The Class 40 Preservation Society
The Class 40 Preservation Society (CFPS) is a registered charity (No 326323) formed in 1979. Its principal activities are "To preserve and restore to full working order and operate at galas around the UK, 3 x heritage English Electric Class 40 diesel electric locomotives"[1].
It is based at the East Lancashire Railway in Bury and operates Class 40 diesel electric locomotives 40106, which operates on the Severn Valley Railway, 40135 and main line certified 40145.
In 2018 the SVR signed a contract with the CFPS to hire one of their Class 40s, initially for a 12 month period. 40106 Atlantic Conveyor arrived on the SVR on 2 August as a temporary replacement for the nominated locomotive 40135. Being fitted with vacuum brakes and steam heating equipment, it is capable of working passenger services during the winter period.[2]
With occasional returns to Bury for heavy maintenance, the locomotive remained on the Railway thereafter. The SVR include it as a ‘home fleet’ locomotive and the CFPS describe it as currently on a long term hire. While on the SVR, 40106 is being maintained by SVR-based CFPS members with a knowledge of the Class.