18100 went to Dukinfield (Metropolitan Vickers, its builders) in December 1953 to be modified to run on heavy fuel oil and for the redesign of the control circuits. Long delays and escalating costs resulted in BR calling a halt to the programme after nearly £348,000 had been expended. The project was cancelled in 1957 and 18100 returned to BR for conversion to pure electric for driver training on 1/1/58. The VLG Cheshire numberplate on the motorbike (which is not new) was used from April 1955 which helps date the photo.