It's a snowy day in February 1941 and the prototype 'EM1' (BR class '76') Bo+Bo 1500v.DC electric No. 6701 has been brought out into the chill of Doncaster Plant yard for its official portrait. It was completed the previous August of 1940 and undertook various trials to determine its capabilities and to find solutions to its poor riding qualities. Mothballed due to WW2 in October 1941, 6701 did not return to service until 1947 and was re-numbered 6000. The rest of its complex story is too involved to relate here! It was withdrawn in March 1970 as BR No. 26000 Tommy.

© Steve Armitage Collection