During the mass withdrawals of the Class 24's in the mid-seventies, the Research Centre at Derby was on the lookout for a 'new' locomotive to replace its age old D5705 Metrovick and D5901 Baby Deltic. This came in the form of Class 24, 24 061 which was renumbered RDB968007, given a replacement engine from 24 063 and thereafter performed many years of sterling service hauling research trains. The unit is pictured here at (top) Derby Locomotive Works open day, 5th August 1978, and (bottom) behind Derby refueling shed, 28th March 1978. The machine was finally saved for preservation and can now be seen earning its keep at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. For a view of the locomotive today click here.