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Paul Corfield · September 10th 04, 06:52 PM posted to uk.transport.london

On 10 Sep 2004 00:19:05 -0700, (PhilD) wrote:

"Morton" wrote in message ...
On Wednesday afternoon, travelling via WAGN to Moorgate, just before
Harringay I noticed an outward bound train, mainly stock but with a
mysterious Police labelled train at the back. I was unsure if this was
powering/pushing the coaches in front (I only got a quick glance) but it was
mainly white with an orange mid-section with huge words POLICE. Not very
conspicuous. Does anyone know what it would be? I was quite bemused that the
police should have their own locomotive.

M.

As there seems to be no reply to this (I post via googlegroups, so
they may not be visible yet), I'll put in some words here.

The "Police" loco is just a run of the mill loco (class 47, if you're
interested), with no direct connection with any police force. It was
painted in that livery as part of a campaign against route crime
(vandalism and the like).

I thought though that it was used by the British Transport Police as
part of such campaigns. I also thought that it was used specifically on
trips when the police and railway staff wished to travel along "hot
spot" routes and then leap out and grab offenders who were committing
criminal acts? Perhaps I am misrembering the feature on the
Trainspotting series that is shown on Discovery Home and Leisure every
so often. Lew Adams - ex gen sec of ASLEF - was involved in getting the
loco set up for its new role.

Nowadays, it is owned by one of the smaller rolling stock leasing
companies, who supply it at short notice and/or on short term lease to
anyone who needs a locomotive. Presumably in this case it was being
used to move spare coaches around.

Obviously it needs to earn its keep when it's not on patrol.
--
Paul C

Admits to working for London Underground!