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Freightliner intermodal power, Type 4 style.

FREIGHTLINER CLASS 47/3 No. 47309 European Rail Operator of the Year crests the top of Castle Hill on the approach to Westerfield, on the East Suffolk Line, with the 4B62 08.06 Ipwich Yard to Felixstowe South FLT service on August 26th, 2004. The sanding gear on the Class 47, one of just five so fitted, allows the locomotive to cope (just!) with the steep grades on the short route to the busy container terminals.

Built as Class 47 D1664 at BR Crewe Works in early 1965, this locomotive was one of the famous Western Region namers, being dedicated after the influential GWR Chief Mechanical Engineer George Jackson Churchward. The nameplate, possibly the longest ever single line ‘plate in BR history, was subsequently shortened to the more manageable GJ Churchward. It was converted to a Class 57 for Freightliner in 1999 with a refurbished GM 645 power unit, gaining the name Freightliner Venturer, and the freight operator’s attractive British racing green livery. This useful overhead view was recorded at Peterborough, on August 14th, 2004.