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Hastings Diesel Unit

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STEVIEBOY1

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Hastings Diesels have not been able to run many of their excellent charters this year, owing to radio and insurance problems according to their website. Does anyone know if they have made any progress with these issues and if they may be able to get up and running again next year. ?

Shame they have had these problems as they had to stop for a while to have CDL added only a very few recent years ago.

I have been on a number of their trips and they have been very good indeed, most enjoyable.
 
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yorksrob

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According to their website, not until April/May next year unfortunately.

For a train that always behaves itself and has never in my experience broken down on the National network, the thumper seems to have been disproportionately affected by Network Rail's recent policy changes.
 

nomis1066

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Definitely getting Hastings withdrawal symptons. Train crew issues also playing a part in current dearth of rail tours. Still - back in 86 when a group of us got together in a sitting room in Tunbridge Wells to discuss the possibility of maybe preserving a coach or two - who would've thought 15 coaches would eventually be preserved and all the tours run that have done so to date?
 

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nomis1066

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Just a small selection of Hastings photos from years gone by - back to mid 80s. I definitely liked them better in blue and grey and when I win the Lottery will finance restoration of another 6 car including a first class trailer in that livery. Now then - where's the real world.........:p
 

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Dreadnought

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According to their website, not until April/May next year unfortunately.

For a train that always behaves itself and has never in my experience broken down on the National network, the thumper seems to have been disproportionately affected by Network Rail's recent policy changes.

My one and only tour to date with the Hastings unit in December 2011 did have some problems due to an electrical fault with one of the driving trailers. Ended up with the tour being amended (never got to visit Hastings) and a trip to Tonbridge where the unit went to the yard for 73213 to be added. Had enough time for a quick trip to Wetherspoons and enjoyed a pint of 'Old Thumper' which seemed very appropriate.
 

yorksrob

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Just a small selection of Hastings photos from years gone by - back to mid 80s. I definitely liked them better in blue and grey and when I win the Lottery will finance restoration of another 6 car including a first class trailer in that livery. Now then - where's the real world.........:p

Some nice pics there - I hope the thumper will be back soon !

I wish they'd do a version of the Long Thin Drag again :p
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
My one and only tour to date with the Hastings unit in December 2011 did have some problems due to an electrical fault with one of the driving trailers. Ended up with the tour being amended (never got to visit Hastings) and a trip to Tonbridge where the unit went to the yard for 73213 to be added. Had enough time for a quick trip to Wetherspoons and enjoyed a pint of 'Old Thumper' which seemed very appropriate.

You should go on some more ! (admittedly I missed out that one, so didn't witness that small blemish on the record ;))
 

nomis1066

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Some nice pics there - I hope the thumper will be back soon !

I wish they'd do a version of the Long Thin Drag again :p
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


You should go on some more ! (admittedly I missed out that one, so didn't witness that small blemish on the record ;))
And I was at Willesden Junction in 87 when we suffered a minor derailment which saw that London terminals tour end abruptly - but we've generally had very little unit probs. The irony of the Long Thin Drag tour - well over 700 mile round trip with the Hastings units in their twilight days and that 14 car train ran perfectly all day, 1011, 1032 and 1001 power cars if I recall.
 

yorksrob

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And I was at Willesden Junction in 87 when we suffered a minor derailment which saw that London terminals tour end abruptly - but we've generally had very little unit probs. The irony of the Long Thin Drag tour - well over 700 mile round trip with the Hastings units in their twilight days and that 14 car train ran perfectly all day, 1011, 1032 and 1001 power cars if I recall.

Ah well, they were almost still just about service units in those days so we won't count it :p

Bit of extra back up power for the long thin drag would no doubt have helped !
 

nomis1066

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Ah well, they were almost still just about service units in those days so we won't count it :p

Bit of extra back up power for the long thin drag would no doubt have helped !

27 years have passed but I'm sure that a few people managed to travel in 1001's power cars for a token £5 due to lack of khazzy facilities in those coaches.
 

yorksrob

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I might have risked that ten years ago. Think I would prefer to pay the extra now and have all the facilities at hand !
 

STEVIEBOY1

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My one and only tour to date with the Hastings unit in December 2011 did have some problems due to an electrical fault with one of the driving trailers. Ended up with the tour being amended (never got to visit Hastings) and a trip to Tonbridge where the unit went to the yard for 73213 to be added. Had enough time for a quick trip to Wetherspoons and enjoyed a pint of 'Old Thumper' which seemed very appropriate.

Yes, I was on that trip too. We were meant to go along the line via Rye, but did not make it, at least they were able to solve the problem quite quickly unlike some incidents that have badly delayed some charter trains that I have been on.

Hope HDL can resume soon.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
27 years have passed but I'm sure that a few people managed to travel in 1001's power cars for a token £5 due to lack of khazzy facilities in those coaches.

In recent years, I have traveled in those motor carriages, I just walked through to the next carriages if I needed the loo. I presume further years back, perhaps extra power cars were coupled together on longer trains for extra traction and therefore there would not have been facilities, I guess alot of crossed legs would have been in evidence towards the end of a journey then.
 

yorksrob

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Yes, I was on that trip too. We were meant to go along the line via Rye, but did not make it, at least they were able to solve the problem quite quickly unlike some incidents that have badly delayed some charter trains that I have been on.

Hope HDL can resume soon.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


In recent years, I have traveled in those motor carriages, I just walked through to the next carriages if I needed the loo. I presume further years back, perhaps extra power cars were coupled together on longer trains for extra traction and therefore there would not have been facilities, I guess alot of crossed legs would have been in evidence towards the end of a journey then.

I believe (I've read but sadly wasn't on that particular tour) it consisted of a couple of Units as usual but with a pair of additional power cars to provide back up. Since the power cars don't have loos and there was no access to the other units, places in their saloons were sold cheaply as third class (perhaps a novel form of "bring a bottle" :p).
 

eastwestdivide

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I believe (I've read but sadly wasn't on that particular tour) it consisted of a couple of Units as usual but with a pair of additional power cars to provide back up. Since the power cars don't have loos and there was no access to the other units, places in their saloons were sold cheaply as third class (perhaps a novel form of "bring a bottle" :p).

I was on the Long Thin Drag! The extra power cars were effectively a 2-car unit with more space given over to engines and cabs than seats. They were attached to one end of the 12-car train, apparently provided as additional power. A 6-car Hastings unit at 1000hp is a bit sluggish at the best of times, let alone slogging up the Settle-Carlisle - compare that to the standard 1000hp per 4-car SR EMU of the time. The tour had a long pause at Leeds for the train to go off to Neville Hill for fuel, so it could also have been insurance against running out of fuel.
I imagine that was the highest above sea level those units ever achieved.

I never saw or heard of additional power cars being added at any other time, in normal service or otherwise, and I did see a lot of Hastings units. Power cars did get swapped around between units, particularly late on in their career - I've a photo of a 6-car Hastings unit with a 12xx unit number left over from when the Tadpole units were disbanded.
Late on in their career, there were some "GTI" versions with only 5 cars, of which 2 were power cars. They accelerated like... a very slightly less sluggish 6-car.
 
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yorksrob

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I was on the Long Thin Drag! The extra power cars were effectively a 2-car unit with more space given over to engines and cabs than seats. They were attached to one end of the 12-car train, apparently provided as additional power. A 6-car Hastings unit at 1000hp is a bit sluggish at the best of times, let alone slogging up the Settle-Carlisle - compare that to the standard 1000hp per 4-car SR EMU of the time. The tour had a long pause at Leeds for the train to go off to Neville Hill for fuel, so it could also have been insurance against running out of fuel.
I imagine that was the highest above sea level those units ever achieved.

I've gone Southern Region Green with envy :p

Late on in their career, there were some "GTI" versions with only 5 cars, of which 2 were power cars. They accelerated like... a very slightly less sluggish 6-car.

Were these the ones which had had their buffet cars removed ?

I've always thought the units would have been good for cross country type services for a few years after the Hastings line electrification.
 

STEVIEBOY1

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I was on the Long Thin Drag! The extra power cars were effectively a 2-car unit with more space given over to engines and cabs than seats. They were attached to one end of the 12-car train, apparently provided as additional power. A 6-car Hastings unit at 1000hp is a bit sluggish at the best of times, let alone slogging up the Settle-Carlisle - compare that to the standard 1000hp per 4-car SR EMU of the time. The tour had a long pause at Leeds for the train to go off to Neville Hill for fuel, so it could also have been insurance against running out of fuel.
I imagine that was the highest above sea level those units ever achieved.

I never saw or heard of additional power cars being added at any other time, in normal service or otherwise, and I did see a lot of Hastings units. Power cars did get swapped around between units, particularly late on in their career - I've a photo of a 6-car Hastings unit with a 12xx unit number left over from when the Tadpole units were disbanded.
Late on in their career, there were some "GTI" versions with only 5 cars, of which 2 were power cars. They accelerated like... a very slightly less sluggish 6-car.


What is or was, a Tadpole Unit?

I was surprised to read on this thread that around 15 HDL carriages are preserved. I guess not all are allowed for main line running, which I presume is why the unit they use on the mainline now only has 4 proper HDL carriages and two in the middle from more regular southern region slam door stock to give them a buffet car and extra passenger coach. Although I much prefer the proper HDL stock. Having those 2 middle coaches does make the train look rather odd, "a bulge" in the middle.
 

yorksrob

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What is or was, a Tadpole Unit?

I was surprised to read on this thread that around 15 HDL carriages are preserved. I guess not all are allowed for main line running, which I presume is why the unit they use on the mainline now only has 4 proper HDL carriages and two in the middle from more regular southern region slam door stock to give them a buffet car and extra passenger coach. Although I much prefer the proper HDL stock. Having those 2 middle coaches does make the train look rather odd, "a bulge" in the middle.

The Tadpole units consisted of a Hastings gauge motor coach and trailer together with an EPB driving trailer. Used for some years on the Reading - Tonbridge service.
 

eastwestdivide

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The Tadpole units consisted of a Hastings gauge motor coach and trailer together with an EPB driving trailer. Used for some years on the Reading - Tonbridge service.

What he said^^^. In case it's still not obvious, "tadpole" because the EPB trailer was wider than the Hastings line coaches, hence the "bulge" at one end like a tadpole. They were painted all-blue, not the blue-grey of the proper Hastings 6-car sets of the 70s and early 80s, and much of the EPB driving trailer was given over to parcels, Redhill being an important postal centre at the time.

So with the current Hastings preserved unit having a bulge in the middle, what do we call it instead of a tadpole - "snake after a large meal"?
 

yorksrob

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So with the current Hastings preserved unit having a bulge in the middle, what do we call it instead of a tadpole - "snake after a large meal"?

I like that :lol:

I must admit, I never actually got to travel on a tadpole unit as the Redhill line had been colonised by strange and exotic Western Region things by the time I came along.
 
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theblackwatch

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So with the current Hastings preserved unit having a bulge in the middle, what do we call it instead of a tadpole - "snake after a large meal"?

The 207s which had a CEP trailer added for Ashford-Brighton services in the 1990s were referred to as "maggots".
 

Cruithne3753

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Would like to see it in Bristol again at some time. Saw it from the road at Temple Meads last year whilst on the way past, didn't know what it was at the time.
 

yorksrob

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Would like to see it in Bristol again at some time. Saw it from the road at Temple Meads last year whilst on the way past, didn't know what it was at the time.

I was on that one. On the way to Weston Supermare. A fun time had by all !
 

nomis1066

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Units 1031-1037 were the Buffet fitted trains. Two were withdrawn early 70s I think - one was to end up as a laboratory car for the APT project while the other to the best of my knowledge still runs round as a General Manager's Saloon or whatever they might call it these days. The Laboratory car came back to Marina Depot as a long term project to return it to it's original function - but it never happened and that coach is now elsewhere.

The Hastings fleet was frequently remarshalled - to form the 1201-1206 Tadpole fleet for the Tonbridge Reading service. I remember we would get those into Marina around 01.00 - frequently had new brake blocks fitted - and away again at 04.00. The engines were upgraded to 600 HP and when 1002-1004 were put back together again when the Tadpoles were finished with, 1002 ran round as a five car with 1200 HP - a real little greyhound she was!

Hither Green in 67 obviously resulted in a lot of remarshalling with 1007 and 1017 the units involved. The driver involved in that awful accident ended up shunting at Marina and was still there when I started in 77.

1032 was always an interesting unit - and my favourite. I recall finding her up on the fuel point one evening when I got in for my night shift - just back from an extensive and top quality over haul at Swindon. That unit had three first class trailers in it - two of which were downgraded to second class. They would've been a lot more comfortable than what is on offer in much more modern trains' 1st class accomodation.

1011 - another interesting one - she was retained in four car formation for the Hastings Ashford service - how Southern could do with a four car or two for that route today! 1011 is pictured at Folkestone Harbour for those who feel wistful at the demise of that branch. Next to the Sealink Ferry Horsa no less - another blast from the past.

Finally - having delved through my old prints - I found one of the Laboratory coach in Marina Depot plus another of the GM Saloon on a visit to Tunbridge Wells. They are reproduced here.
 

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nomis1066

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What is or was, a Tadpole Unit?

I was surprised to read on this thread that around 15 HDL carriages are preserved. I guess not all are allowed for main line running, which I presume is why the unit they use on the mainline now only has 4 proper HDL carriages and two in the middle from more regular southern region slam door stock to give them a buffet car and extra passenger coach. Although I much prefer the proper HDL stock. Having those 2 middle coaches does make the train look rather odd, "a bulge" in the middle.

As a Hastings follower through and through I would agree with you but fitting that BIG buffet car was an inspired move by HDL plus a rewiring masterpiece! That buffet car does excellent trade on tour. And I never thought I'd say it - I find I tolerate the CEP trailer too - though I detested them when they invaded Hastings back in 86. I do hope a Hastings trailer replaces it eventually though and in an ideal world, a 1st trailer will see the light of day though the central locking issue and 11 doors let alone other issues may well dictate otherwise.

I recall going home from a Saturday shift at Tunbridge Wells Travel Centre and liaising with a couple of other railway mates - a six pack from OddBins shared in a Ist class compartment - all very civilised. Guard didn't mind - we all knew each other. Good days!
 

yorksrob

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1011 - another interesting one - she was retained in four car formation for the Hastings Ashford service - how Southern could do with a four car or two for that route today! 1011 is pictured at Folkestone Harbour for those who feel wistful at the demise of that branch. Next to the Sealink Ferry Horsa no less - another blast from the past.

Never managed them on the mainline in their heyday, but I remember getting the four car one on the Marshlink line a few times. Was always looking out for it. Think it went in 89 some time.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
As a Hastings follower through and through I would agree with you but fitting that BIG buffet car was an inspired move by HDL plus a rewiring masterpiece! That buffet car does excellent trade on tour. And I never thought I'd say it - I find I tolerate the CEP trailer too - though I detested them when they invaded Hastings back in 86. I do hope a Hastings trailer replaces it eventually though and in an ideal world, a 1st trailer will see the light of day though the central locking issue and 11 doors let alone other issues may well dictate otherwise.

The refurbed CEP's were my least favourite EMU's as they were a bit too familiar at the time.

I quite like being able to walk through the CEP carriage on the mainline for nostalgia's sake now though, but I prefer the DEMU stock to sit in. (wouldn't mind being sat in the BIG car either though).
 
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NickBucks

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Tadpole 1206 magic. Great memories of travelling from Winnersh ( Halt as it then was) to go to Wokingham in the school holidays. Southern Green then.
 

STEVIEBOY1

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As a Hastings follower through and through I would agree with you but fitting that BIG buffet car was an inspired move by HDL plus a rewiring masterpiece! That buffet car does excellent trade on tour. And I never thought I'd say it - I find I tolerate the CEP trailer too - though I detested them when they invaded Hastings back in 86. I do hope a Hastings trailer replaces it eventually though and in an ideal world, a 1st trailer will see the light of day though the central locking issue and 11 doors let alone other issues may well dictate otherwise.

I recall going home from a Saturday shift at Tunbridge Wells Travel Centre and liaising with a couple of other railway mates - a six pack from OddBins shared in a Ist class compartment - all very civilised. Guard didn't mind - we all knew each other. Good days!

Yes, I do agree with you, the BIG buffet car on the HDL unit does do a good trade, their prices are very fair and they do a great range of hot and cold food, unlike many other charter and even main line trains. All the staff/stewards are really friendly too. I do hope they get up and running again soon.
 

yorksrob

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Yes, I do agree with you, the BIG buffet car on the HDL unit does do a good trade, their prices are very fair and they do a great range of hot and cold food, unlike many other charter and even main line trains. All the staff/stewards are really friendly too. I do hope they get up and running again soon.

Not to mention an extremely good range of beers ;)
 
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