Like other shunters of this size, the Class 03 was built for light duties where a larger locomotive was not needed, especially for shunting at locomotive and carriage depots and as station pilots. The reduction over time in the demand for shunting locomotives meant that they were progressively withdrawn from 1968 onwards, many being sold to private industry. However, some remained in service much longer, with two examples on the Isle of Wight lasting until 1993.
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The 04s were all withdrawn from BR service by 1972, although many were subsequently sold for industrial use.
ReplyDeleteThe Isle of Wight locomotives were the very similar class 03.