page_title: British Rail Class 31
section_title: Class 31/0
hierarchical_section_title: British Rail Class 31 / Classification / Sub-classes / Class 31/0
caption_attribution_description: Brush Type 2 (later Class 30), Pilot Scheme batch, 1,250 hp A1A-A1A No.D5513 (later 31 013) without headcode box in a very much interim livery of BR green livery with light grey stripes but with the new BR double arrow logo and all-yellow front end normally associated with blue examples at Stratford MPD, 07/67. Unlike their production sisters, the Pilot Scheme batch never had any trouble with their Mirlees engines and were thus the last to be refitted with English Electric engines (and reclassified 31/0) in 1969. No Class 30's ever got their new TOPS numbers in the 30 series. Scanned photograph taken with a Kowa SET camera.
context_page_description: The British Rail Class 31 diesel locomotives, also known as the Brush Type 2 and originally as Class 30, were built by Brush Traction from 1957-62. They were numbered in two series, D5500-D5699 and D5800-D5862.
context_section_description: These first 20 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. 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
  They were allocated to East Anglian sheds throughout their service, ending up allocated to Stratford, their initial shed, and latterly sporting that depot's trademark silver roof. Upon withdrawal four locomotives were converted at Stratford into train pre-heating units. Locomotives 31 013, 31 002, 31 014 and 31 008 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.
caption: D5513, one of the original batch, in BR green livery
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