Marcus' Model Railway Journey

All twenty Metrovicks were initially allocated to the Midland Division of BR's London Midland Region, where they were often used in pairs on the overnight London–Glasgow "Condor" express freight service.

They were also used in pairs to cover for failures and were recorded as taking the London–Glasgow sleeper, a notoriously heavy train, forwards from Carlisle without problems.

After refurbishment in 1961 they were all transferred to the Barrow-in-Furness 12E depot.

They were withdrawn after only eleven years at work and in service.

The allocation of all twenty locomotives in October 1967 was Carlisle Upperby.

Despite the electrical and mechanical equipment being reliable, the Crossley engines were still giving problems and British Rail considered replacing the engines, as was done with the Class 31 diesels and, later, with Crossley-engined locomotives in Ireland.

A quotation was obtained by BR from English Electric for re-engining with an uprated version of the reliable 8SVT prime mover, already proven in the Class 20, and this was close to proceeding.

However, the entire class, along with other small non-standard diesel classes, was withdrawn from service during 1967–68, and all but one were scrapped by the end of 1969.

Their parts had been sold to make new metals by the end of 1971.


The only blue one!
British Railways Type 2 Metropolitan Vickers Co-Bo Diesel Locomotive D5701 built at Stockton in 1958. Only this one gained British Rail Blue livery. Carnforth 25th June 1968

Table of withdrawals


A single locomotive, D5705, survived by historical accident, being renumbered S15705 and used from December 1968 by the Research Division for its Tribology Test train.

It was superseded by a Class 24, and was used as carriage heating unit TDB968006 (based at Bath Road Depot, Bristol) before being preserved in 1985.

Prior to this, it spent several years in a semi-protected siding on the line from Gloucester, just outside Swindon Station.

It is currently on the East Lancashire Railway.

The Class 15 Preservation Society has signed an agreement with the owners of D5705 to become its custodians during its restoration and operation for the next ten years, although funding will remain separate.

D5705 Co-Bo Coalville Open Day 25th may 1991

Monday 21 Jul 2025

Ramped footbridge designs in North Wales following public feedback​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders


Prestatyn Illustration


Network Rail has updated its plans for new accessible footbridges in both Pensarn and Prestatyn, North Wales.

The designs have been modified to take on board feedback from drop-in sessions with residents as well as engagement with other community bodies.

Network Rail is working in partnership with Transport for Wales on their Network North Wales project to increase passenger services along the North Wales Coast by 50% as part of the Welsh Government's £800 million investment in a new train fleet.

To increase the number of services safely, Network Rail needs to close four level crossings (two in Pensarn and two in Prestatyn) to protect the public from the added risks.

In Pensarn, the revised proposal features a single-ramped footbridge connecting Ty Gwyn and Pen Uchaf level crossings.

Responding to community concerns, the bridge's design has been modified to reduce its height and visual impact, ensuring it blends in with the surrounding coastal landscape.

The updated plans also include provisions for active travel, with the bridge designed to integrate seamlessly into the local walking and cycling network.

For Prestatyn, an entirely new design for an accessible footbridge next to Bridge Road has been introduced.

This design replaces previous concepts and reflects local preferences, striking a balance between safety and community aesthetics.

The revised footbridge mirrors the height of the existing road bridge, aiming to minimise construction impact while making sure there is continued accessibility to the Morfa area.

Both locations have high-risk level crossings due to poor visibility and frequent use by vulnerable groups such as children, cyclists and dog walkers.

These crossings will need to be closed or managed differently ahead of the uplift to the timetable in May 2026.

Before the new bridges are built, temporary crossing solutions are being considered to maintain connectivity for residents until the new options are in place.


“These projects are a significant step forward in improving transport service in North Wales,” said Emma Osborn, Passenger Strategy Director for Network Rail (Wales and Borders). “Not only do they enhance connectivity and support the region’s growth, but they also prioritise the safety of our communities, which is paramount. We are dedicated to delivering these improvements with minimal disruption and maximum benefit to local residents.”

Lee Robinson, TfW’s Executive Director for Regional Transport and Integration said: “The closure of these crossings provides the opportunity to increase frequency and capacity for customers across North Wales, as well as reducing the risk of incidents at level crossings. Our ambition to deliver a fully integrated transport network - one network, one timetable, one ticket - is at the heart of these changes and we welcome the continued work with our partners at Network Rail to find suitable and safe local solutions.”

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said: "I welcome the decision to put community voices at the heart of transport infrastructure decisions that affect people's daily lives. These improvements will enable the delivery of the 50% increase in services on the North Wales Main Line as a key element of our Network North Wales vision while keeping residents safe and maintaining local connectivity. We are committed to ensuring better, accessible transport connections that are vital for connecting communities, supporting local economies and helping people access employment and services across North Wales.”

Communities will be invited again to more local drop-ins after the summer.

More information on those will be shared in due course.

Both webpages have now been updated and can be found here:

Prestatyn: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/wales/prestatyn-level-crossings/

Pensarn: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/wales/pensarn-level-crossings/