The stylish British Rail Class 35 locomotives, universally known as "Hymeks", were introduced in 1961 as part of the Western Region’s bold, independent preference for diesel-hydraulic transmission over diesel-electric. Built by Beyer, Peacock and Company, a fleet of 101 of these distinctive B-B engines was produced. Powered by a Bristol Siddeley Maybach engine paired with a Mekydro hydraulic gearbox (giving them their "Hy-mek" portmanteau name), they were uniquely identifiable by their stepped cabin roof lines and wrap-around cab windows designed by industrial stylist Beyer Peacock. They punched well above their weight, successfully handling express passenger duties and heavy freight before the Western Region standardised on diesel-electrics, leading to an early withdrawal by 1975. Fortunately, four of these charismatic locomotives survive in preservation.

This gallery celebrates the definitive mixed-traffic diesel-hydraulic, highlighting a beautifully styled class that brought a distinct continental flair and mechanical uniqueness to British tracks.