Running the Class 15 (by Heljan)
4This is another OO scale model locomotive that I have recently bought for my collection. Just like the Class 128 (which appears in this video), I bought my 15 from a website called Hattons. In this video, you see the Class 15 running around my layout. I had already run her a little bit before filming began.
The following information on the Class 15's history is taken from the instruction sheet that Heljan supplied with the model:
As part of British Railways' headlong rush into dieselisation, many companies became involved in the opportunity to win new orders. Out of these early contracts emerged a Type 1 specification diesel electric, to become known as Class 15 under the later TOPS scheme, however none lasted long enough to carry the new number scheme allocated. British Thomson Houston were the main contractors, but the construction of the pilot locos was undertaken by the Yorkshire Traction Company, with the Clayton Equipment Company (who later went on to built the D8500 locos) awarded the contract to build the later production batch.
Although the D8200's appeared to mirror the North British company's D8400 class in both appearance and equipment, the BTH product was regarded as the better design, hence the later increase in orders beyond the pilot scheme batch. Deliveries of the pilot batch began in 1957, and then the first of the production locos - D8210 - was completed in October 1958, with the last loco - D8243 - delivered in February 1961. They were designed as freight locomotives and no train heating facilities were provided.
Unfortunately the Paxman engine proved troublesome in service and they did not endear themselves to the train crews due to the poor visibility offered from the cab. They worked most of their lives in and around the London area on trip and cross-London freights, as well as carriage pilot duties at Liverpool Street where they are remembered at the end of their lives.
They were delivered in BR green livery, later acquiring small and then later, full yellow ends. None survived long enough to carry the BR blue livery although some were adorned with the later BR 'double arrow' symbol.
Scheduled for early withdrawal under BR's National Traction Plan the first withdrawals took place in September 1968, the last in March 1971. Three of the class clung on in service as non-powered carriage heating units carrying ADB968xxx numbers.
Thankfully - because of this - one of the class (D8233, ex-ADB968001) survived into preservation and is currently undergoing extensive restoration at the East Lancashire Railway.