|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Really Useful Engines 2007 Special! |
|
 |
The Fat Controller was inclined to bestow the epithet of "really useful" on flexible rolling stock and had the Island of Sodor Railways been electrified at 650 volts D.C.third rail top contact we are sure the rotund boss would have wanted a fleet of JA/JB Electro-Diesels. Some forty years after introduction the surviving members of the class still continue to do useful work on the third rail system. |
 |
JB jamboree! On 23rd October Gatwick Express 73202 and privately owned 73136 led the Queen of Scots coach set formation, trailed by South West Trains 73109, on an 11.55 Victoria-Victoria special marking the retirement of Gatwick Express' longest serving employee Dave Berry, after whom 73202 is of course named (for further details click here). (above) The special passing through Bickley Junction on the return leg. |
 |
On the 18th October there was a test trip 10+55 St Leonards to St Leonards using 73107, recently repainted into a two tone grey livery reminiscent of the former Railfreight sector livery, and two of Hastings Diesels Limited Hastings Unit power cars. The working is seen here passing through Tonbridge. photograph by Barrie Swann |
 |
73206 arriving at Tonbridge on 29th March. This working was actually a 10.43 Tonbridge - Tonbridge circular Kent driver training trip, but neatly illustrates what First GBRf locos regularly do, i.e. engineering work. photograph by Colin Price |
 |
Network Rail 73213 + 73212 pass Paddock Wood on 21st February, again with a driver training trip, this time the 09.15 Tonbridge - Tonbridge. Plans are in hand for this pair to work this winter on deicer duties with a former Gatwick Express GLV each. The minature ploughs were, of course, fitted this year.
photographs left and below by Colin Price |
 |
First GBRf 73204 + 9108 + 9102 + 73205 in Tonbridge West yard on 23rd January having been out on a deicer trip. This was when the former GLVs were only permitted to be hauled round. The GLVs are to have the driving equipment reinstated, and so will each run push-pull with a locomotive this coming winter. It is believed another two GLVs being made fit for deicing trips, so this winter First GBRf will provide two loco+GLVs for Kent area deicing trips and another two for Sussex. First GBRf will additionally be using the Network Rail 73s for this work to prevent all their locomotives being tied up with this particular work. |
|
||
This feature is brought to you by the Southern Electric Group as a service to its members and enthusiasts. The Southern Electric Group is the only group covering all aspects of the Southern Electric System past , present and future. If you are not a member you are very welcome to join the group. For more details please follow the links bottom left.
|
||
| Find out more about the SEG or about
membership and to print out a membership application form. |
|
This page updated
28th November 2007 by Colin Duff. |
