Historical 'headcode'

[pdeaves]

Short Q: What was 8K23?

Longer version: a contact asks "I have a photograph of D817 Foxhound with the headcode 8K23 – I believe the photo to have been taken in the early 60s and the locomotive does look new and shiny [...] It stands alone, outside possibly a cleaning shed, with several people gathered around who appear to be members of the public looking at it. Does the headcode tell you anything?"

The questions are what was a class 8 in those days, and what working was K? For that matter, does anyone recognise the description as some event (open day?)?

Thanks!

 

[hexagon789]

Short Q: What was 8K23?

Longer version: a contact asks "I have a photograph of D817 Foxhound with the headcode 8K23 – I believe the photo to have been taken in the early 60s and the locomotive does look new and shiny [...] It stands alone, outside possibly a cleaning shed, with several people gathered around who appear to be members of the public looking at it. Does the headcode tell you anything?"

The questions are what was a class 8 in those days, and what working was K? For that matter, does anyone recognise the description as some event (open day?)?

Thanks!

Until 1968, a Class 8 was an unfitted freight or mineral working.

To know what 'K' was would need a rough location in terms of a BR Region. I would assume the photo was taken on the Western Region?

 

[Gloster]

If the loco was on shed and surrounded by non-railway staff (probably wearing sports jackets or raincoats) then it could be either an open day or a spotters visit. 8K23 could be the last train it worked or the last with the photographed end leading.

 

[pdeaves]

I would assume the photo was taken on the Western Region?

Thanks. Within the limits of what I know, I think that is a fair assumption.