Class 47 Locomotives in Scotland

Explore the rich history of the Class 47 locomotives and their significant presence in Scotland with this detailed book from Amberley Publishing. Introduced to British Rail in 1962, the Class 47 eventually numbered over 500 and played a vital role across the country, including extensive service in Scotland.

This volume delves into the operational life of these versatile locomotives, detailing their allocation to key Scottish depots such as Haymarket in Edinburgh, Inverness, and Eastfield. Discover how the Class 47 earned its reputation as a 'jack-of-all-trades', hauling everything from freight to prestigious passenger services, including the notable 'Push Pull' operations between Glasgow Queen Street and Edinburgh. The book also covers their use on royal trains and charter services to scenic destinations like Fort William, Mallaig, and Kyle of Lochalsh.

Learn about the various upgrades these locomotives received over the years, including the fitting of Electric Train Supply (ETS) for heating and lighting, and their eventual transition through privatisation and beyond. The book highlights their widespread use throughout Scotland and mentions their preservation on heritage lines.

Featuring fascinating images and informative captions by Colin J. Howat, this book meticulously documents the Class 47 locomotive from the late 1960s through the BR era and into privatisation.

• Comprehensive history of Class 47 locomotives in Scotland.
• Details on depot allocations and operational roles.
• Information on 'Push Pull' services and special workings.
• Covers locomotive upgrades and their later service life.
• Includes numerous historical photographs with detailed captions.

• Author: Colin J. Howat
• Publisher: Amberley Publishing
• Publication Date: 15 September 2026
• Language: English
• Print Length: 96 pages
• Binding: Paperback
• ISBN-10: 139813001X
• ISBN-13: 978-1398130012
• Item Weight: 505 g
• Dimensions: Not specified

This book is an essential read for railway enthusiasts and historians interested in the iconic Class 47 locomotives and their impact on Scotland's railway network.