Harton electric loco livery

[nicktamarensis]

Hello.

Does anyone know how long the white livery lasted for?

I assume it was applied for staff safety purposes given that the approach of the locos was difficult to hear amongst all the racket!

[25kV]

According to Hatcher's book, it was applied in 1966 and lasted until 1972 when replaced by apple green.

[nicktamarensis]

Many, many thanks 25kV.

Does Mr Hatcher's book refer to the white livery as being applied for staff safety reasons?

 

[25kV]

6 minutes ago, nicktamarensis said:

Many, many thanks 25kV.

Does Mr Hatcher's book refer to the white livery as being applied for staff safety reasons?

 

Yes, apparently in 1965 a grandmother and grandson were walking hand-in-hand towards Laygate Lane level crossing when the infant suddenly took off and ran headlong onto the tracks, despite the crossing keeper (who attempted to give chase) having stopped traffic.  He was hit by loco No. 4 and died instantly.  The NCB put in place a raft of changes to give better visibility at crossings, and had the fleet painted white to aid visibility.  (Ironically, it turned out that white was not a great colour against the sky, so black "V" chevrons were added.)

[nicktamarensis]

Thanks again 25kV.  What a tragic incident!  Presumably the apple green livery was thought to be a satisfactory compromise given other safety measures were in place.