Some of Freightliner's Class 47s were in a very poor external condition by the mid 1990s. 47231 was a prime example, with extremely tatty Railfreight Distribution livery peeling away to reveal glimpses of its former blue livery. The mark left by the removal of The Silcock Express nameplate further adds to the dire appearance. It is pictured here passing Rowington on 4 May 1996 with the 4O30 13:47 Trafford Park to Southampton freightliner.