06.10.2006

Porterbrook Leasing Company Limited (“Porterbrook”), a subsidiary of Abbey National plc (“Abbey”), is pleased to announce that following discussions with the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group at the West Somerset Railway, an agreement has been reached for the hand over of Class 47 locomotive No 47840.

The locomotive has recently received repairs to its Sulzer 12LDA28C power unit, including replacement of the “B” bank fuel camshaft and its associated follower by Brush Traction (“Brush”) in Loughborough. Work was also carried out on the exhaust system.

Whilst at Brush, the opportunity to refit the dual braking system to the locomotive was taken. The locomotive will now be able to work with both air and vacuum braked rolling stock.

The installation of the vacuum braking equipment has proven to be a complex and challenging operation and Porterbrook wishes to express its thanks to the many organisations involved; Brush, Interfleet Technology, Diesel & Electric Preservation Group and Cotswold Rail.

The locomotive will be handed over to the preservation group on 1st May 2007.