearly 60 years of service life

• Versatility: Passenger, freight, departmental, and test‑train roles

• Historical significance: One of the most successful BR Type 2 designs

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My Archive Steam Photos from the 1960s

docspics images of Class 31 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays photos of Class 31 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays photographs of Class 31 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays pictures of Class 31 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays © Dr Phil Brown * Treyn Railway Holidays to France, Italy and Spain from Class 31 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays Booking tickets for Great Railway Journey luxury Rail Trip holidays Train travel in Europe Rail holidays from Class 31 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays to the USA & Canada luxury train through the Rocky Mountain Canadian rail railway holidays through the Rockies US Cities by train from Class 31 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays  Continental rail holidays to France Germany Italy Austria Switzerland Glacier Express Treyn Holidays from Class 31 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays from Eurostar to Paris Brussels Avignon Turin Turino Rome Roma Florence Firenze TGV fast trains Railway travel holidays special steam excursions from Class 31 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays great steam heritage line and offers luxury Pullman coach dining trains Class 31 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays Travelling by train always seems a pleasure, especially if through wonderful scenery  to Class 31 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays in England, Scotland, Wales or on holiday in the rest of Europe! The railway trip from Class 31 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays involves seeing or travelling behind a 'real' steam locomotive in action and there is nothing like the sight and sounds of a steam train to invoke feelings of nostalgia in some of us to Class 31 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays even more luxury by having a special trip out on a steam dining train! England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland top class hotels in Class 31 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays dining out travel tours top tourist destinations tourist information on Class 31 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays weekend breaks mini-breaks family holidays restaurants touring coach trips from Class 31 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays continental tours cruise ships pleasure cruises summer breaks spring breaks continental winter breaks European winter holidays spring holidays summer holidays European Rail tours Railway travel holidays special steam excursions from Class 31 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays A great steam heritage line and offers luxury Pullman coach dining trains European Rail tours US and Canadian Railway travel holidays special steam excursions to Class 31 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays A great steam heritage line and offers luxury Pullman coach dining trains Travelling by train from Class 31 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays always seems a pleasure, especially if through wonderful scenery either in England, Scotland, Wales or on holiday in the rest of the railways of Europe! The railway trip involves seeing or travelling behind a 'real' steam locomotive or heritage diesel in action on a special trip from Class 31 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays Booking Eurostar Continental Rail Travel Tour Tickets Stuttgart Brussels Eurostar Brussels from Class 31 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays by TGV to Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International Stratford International, St Pancras International Paris Gare du Nord Paris Gare de Lyon Paris Gare de L'est Paris Gare Montparnasse by Eurostar from Class 31 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays London to Paris, Eurostar London - Brussels Eurostar London to Lille deals bargain city breaks Class 31 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays Great Railway Journey holidays in Italy, Spain and France by TGV booking from Class 31 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays Booking Eurostar Continental Rail Travel Tour Tickets to the Continent  eg Paris Brussels Avignon or railway tours across France, Holland, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Russia, Asia or China for a travel spectacular Class 31 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays

Good trainspotting 'TRAINSPOTS' Good trainspotting and photographic locations  Barnetby Station, North Lincolnshire  *  Carlisle Station  *  Clapham Junction Station, London  *  Colton Junction, south of York  * Coventry *  Crewe Station  *  Doncaster Station, South Yorkshire  * Grantham * Hellifield station - Carlisle to Settle line * Lancaster station  * Leicester station * Newcastle Station  *  Northallerton Station  *  Nuneaton Station  * Peterborough *  Sheffield Station  *  Stratford Station, East London * Tamworth * Warrington Bank Quay station * Wigan North Western - WCML *  York Station

See other TOPS classes of diesels and electrics * Class 01 * Class 02 * Class 03 * Class 04 * Class 08 * Class 09 * Class 10 * Class 11 * Class 14 * Class 20 * Class 24 * Class 25 * Class 26 * Class 27 * Class 31 * Class 33 * Class 35 * Class 37 * Class 40 * Class 43 * Class 44 * Class 45 * Class 47 * Class 50 * Class 52 * Class 55 * Class 56 * Class 57 * Class 58 *  Class 60 * Class 66 * Class 67 * Class 68 * Class 70 * Class 71 * Class 73 * Class 76 * Class 77 *  Class 84 * Class 86 * Class 87 * Class 88 * Class 90 * Class 91 * Class 92 * Derby Lightweight * Class 101 * Class 108 * Class 114 * Class 117 * Class 120 * Class 121 * Class 122 * Class 127 * Class 141 * Class 142 * Class 144 * Class 150 * Class 153 * Class 155 * Class 156 * Class 158 * Class 159 * Class 165 * Class 166 * Class 170 * Class 172 * Class 175 * Class 180 * Class 185 * Class 195  * Class 196 * Class 197 * Class 220 * Class 221 * Class 222 * Class 252 * Class 313 * Class 315 * Class 317 * Class 319 * Class 320 * Class 321 * Class 322 * Class 323 * Class 325 * Class 331 * Class 332 * Class 333 * Class 334 * Class 350 * Class 357 * Class 360 * Class 365 * Class 373 * Class 375 * Class 376 * Class 377 * Class 378 * Class 379 * Class 380 * Class 387 * Class 390 * Class 395 * Class 414 * Class 423 * Class 442 * Class 444 * Class 450 * Class 455 * Class 458 * Class 460 * Class 465 * Class 466 * Class 489 * Class 507/508 * Class 700 * Class 730  * Class 755 * Class 800 * Class 801 * Class 802 * Class 803 *  Class 805 * Class 3000 *

INDEX of My IMAGES OF PRESERVED STEAM LOCOMOTIVES

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