2,700HP Diesel-Hydraulic Legend: Class 55 Number D1015 Rumbles into Highley Station on the SVR

Diesel Traction Group (DTG) owned Class 52 "Western" C-C diesel-hydraulic locomotive number D1015 "Western Champion" was built in 1963 at British Railways' Swindon Works plant. This 108-ton masterpiece of the Western Region is powered by two high-performance Bristol Siddeley Maybach MD655 four-stroke turbocharged diesel engines, generating a combined total of 2,700 brake horsepower. This immense power is delivered through twin Voith L630rV three-speed hydraulic transmissions, enabling a maximum operational speed of 90 mph and a massive starting tractive effort of 72,600 lbf. The locomotive looks magnificent carrying its highly popular corporate BR Blue livery with full yellow ends, a classic scheme that beautifully preserves the mainline aesthetic of the late 1960s and 1970s. As one of only seven surviving "Westerns" in preservation, this fully mainline-certified asset proudly carries its cast "Western Champion" nameplates. For this particular run, the striking blue giant is paired with a stunning heritage rake of varnished LNER Gresley teak coaches, creating a spectacular and nostalgic contrast against the carriage woodwork.

Gleaming under the sunshine of a beautiful spring day, the locomotive is captured here heading into the platform area as it arrives at Highley station to make its scheduled stop. The twin Maybach engines growl beautifully as the train works its way Northbound from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth during the Severn Valley Railway Spring Diesel Gala on Sunday 17/05/2026 at 14:35.

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