Controversial Battlefield ‘Peak’ set to be scrapped

AFTER almost 20 years in limbo, the end is nigh for Class 45/0 No. 45015 (D14), which is stored in a siding at Market Bosworth on the Battlefield Line. Having long been the subject of discussion, the ‘Peak’ – which has never operated in preservation – is finally set to be removed from the grip of mother nature and will be broken up. A Battlefield Line spokesman told The RM: “There have been a lot of conversations with the former owner this year, which has resulted in the Battlefield Line seizing the loco. We have had an asbestos survey recently done and the small amount found is due to be sorted as soon as possible.” He said breaking up the loco was the only realistic option. “Anyone who is serious has had ample time to mount a rescue bid. No other railway will take it – they are aware of the hassle it has caused us. “In the last 12 months one individual thought about doing it up as a shell. They stopped when the costs to restore the loco even to that extent reached £100K. “Scrap is currently £200 per ton, so there is enough in cash in it for us to deal with it – the railway funding the asbestos removal. “It will be moved and parts will be recovered. These include cylinder heads, bogies and the heat exchanger. Three serious industry players have expressed an interest in the major, usable components. “We remain open to offers for other parts, including the cabs – but prospective purchasers will have to pay the scrap price and associated costs. “We will retain one of the number panels for the railway’s museum. The other is to go to auction as that is the fairest way.” Questions often asked are why should this loco be saved, and why is it of interest, as there are two other Class 45/0s (steamheat) and nine Class 45/1s (electric-heat) in preservation. No. 45015 was built at Derby in 1960 as No. D14 and is the oldest survivor of the 127 built, and the only one with potentially operating nose-end doors. It was withdrawn with a defective traction motor on March 3, 1986, but was retained at Toton depot in an immovable state and was located for many years in the training area. It possibly holds the record for being the longest time of any diesel between withdrawal and sale – a period of 16 years 7 months.