31163 , 31166 & 31188
In Summer 2000 , 3 Class 31s were purchased by Colne Valley Diesels Ltd and moved from storage at Healey Mills to Swanwick for assessment. All 3 locos ( 31163 , 31166 & 31188 ) had been robbed of some parts whilst in store and A1A Locos Ltd , replaced these parts , carried out repairs , and brought the small fleet back into traffic.
Whilst at Swanwick the locos were used over some days and indeed all participated in the ‘ Goyle Gala ‘ on 16-17/09/00. They were very reliable.
These locos were moved to Carnforth in late 2001 for repainting into green livery. Since repainting, 31163 has been sold and is now located at the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway and is in traffic whilst both 31166 & 31188 were moved to the Wensleydale Railway .
31166 saw some use on the Wensleydale Railway but then failed with engine bearing problems , however 31188 was never used due to various faults.
In Spring 2008 both these locos were sold to HNRC. The power unit from 31188 was purchased by ‘A1A’ in Summer 2008 and the remains of 31188 transported to T J Thomson’s scrapyard in Stockton on Tees. It has since been scrapped as has 31166, also at Stockton.
31188 is passed by 31163 & 31166 at Swanwick Jct at the ‘Goyle Gala’ 16/09/00.
31166 , 31162 & 31163 (in multiple !) await departure from Butterley during the ‘Goyle Gala’ 16/09/00.
31188 stands with 31163 & 31166 at Swanwick prior to the event 16/09/00.