Built to work top-link expresses, the BR Class 52 spent its days racing through BRs Western Region and now enjoys retirement on heritage railways. 1955, the modernisation plan of British Railways was published. The plan called for all regions to gradually phase out steam locomotives in favour of modern diesel motive power. Most of the network opted for diesel-electric technology, the Western Region however took a different approach, and started chasing the idea of using hydraulic transmission. A handful of designs would be produced in the following years for various duties, but none would be as striking as theWesternwhich first rolled off the production line in the early 1960s. Derived from German diesel hydraulic technology, theWesternwas fitted with two engines, that when combined resulted in a much higher tractive effort than the previously built efforts. The Class 52 was capable of achieving 90 mph, and unofficial records claim they reached speeds of 110 mph, nevertheless,