The Scarborough Spa Express at Speed! Locos 47812 and 47813 Heading Towards Castleford & Carnforth

Built at Crewe Works in October 1965 as D1960, 47812 is a Brush Type 4 Co-Co diesel-electric locomotive. TOPS-renumbered to 47259, it was later converted to Class 47/8 specification to receive extended-range auxiliary fuel tanks and Electric Train Supply (ETS) for long-distance express passenger services across the main line network. Driven by a twin-bank, turbocharged 12-cylinder Sulzer 12LDA28-C power plant producing 2,580 horsepower and generating 55,000 lbf of starting tractive effort, 47812 is owned and operated by West Coast Railways and remains a key main line charter locomotive.

Constructed at Crewe Works in November 1965 as D1961, 47813 is another long-serving member of the versatile Brush Type 4 fleet. Renumbered 47260 under TOPS, it was upgraded to Class 47/8 standard to handle premier intercity passenger workings with ETH/ETS capabilities and enhanced fuel capacity. Powered by the iconic 2,580 hp Sulzer 12LDA28-C engine paired with Brush traction equipment, 47813 famously carried the name SS Great Britain during its British Rail express duties. Today, it is operated by West Coast Railways, providing essential rear power and operational versatility for top-and-tailed charter turns.

The train features a striking mixed-livery rake formed of British Rail Mark 2 coaches wearing classic InterCity Blue & White (InterCity Executive) livery, coupled alongside West Coast Railways’ traditional maroon-liveried Mark 2 and Mark 1 coaches. This retro combination offers a stunning throwback to 1980s and 1990s main line railtour formations.

Captured on Wednesday, 29th of July 2026 at 17:54, this video shows The Scarborough Spa Express powering through Sherburn-in-Elmet station at high speed. Operating top-and-tailed on the return leg of its charter journey (working 1Z64) from Scarborough to Carnforth, Class 47 47812 leads the express through the station platforms, with sister locomotive 47813 working on the rear. The charter is seen sweeping through North Yorkshire at full speed as it heads towards Castleford before continuing onwards to Carnforth.

A standard width 4K video version of this short may also be available on my channel. ​

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