Thumper & Shoebox to the Bluebell (207202 & 73133)

[yorksrob]

I'd be well up for doing that! Thanks must go out for that video of 207202 as well, that got some nostalgia going on with the NI 450s, and I never got to doing the Thumpers when they were still in service in the South East. A bit late to the party, as I was with the first-gen DMUs in Manchester, missed them by a matter of days I recall.

I haven't been to the Bluebell Railway for some years, I don't actually remember which diesel gala that was. With a Thumper and a 73 on their way in due course, I will soon have a good reason to return!

I never got to do the first gen DMU's in Manchester.

Silly really - I remember looking at one at Manchester Piccadilly, however my rail "thing" was on a bit of a hiatus at the time !

 

[Techniquest]

I never got to do the first gen DMU's in Manchester.

Silly really - I remember looking at one at Manchester Piccadilly, however my rail "thing" was on a bit of a hiatus at the time !

I arrived on the scene as an HST-obsessed novice in late 2003, and I missed a chance to ride on a 312 before they were retired as well. Incredibly, I was stood next to one and took a photo of it at Liverpool Street, but I didn't go for a ride. Perhaps I just didn't know at the time, or I was already committed to going somewhere else, who knows? That was 19 years ago, and if I'd known about the Thumpers back then I have zero doubt I'd have gone for one.

I think it was 2012 when I finally discovered the joy of the NI 450 Thumpers! It's not a secret I don't particularly do heritage lines these days, but for something special like a Thumper, I am willing to make an exception!

 

[yorksrob]

I arrived on the scene as an HST-obsessed novice in late 2003, and I missed a chance to ride on a 312 before they were retired as well. Incredibly, I was stood next to one and took a photo of it at Liverpool Street, but I didn't go for a ride. Perhaps I just didn't know at the time, or I was already committed to going somewhere else, who knows? That was 19 years ago, and if I'd known about the Thumpers back then I have zero doubt I'd have gone for one.

I think it was 2012 when I finally discovered the joy of the NI 450 Thumpers! It's not a secret I don't particularly do heritage lines these days, but for something special like a Thumper, I am willing to make an exception!

The joy is that you can still enjoy a thumper on the English main line. I recommend it !

 

[Techniquest]

The joy is that you can still enjoy a thumper on the English main line. I recommend it !

The Hastings unit? I must say I haven't heard much about it in a while, but thanks for the reminder. Something to look at doing next year!

 

[yorksrob]

The Hastings unit? I must say I haven't heard much about it in a while, but thanks for the reminder. Something to look at doing next year!

Indeed. It's in works at the moment but should be out again next year.

 

[JonathanH]

The chosen 73 hasn't been revealed yet. Of the 73s mooted, 73133 is currently owned by Cambrian Transport but currently on hire to Arlington fleet services at Eastleigh. It's quite tired and would need a good overhaul, and Cambrian have recently denied that it is for sale.

Appears to now be a crowdfunder appeal for work of 73133, an owner, and indication that it is to be based on the Bluebell Railway.

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/73133-the-bluebell-railway-restoration

To provide a southern era Electro Diesel Loco (EDL) for operation on preserved railway lines, being based at the Bluebell Railway, Sussex.

My vision is to restore the locomotive to operational condition for use on preserved railway lines. The loco has been well looked after over time, but like anything old, it needs work on it now. Specifically, it needs body work attention, some repairs and maintenance and you will see from the photos a new coat of paint. Nothing is especially cheap nor easy but with this loco it is ideally placed to be worked upon by a main locomotive works. This means for the loco uniquely right now there is an opportunity to make rapid progress and expertly restore the loco so it can provide, I hope decades of reliable use.

I have a the slot for work to take place on the loco, and some of my own funding. Through this crowd funding anyone can make a contribution who wants to see an EDL restored and put into preservation and based at the Bluebell Railway. All funds donated here will be spent on restoring this loco. As ever there are a range of things to do which will all benefit the loco. These include potential work on the engine, ultrasonic testing of axles, air tanks survey, cab floor repairs, bodywork, tarpaulin cover, silencer fabrication, nameplates and crests, cab work, as examples.

The facebook group will keep people who donate updated on progress. This is a project by a private individual and is not fund raising directly for the Bluebell Railway, but will indirectly benefit the Bluebell Railway through having a useful locomotive at the end of the project.

 

[ExRes]

The penny has just dropped as to the ID of 73133, are they going to keep those awful headlights or return it to 'as was' condition?



And replace the headcode panel of course

 

[fgwrich]

The penny has just dropped as to the ID of 73133, are they going to keep those awful headlights or return it to 'as was' condition?



And replace the headcode panel of course

I have to admit, I was surprised at this one. Compared to other 73s out there, It's quite a tired thing (particularly in both cabs and it's bodywork) and will require a fairly hefty overhaul, which luckily it's in the right place for. It also stated by the MD of Cambrian Transport / Transmart Trains that it wasn't for sale either. Then again, everything can be for sale if the right amount of money is shown!

It's just a shame that the original "Bluebell Railway" is long since scrapped (JA 004). I too hope the headlights are removed - I cant see them re-instating the head code box though, they aren't easy to come by (and with no more 73/9s being converted no easy spares) and a 73 without the box in the way makes for a better drive to be honest!

 

[fgwrich]

The Bluebell have put out their press release today. I have to admit, I hadn't realised it was a full out purchase by the Bluebell, the other 3 Diesels on the line are privately owned but hired by the Railway when it needs it (the 09 is currently the only loco able to do this, but both the 33 & 73 will be operated this way I believe).

https://www.bluebell-railway.com/bl...ZqNq96Q3XW3X-4fTzMtP76riH6ukCmSLlMySRuNeeL43w

The Bluebell Railway Acquires Heritage Southern Region DEMU​

16th January 2023​

The Bluebell Railway is pleased to announce the purchase of former Southern Region DEMU No. 1305, which will become part of the Bluebell Railway fleet. No. 1305 has been owned and cared for by the Coulsdon Old Vehicle & Engineering Society, whose dedicated team have themselves worked hard to restore this unit to working order before being purchased by The Bluebell Railway. The unit will move to the railway in due course.
This class of unit, introduced in 1962 after the success of the Hastings and Hampshire units, was built for use on the Southern Region, specifically for use along the Oxted Line to East Grinstead and Tunbridge Wells West. Built as No. 1305, its allocation in BR days was at St Leonards and Eastleigh, ending its days at Selhurst, before being passed into preservation. Amongst its many passenger duties, this class of DEMU used to regularly work out of London Bridge or London Victoria to East Grinstead passenger services and may well have ventured on to Imberhorne Viaduct prior to Bluebell ownership.
Paul Russell, Locomotive Engineering Director
“I am pleased that we have been able to acquire this DEMU which completes another part of the jigsaw that will allow us to depict the Southern Region scene in the sixties and seventies and these units were synonymous with commuter services to and from East Grinstead. It will form a useful and economic means of bringing passengers to our railway earlier than is currently possible and allowing them to spend a full day exploring the line and experiencing the sight and sound of steam and for some the nostalgia of the daily commute.”
DEMU No. 1305 is unique in being the very first and currently only Bluebell-owned passenger hauling diesel on The Bluebell Railway, with all other diesel locomotives based on the railway being privately owned. 1305 will be restored and maintained by the 1305 Thumper Group (running in a similar structure to that of the very successful Bluebell Railway Goods Division) saving time and personnel being taken away from the Bluebell Railway Carriage & Wagon department.
A date for the unit’s arrival at The Bluebell Railway is still being finalised with all parties concerned. A donations page is being created by The Bluebell Railway Trust and will be made available soon for those interested in donating to the group.
To find out more about 1305 and if you wish to get involved, contact Ben Wetherall at [email protected] or please visit the 1305 Oxted Thumper Gang Facebook Page
For further information, please contact The Bluebell Railway PR team at [email protected] or contact us on 01825 720800.

Now of course, the biggest question of all: If it is approved, which way around do you run it? Engine at the south end (as per their years on the Uckfield Line) or engine at the North end?

To answer my own question, It has arrived at Sheffield Park and the engine is at the Northern End. Good for those who like the EE noise, it's a long old slog up to Imberhorne*!

*The line then falls down to East Grinstead.

Photo credit to the 1305 Oxted Thumper Gang Facebook.

 

[fgwrich]

73133 unveiled in a nice and shiny coat of BR Blue today at Eastleigh Works today by its owner and Arlington Fleet Services. The Bluebell Railway name has returned (albeit slightly different style of nameplate previously carried by 133) in a small ceremony led by Roy Watts, Bluebell Railway Chairman.

73133 "The Bluebell Railway" | Today, Wednesday, is the big day with the unveiling and naming of the loco at Eastleigh Works | Facebook

Today, Wednesday, is the big day with the unveiling and naming of the loco at Eastleigh Works. A small group from the locos historic custodians through to representatives from its new home as well as...

www.facebook.com

 

[Jan Mayen]

73133 unveiled in a nice and shiny coat of BR Blue today at Eastleigh Works today by its owner and Arlington Fleet Services. The Bluebell Railway name has returned (albeit slightly different style of nameplate previously carried by 133) in a small ceremony led by Roy Watts, Bluebell Railway Chairman.

73133 "The Bluebell Railway" | Today, Wednesday, is the big day with the unveiling and naming of the loco at Eastleigh Works | Facebook

Today, Wednesday, is the big day with the unveiling and naming of the loco at Eastleigh Works. A small group from the locos historic custodians through to representatives from its new home as well as...

www.facebook.com

Pedant alert: Roy Watts is Vice Chairman.

 

[ExRes]

Personally I'd like to have seen the those nasty light clusters removed but I'm sure it's more than a five minute five quid job, I believe their removal is a future intention so hopefully the excellent work that's been done so far will see that done in time

 

[Alanko]

Without trying to incur too much paint wibble, is that a particular shade of blue? It doesn't look like rail blue.

 

[ExRes]

Without trying to incur too much paint wibble, is that a particular shade of blue? It doesn't look like rail blue.

Described on WNXX as BR blue but I can't see any 'official' info from the Bluebell yet, certainly an improvement on the Mainline blue it had when I used to drive it

 

[trainmania100]

Any plans to drag this by rail to the bluebell or move it by road? Don't think it can run under its own power due to safety features missing

 

[ExRes]

Any plans to drag this by rail to the bluebell or move it by road? Don't think it can run under its own power due to safety features missing

This weeks Bluebell email says it "will be making its way to the railway shortly after the final touches have been completed at Eastleigh" so no confirmation of when and how it will be moved, as for the actual colour, "the as built livery of early BR blue" is the description

 

[ExRes]

Report on se gen today that "73133 will supposedly be departing Eastleigh by road on Tuesday 25th April", nothing on Bluebell social media as yet

 

[fgwrich]

Report on se gen today that "73133 will supposedly be departing Eastleigh by road on Tuesday 25th April", nothing on Bluebell social media as yet

Indeed, 133 is on its way by road to Sheffield Park as we speak. Tripped over to the East Yard yesterday.

 

[Trainlog]

They have posted about it now on their blog.

Blog: What's New - Bluebell Railway in Sussex

Blog giving Visitor information, timetable, events and news from the Bluebell Railway. One of the top 10 tourist attractions in Sussex.

www.bluebell-railway.com

 

[ExRes]

Bluebell email arrived today with details of 'Bluebell on Parade' weekend 10th & 11th June, timetable shows E6040 (73133) working both days