Class 45 locomotives also known as the Sulzer Type 4 diesel locomotives nicknamed ‘Peaks’, were built by British Rail between 1960 and 1962. They were used mainly on the Midland Main Line replacing the steam locomotives with the advantages of having considerably more acceleration and power. They were in service for over twenty years, with the last one being withdrawn from service in 1988.
In 1986 the Class 45/1 Preservation Society was formed to preserve an example of these locomotives and in 1990, Number 45133 was purchased. It currently runs regularly at Midland Railway – Butterley however because of the locomotives popularity it has been on a number of the preserved railways in the country.
Recently 45133 has enjoyed a period of time on the Mid Norfolk Railway and the North Norfolk Railway. On Saturday 23rd September 2017, our project officer Paul Young met up with Steve Dexter, the news letter editor of the Class 45/1 Preservation Society and you listen here:
Local photographer, Andy Marrison has been following the 45133 in Norfolk and here are a selection of some taken recently on the North Norfolk Railway. A calendar for 2018 has been released and will be on sale soon.
Some useful website links below: