Born out of the 1955 British Railways Modernisation Plan, the English Electric Type 1s – later known as the Class 20s – quickly earned a reputation as some of the most reliable diesels of their era. Nicknamed “Choppers” for their distinctive engine note, these locomotives adapted seamlessly to decades of change, from light mixed freight to heavy coal traffic, from construction of the Channel Tunnel to trackwork on the London Underground.

This book tells the remarkable story of a class that, while often overshadowed by their more glamorous counterparts, quietly proved indispensable. From their beginnings at the Vulcan Foundry to their starring roles in railtours, preservation, and even overseas ventures, the 20s have left an enduring mark on Britain’s railway history.

With more than 35 still active after nearly seventy years, the Class 20s remain as popular as ever with enthusiasts and operators alike – testament to a locomotive design that has truly stood the test of time.