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In the modernisation plan of 1955 English Electric received an order for 10 type c (2000 h.p. later type 4) locomotives. The first D200 was delivered in 1958 entering traffic on the Great Eastern lines of the Eastern Region. All ten of the "pilot batch" were allocated to either the East Coast or the Great Eastern main lines.
After the successful trials a further batch of 190 were ordered from English Electric Vulcan Foundry. Due to the production of Deltics being built, D306 was one of 20 built at Robert Stephenson and Hawthorn of Darlington in October 1960.
D306 spent most of her life shedded in the London Midland Region being initially allocated to Crewe for the running-in, followed by Liverpool Edge Hill, Crewe, Willesden, Crewe then London Midland Western Lines. In the early 1970s BR introduced the TOPS computer system. The English Electric type 4 became class 40 and therefore D306 was renumbered 40106, although, whilst the BR fleet was being painted in corporate blue, 40106 remained green.
Most locomotives were repainted blue when overhauled. However, as green had become favoured by enthusiasts, when 40106 entered Crewe in 1978, BR decided to keep her green. In this livery 40106 became most popular for rail-tour duties and was allocated to Manchester Longsight depot. Withdrawn in 1983 due being vacuum braked only, it was purchased by the present owner in the spring of 1984 and moved to the Great Central Railway. On the 11th August, 1984 the loco was named by Cunard "Atlantic Conveyor" in rememberance of the container ship of the same name that was sunk in the Falklands campaign.
In 1990, D306 was moved by road to Wansford and immediately entered service on the NVR. Since arriving D306 has been able to visit British Rail Open Day events at various locations.
D306 can be seen in regular service on the Nene Valley Railway.
In 1988 during a repaint to original 1960 condition, D306 was renumbered D326 and given split head code boxes to star in the film "Buster", the story of the Great Train Robbery.
On Tuesday 8th June 2004, D306 was used in the filming of an Episode of "Days that shook the World" for BBC Glasgow. The episode is about the Great Train Robbery.
No 2 end has been refurbished, looking very nice with its fresh paint.
5th June 2004, a new set of batteries has just been fitted together with new cab sides.
| DATE | DUTY | LOCATION |
| Saturday 16th April 2005 | Services | N.V.R. |
| Saturday 18th June 2005 | Services | N.V.R. |
| Saturday 16th July 2005 | Services | N.V.R. |
| Saturday 20th August 2005 | Services | N.V.R. |
| Friday 16th September 2005 | Diesel Gala | N.V.R. |
| Saturday 17th September 2005 | Diesel Gala | N.V.R. |
| Sunday 18th September 2005 | Diesel Gala | N.V.R. |
Dates given are an indication only and maybe altered by the NVR Ltd for operational purposes, and also the availability of locomotives. Before visiting the railway may we suggest that you telephone the Nene Valley Railway Ltd on 01780 784444 for confirmation of what locomotives are in service.
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