On 4th March 1991, the latest pair of Class 60s were collected from Brush Traction in Loughborough. Originally allocated to the coal sector, 60047 carried the name “Robert Owen”, after the Welsh textile manufacturer, philanthropist, and founder of the co-operative movement. The locomotive was initially based at Stewarts Lane in Battersea, London.
When the BR sectors gave way to the shadow franchises, 60047 became part of the Transrail fleet. It didn’t remain in Transrail condition for long, as it was an early recipient of the maroon and gold EW&S livery in 1996. 60047 stayed in this condition until it was placed into secure storage at Crewe Diesel Depot in 2010.
A requirement for more heavy freight locomotives saw Colas Rail purchase the locomotive in 2014. It was restored at Toton and outshopped in the striking yellow and orange house colours of Colas Railfreight. In 2018, the fleet of ten Colas 60s was transferred to GBRf, who began a programme of repaints to bring the locomotives in line with the rest of their fleet. Those awaiting repaint had their “Colas” branding removed but retained the word “Railfreight” on the bodysides.
Currently, 60047 is one of the last Class 60s still running in this condition for GBRf.