| Abstrakt: |
This article provides a historical overview of the Class 14 diesel-hydraulic locomotives built by Swindon Works for British Railways. It challenges the prevailing belief that these locomotives were a mistake, presenting evidence from the National Archives that suggests otherwise. The article delves into the decision-making process behind their construction, emphasizing cost considerations and the specific needs of the Western Region. It also acknowledges the changing circumstances and declining freight traffic that may have influenced the perception of these locomotives. Additionally, the article briefly mentions the nationalization and subsequent privatization of the road haulage industry, as well as the 1962 Transport Act and the 1963 Beeching Plan, which aimed to improve the efficiency of the railway system. The Swindon Type 1 locomotives were initially ordered due to legal obligations and were later sold to the National Coal Board and the British Steel Corporation. [Extracted from the article] |
