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Class 33
Another class virtually extinct on the mainline (A couple with West Coast) but many preserved.
West Coast Rly Crompton-Pairing 33025 &33029 speed up through Frome with the returning excursion from Paignton (16:30 off) to Burton on Trent running as '1Z29' with largely Blue and Cream stock.Thankfully the lighting this evening was rather soft which gave the shot a nicely lit look with balanced lighting.
..29 may 2023..
Here is the late replacement traction for 45596-Bahamas that sadly was not allowed to operate because of the severe hot and dry weather we are all experiencing currently. The fire risk from any steam loco exhaust sparks being deemed too severe.Anyway,a nice change was this pair of WC-Rly Cromptons 33029/33025 which were pressed into service instead..No complaint on my part for sure! Here they are with '1Z50' the 07:13 from Paddington going down to Minehead on the West Somerset Railway.Naturally the schedule was much quicker due to the lack of requirements for water stops,checks etc.The train is seen speeding down the Frome Avoiding Line near Styles Hill.
..13 august 2022..
Crompton Pairing 33029/33025 heads North away from Yate with '1Z34' the returning 'Dorset Coast Express' that departed Weymouth at 16:35 going back to Burton on Trent.Well worth the wait until 19:30 for this one with the low clear evening sunlight lighting the scene nicely!
..6 august 2022..
This is a nice pair of WC-Rly Crompton Class-33's 33025/33029 making a rare appearance working the Pathfinders Tours operated 'The Dorset Coast Express' running as '1Z33' the 05:45 from Burton on Trent to Weymouth via Worcester,Swindon and Reading.Here the train with its mixed bag of liveries is viewed passing Kemble on the Golden Valley Line.A nice location since Network-Rail have recently cleared all the vegetation in this rock cutting to enable some rock stablization pinning to be performed.
..6 august 2022..
Once again here is the much wider shot of D6515 on '5Z83' getting away from Westbury for the second time .This time it is going to Bradford-Junction to reverse and then take the Hawkeridge Curve to Heywood-Junction to actually reverse the formation ready for the return journey to Waterloo via Warminster.Pictured at Hawkeridge.
..17 august 2019..
D6515 on '5Z83' gets away from Westbury for the second time. .This time it is going to Bradford-Junction to reverse and then take the Hawkeridge Curve to Heywood-Junction to actually reverse the formation ready for the return journey to Waterloo via Warminster. Pictured at Hawkeridge.
..17 august 2019..
This is a much wider shot of 33012/D6515 as it creeps slowly away from Westbury with '5Z83' about to perform a few movements that will eventually end up with this loco facing back towards Warminster in readiness to work the returning '1Z84' to Waterloo later.Shunt assist loco 'JB' 73107 can be seen on the back sandwiching the London-Transport owned 4-TC Set being used on this Excursion.
..17 august 2019..
33012/D6515 creeps slowly away from Westbury with '5Z83' about to perform a few movements that will eventually end up with this loco facing back towards Warminster in readiness to work the returning '1Z84' to waterloo later.Shunt assist loco 'JB' 73107 can be seen on the back sandwiching the London-Transport owned 4-TC Set being used on this Excursion.
..17 august 2019..
Here is a tele-shot of Westbury Up Yard just after 33012 had arrived with '5Z83' the ECS off of '1Z82' the 09:02 from Waterloo to Warminster.Apart from the mundane Class-159 the yard contained a Class-60 (No- 39) and a clutch of EWS GM-66's.All with loaded trains ready to go! Very interesting!
..17 august 2019..
Crompton D6575 or if you prefer 33057 runs into Crowcombe with the 09:05 from Minehead to Bishops-Lydeard kicking off day-2 of this years Diesel Gala on the West Somerset Railway. Unusually no 'Type-4s are in use for this event due to weight restrictions in place because of the poor condition of the old track still in use from before the line was originally closed by BR.Basically most of it is life-expired!
..22 june 2019..
Mainline registered D6515 puffs out a bit of a smoke plume as it accelerates away from Corfe Castle over the Common.The Devon-Belle observation car and 26007 were hooked onto the rear.This being a positioning type move as the gala was coming to a close!
..12 may 2019..
33111 looks pretty authentic wearing its fairly faded/careworn BR-Blue paintwork well.Corfe Common yet again for this Swanage bound service.
..12 may 2019..
Home-Based Bagpipe-33111 powers away from Corfe Castle over the Common,next stop Harmons Cross.
..12 may 2019..
The Swanage Railways very own mainline registered Crompton D6515 'Lt Jenny Lewis RN' also did a few duties on this weekends Diesel Gala.Here it is on a service going to Swanage approaching Woodhyde Caraven Park.
..12 may 2019..
This weekend of superb sunlight nicely coincided with the annual Swanage Railway Diesel-Gala.Resident BR-Blue 'bagpipe' Crompton 33111 kicked thing off viewed here on Corfe Common going towards Swanage with the castle ruins in evidence on the horizon.
..12 may 2019..
Here is D6515 (33012) and 33029 heading '1Z34' the 14:40 from Weymouth returning to Crewe.This Railtour was organised by the Branch Line Society.It is viewed in the Limpley Stoke Valley at Freshford with Class-47 47851 still happily playing 'tail-end' charlie.
..23 march 2019..
Here is the returning 'Marching Crompton' Railtour '1Z34' coming from Weymouth (departed @ 14:40) going back to Crewe.The Swanage Railway owned D6515 'Lt Jenny Lewis RN' led with 33029 tucked inside.Brush-47851 was on the rear as it passed through Freshford in the Limpley Stoke Valley.This pair of Cromptons making a really nice change from the usual 47's or 37's I must say. This was a 'bonus' grab shot before the main shot taken about 2 seconds later.
..23 march 2019..
After this train '1Z33' the 05:27 from Crewe to Weymouth had passed me it was supposed to pause at Blatchbridge Junction for about 8 minutes to allow an HST to overtake.Yes it went into the Frome Station loop but in fact didn't stop and came straight out onto the mainline again non-stop.Luckily the roads were traffic free and I was driving a quite a brisk pace and actually pulled up as it was approaching causing a bout of panic, leaping out of the car for a very unprepared grab shot.Thankfully the shot shows none of the panic seconds before! So here is '1Z33' for a 2nd time here at Bunns Lane at Witham Friary about 4 miles further down to line from the Clink shot in Frome. 33029 looking quite smart for a West Coast Railways Loco for a change!
..23 march 2019..
WC-Rly's 33029 leads 1Z33 'The Marching Crompton 2' on its journey from Crewe (05:27 off) down to Weymouth.WC-Rly 47851 being tagged on the rear.Thankfully the sun played ball for this one unlike for the GBRf Class-50 tour that passed along this line just 2 hours previously!
..23 march 2019..
The former 33048 and now preserved fully operational D6566 'Crompton' sits in Minehead Station awaiting its next booked duty.This loco was withdrawn by EWS in Feb-1997 and went straight into preservation here on the West Somerset Railway within a couple of weeks!
..7 september 2018..
With this working '5Z43' the 17:00 from Yeovil Junction to Swanage ECS test train having to wait in Maiden Newton Station until an DMU service (166211 with '2V93' from Weymouth to Bristol-TM) has cleared the section between here and Dorchester I was able to leasurely stroll the few hundred yards ahead of '6V43' and shot it again.It eventually departed 30 minutes after its arrival so no rush there! So here is D6515 'Lt Jenny Lewis RN' getting under way again with the offending 'Turbo' 166211 on '2V93' the 17:30 from Weymouth just visable in the platforms.Steam 31806 was unseen on the rear of the train obscured by the DMU.
..13 april 2018..
The test run from Swanage to Yeovil Junction for Steam Loco 31806 required this loco D6515 to come along for the ride for reversal and security purposes.This is the return '5Z43' the 17:00 from Yeovil Junction viewed as it was approaching Maiden Newton where it had to wait for a Weymouth to Bristol-TM DMU service to pass on this single line section.
..13 april 2018..
This is a quick 'GAW' grab shot of the Steam ECS test train checking out U Class 31806 for mainline fitness.Here seen having just passed through Thornford Halt south of Yeovil.The back-up loco for security and operational needs as well being D6515 a mainline registered preserved Crompton from the Swanage Railway home fleet,looking particularly smart in its 1960's style greem livery.
..13 april 2018..
After several hours photography successfully dodging the clouds my luck finally ran out when this train '5Z46' the 13:27 from Southall-WCR to Bristol-Kingsland Road ECS passed by.Sod's law I suppose? Oh yes it was pouring with rain as well! Anyway here is West Coast Rly's 33207 'Jim Martin' the sole remaining 'Hastings' gauge Class-33 operational on the mainline running out of Middle Hill Tunnel here at Box.The stock is for use tomorrow on a railtour from Bristol down to Par.33207 will power that as far as Taunton where 46100 'Royal Scot' is booked to take over.
..5 august 2017..
D6515/4-TCset/33025 passes over Corfe-Common with '2Z23' the 15:19 from Wareham going to Swanage.In the background can be seen the tall ruins of the famous Castle there at Corfe.It must be noted that all these service trains were running pretty much full to capacity.Lets hope it continues after the initial novelty of these shuttles has worn off ?
..5 july 2017..
D6515 brings up the rear of '2Z22' the 14:23 from Swanage to Wareham.Here passing through the heavily wooded section on the approach to Wogret Junction.33025 was leading the working.
..5 july 2017..
33025 ambles through the Purbeck countryside with '2Z22' the 14:23 from Swanage going to Wareham.D6515 being on the rear of the 4-TC coaching stock now being used on this diagram.Viewed off Holme Lane Roadbridge south of Wogret Junction.
..5 july 2017..
33025 in the tasteless WC-Rly's maroon livery albeit very clean brings up the rear of '2Z21' the 13:19 from Wareham to Swanage.Nice to see this one out to play.Its fuel leak difficulties appearing to have been fixed! Note the coaching stock has now been replaced with this fully restored London-Transport liveried 4-TC set that has just been released from Eastleigh Works.
..5 july 2017..
The Swanage to Wareham shuttles are now comprised of the LT-4TC set freshly renovated at Eastleigh Works.Today D6515 was on the Swanage end with West Coast Rly's 33025 also out to play.Here '2Z21' the 13:19 from wareham to Swanage passes the idyllic setting of Creech Bottom.The ferns growing lineside have noticeably increased in just a couple of weeks.Pretty soon they will be obscuring the track so grab this shot whilst you still can!
..5 juily 2017..
D6515 (33012) gets away from Corfe Castle with '2Z24' the 16:23 from Swanage to Wareham.37518 being on the rear.Beneath the bridge the train is crossing is the road from Corfe to Studland Bay.
..20 june 2017..
D6515 (33012) brings up the rear of '2Z23' the 15:19 from Wareham to Swanage.Seen at Cateye Crossing nr Furzebrook.
..20 june 2017..
D6515 'Lt Jenny Lewis RN' comes under Cateye Bridge which carries the main Wareham to Corfe Castle road working '2Z22' the 14:23 from Swanage to Wareham.If you choose to visit this location accessed via a public foot crossing down a bridal path off the main road be very aware of the local 'deliverance' style natives.One came out of a house opposite the crossing basically to have an argument cos he didnt like people down is 'private/public' path near to his house and another got all angry because we parked on a verge 10 yards from his house.He thinks mowing it and placing the odd stone on it allows him to call it his! When actually all public road verges are council owned and maintained.Be warned they were a pair of complete NIMBY type asshoes.I guess they will have to get used to it now these trains work through here regularly.Either that or have a heart attack each!------------------
..20 june 2017..
The Swanage-Rly's very own preserved 'Crompton' which is passed for mainline operation (necessary to work these Swanage to Wareham Shuttles) passes Creech Bottom with '2Z20' the12:23 from Swanage to Wareham.It replaced 33025 earlier at Swanage.
..20 june 2017..
Here is '2Z18' the 10:23 from Swanage going to Wareham.Today briefly 33025 operated on this service but upon return to Swanage was replaced by D6515 due to a small fuel leak.Here it is seen getting away from Norden with WC-Rlys 37518 on the rear.A somewhat difficult time of day for this section between Norden and Wareham hence this view was the best on offer,not too bad considering!
..20 june 2017..
After yesterdays exploits on the Excursion to Weymouth and return for 34067 which duly failed at Evershot on the way down this loco was partnered again by 33029 on '5Z40' the returning ECS back to Southall from Bristol-Kingsland Road.Naturally such an interesting formation was not graced with any sun,in fact it was quite dire! but still worthy of inclusion due to its rarity. So here is that very 'Southern' pairing passing Hay Lane nr Swindon.The Crompton doing the lions share of the work whilst 34067 takes a back seat having a quiet smoke.
..18 august 2014..
West Coast-Rly's Crompton 33029 got another run-out today on '5Z36' from Southall going to Bristol-Kingsland Road with the stock and also the locomotive 34067 'Tangmere' for the excursion working to Weymouth tomorrow. It departed Southall at 14:19 and the very Southern combination is seen approaching Saltford running pretty much to time. Of the three WCR engines we saw today this was the cleanest by far, the Crompton having had a fairly recent coat of fresh paint.
..16 august 2014..
Crompton- 33029 freshly repainted in the West Coast Rly Maroon colours is viewed on '5Z37' the 10:35 from Kingsland Road in Bristol returning the Stock from yesterdays 'steam' to Weymouth.Despite the clouds around here at Oldfield Park in Bath being rather iffy I was lucky enough to record it in full light. It certain makes a change from the usual grubby old 47 in the dull!
..28 july 2014..
Todays '1Z82' from Bristol-TM going to Weymouth hauled by 5027 'Nunney Castle' took along with a small insurance policy in the form of 33029.This being the loco that delivered the Stock to Bristol yesterday from Southall.Amazingly this Crompton has has a full repaint.Unfortunately still in West-Coast Rly 'turd' brown but never the less still very smart.The train is viewed passing Cockhill on the single line from Castle-Cary to Yeovil.
..27 july 2014..
33029 is seen regaining its correct track as it accelerates away from Wareham with '1Z33' to West-Ruislip hauling the 'Teak' London-Transport 4-TC set. Note the Cab/Coach-end is painted disconcertingly in the same turd-brown colour that ruins the appearence mostly of the West Coast Rly's loco fleet! Note.In the background can be seen the refurbished and resignalled sidings that will be used in the event of Wareham-Swanage shuttle trains becoming a reality very soon!
..11 may 2014..
Having pictured this tour '1Z33' passing Wogret on the Swanage branch nearly 30 minutes previously we were very surprised to see it still at Wareham waiting 'wrong-line' for a path going towards Bournemouth.Apparantly as there is no 'crossover' at Wogret all workings coming away from ther Swanage line have to run 'wrong-line' to Wareham prior to crossing over. So here is 33029 with its 4-TC set in LNER colours? pulling away from Wareham heading East.Rather backlit but still worth a punt.
..11 may 2014..
Here is a further picture of this unique combination rolling towards Wogret-Junction off the Swanage branch on '1Z33' from Swanage (17:00) off going to West Ruislip.It was running under the name 'The Purbeck Explorer 11'.Years ago this was just another 'Very Southern' combo of a 33 +4TC but then it certainly wasn't in these liveries. The train engine 33029 however was never push-pull fitted as per 33-1's so may not have worked with 4-TC's very often if ever!
..11 may 2014..
West Coast Rly's ever tatty 33029 'Glen Loy' ambles slowly along the branch from Motola approaching Wogret-Junction with the 17:00 from Swanage going to West-Ruislip.The stock for this returning Tour '1Z33' had been in use all weekend shuttling up and down between Norden and Swanage.It is the London-Transtort owned and operated 4-TC set repainted into a mock teak LNER style.All in all a pretty unique combination on the mainline probably never to be repeated ever again!
..11 may 2014..
Of the 98 'Cromptons constructed over 50 years ago many are now preserved but only two retain the status of mainline operational.Both are with West Coast Railways,this one 33207 a 'Hastings gauge' version and 33029.Here is the ever tatty matt-sludge brown 33207 'John Martin' working '5Z83' from Bristol-Kingsland Road to Southall-WCR via Salisbury and Kensington-Olympia.The coaching stock was used yesterday on the steam special from Bristol down to Weymouth.Indeed 33207 actualy went along for the ride on that one as well.It is seen passing Westbury Power-Box running right-time.The sun even managed to produce a brightish glimmer to mark its passing!
.29 july 2013..
West Coast Railway's 33207 'John Martin' powers past Little Langford in the Wylye-Valley with '5Z83' from Bristol returning the empty stock from yesterdays steam excursion down to Weymouth hauled by 44932. Typically both the preceeding 'Unit' services passed in full bling but regretfully not for this one.Still its nice to see a Crompton on passenger coaches again in the Wylye-Valley well over 20 years since they lost the LCHS duties to the then new 156/158 type's that still ply the route.
..01 july 2013..
Slim-Jim Crompton 33207 'John Martin' with Black-5 44932 are seen approaching the top of the Upton-Scudamore Bank at Arn-Hill nr Warminster.The working is '5Z81' the 13:05 from Southall-Wcr going to Bristol Kingsland Road Fhh sidings for overnight stabling.The stock along with the Black-5 are tomorrow operating a railtour down to Weymouth from Bristol and return.After a diet of various WCR-47's on this duty for the last 2 years it makes a really pleasing change for this Crompton to finally make an appearance.Particularly on such a superb day sunwise.These things usually happen in abject light,but not this time!
..29 june 2013..
Another incredibly dull shot, today at Gillingham in Dorset.This time requiring 320th at F4 and 800asa. A good job the working was running very slowly coming to a halt for a booked stop in the loop here to allow for a passenger train from Yeovil to Waterloo to pass. Here is 33207 in its drudge-dull WC-Rly livery + a maroon Mk-1 Coach (21268) working '5Z34' the 13:11 off Salisbury to Yeovil-Junction on a stock transfer move.
..22 november 2012..
Over the previous 2 weekends this engine 33207 has been stationed at Bodmin in Cornwall to escort the recreated Steam-Railmotor No-93 from there to Liskeard and then act as a Thunderbird in case of any failures whilst it was in operation on the Looe Branch.That duty is now finished and it is seen at Frome making its way as '0Z38' from Bodmin back to its home base at Southall.It wasn't hanging about either as it only took 33 minutes to get from Taunton to Frome. Not bad for a distance well in excess of 40 miles. Although the light at 15:00 in the afternoon was terrible (800 asa and 500th at F2 required) some kind of picture was called for as a 'Crompton' on the mainline are something of a rarity these days so this record shot was called for.
..19 november 2012..
'Bagpipe' BR-Blue 33108 gets away from Kidderminster at 09:55 going 'all station' to Bridgnorth.A nice fully matching set of 7 Mk-1's making up the train. The Type-3 was visiting from Barrow-Hill.
..06 october 2012..
The evening Beer-Ex was Top-n-Tailed by 33111 and D5401.Here the well patronised 'Booze-Cruise' passes Corfe-Castle in the low, and by now yellowing evening light (20:00).We only waiting for this in the hope that 50026 would be working as booked but probably quite wisely after its failure earlier in the afternoon the MPD staff opted on the safe-side!
..12 may 2012..
Bagpipe-push-pull 33111 is seen about to cross the short viaduct over the B3351 that goes to Studland Bay and the Sandbanks-Ferry.Another 5-coach formation going to the seaside.
..12 may 2012..
Blue 33111 creeps away from Corfe-Castle heading for Norden.A very 'Southern' scene.
..12 may 2012..
Resident Crompton 33111 approaches Swanage Terminus passing under the A351 Roadbridge at Victoria Avenue.
..12 may 2012..
33111 heads the first diesel train of the day southwards heading for the sea at Swanage.Already the clouds were bubbling-up and it was only 10:00.So much for the BBC's predicted clear skies!
..12 may 2012..
Final shot of the day (Friday) was of resident Crompton 33111 still sporting its tiny nameplate 'Hotdog'.Again viewed crossing the bridge over the B3351 going to Norden.This was the final train of the day for regular passengers.Services continued but they were less frequent and were beer-ex and dining workings.
..11 may 2012..
Resident 33111 puts on a show on the approach to Quarr-Crossing with another Swanage to Norden service.
..11 may 2012..
Pathfinder-Tours '1Z34' rolls over the Causeway at Holes-bay on the approach to Poole coming from Weymouth and returning to Crewe.33207 and 33025 having a rare outing sporting the 'West Coast Railway' livery. ..23 august 2008..
The returning 'Dorset Coast Explorer' Railtour operated by Pathfinder-Tours comes over Holes-Bay Causeway with 33207 'Jim Martin' leading and 33025 'Loch Falloch' tucked inside.Nice to see a pair of these old Southern-Region machines actually working on their home ground albeit in such a drab livery.The working was '1Z34' and it was heading back to Crewe from Weymouth.
..23 august 2008..
Somewhat prompted by 33207's recent appearence on a Southall to Bristol ECS working I though a shot of this locomotive the last time it worked through our area on a passenger train might be quite interesting.That was five years ago in Aug-2008! Here it is in double-harness with 33025 on a Pathfinder-Tours excursion '1Z33' named The Dorset Coast Explorer.This departed from Crewe at 05:54 in the morning with a destination of Weymouth.Here it is seen passing the then relatively clear Strap-Lane at Upton-Noble east of Bruton. To see it again later that same day on the return journey at Holes Bay-Poole click HERE
..23 august 2008..
At this time 33202 was a Fragonset Machine.Here seen on '6Z28' delivering a piece of track-plant from West-Ealing to Newport-ADJ.Shot taken near Hullavington on the 'Top-Road'. ..02 august 2007..
Fragonset's Crompton 33103 'Swordfish' double heads with Standard Class- 5 73096 on an all-green set of coaches forming Steam Dreams -Cathedrals Express from London-Victoria (09:28 off) to the now rarely used Cranmore on the East Somerset Railway.The working ran as '1Z86' and is seen at Fairwood Junction just west of Westbury.Today 33103 is staored at Nemisis-Rail at Burton-on-Trent whilst 73096 is also stored at its base on the Mid-Hants Railway due to its boiler 10 year certificate having expired.
..14 september 2004..
This Fragonset pairing made a surprise appearance on '6Y26' the Hoo- Junction to Eastleigh East Yard engineering working which today was hauling amongst other things a load of track panels.Rumours were flying that this was to become a regular duty for these Cromptons but in fact it never happened again! 33202 was leading with 33021 tucked inside,both as can be seen were working well.Location being the iconic Battledown Flyover just west of Worting Junction.
..9 december 2003..
33208 or as seen here D6593 heads for Cardiff from Crewe with '1Z28' carrying rugby fans for a match at the Millenium Stadium during that year Rugby World Cup.Seen on the 4-track between Newport & Cardiff.------21 august 1999-----
This was the Pathfinders Railtour called the Crompton-Culminator which ran from Salisbury (06:12) to Holyhead and return.The pair of Cromptons 33051 and 33030 came on at Bristol-TM for this enjoyable trip along the N-Wales Coast. The loco's are seen running around the stock in Holyhead.33051 led going north and 33030 did the honours departing here.33051 had just one year left in service,getting the chop at Eastleigh in 2003 whilst 33030 currently lies stored in DRS colours at Carnforth as it is now owned by West Coast-Rly's.
..6 september 1997..
Dutch Pairing 33202 and 33046 pass Chetnole having taken over from Steam at Yeovil for the remainder of the journey down to Weymouth.This leg of the 'Bert Hooker Memorial' running as '1Z71' originated at Crewe departing at 04:50.Unfortunately the connecting working that was supposed to bring 34027 'Taw Valley to Yeovil from Waterloo for the leg to Weymouth was Crompon x 2 hauled due to that loco's failure.hence this pairing seen here.
..12 october 1996..
33116 'Hertfordshire Rail Tours' on the Weymouth Quay with the short lived 'Ocean Liner Express' train-set.This Tramway relic from a bygone era has now been formally closed to traffic.
Crompton 33116 with the 'Ocean Liner Express' set slowly negotiates the quayside at Weymouth heading for the Pierhead.By this time regular workings along here and through the streets of the town has finished and only 'specials' did the trip from Weymouth Town Station to the Quay.The line is now closed and I believe officially finishes for ever in March 2012.A paper transaction really as it is now derelict.Another slice of our railway heritage consigned to the dustbin of history!
..18 december 1994..
Crompton-33116 'Hertfordshire Railtours' stands in Weymouth Station shortly after arriving from Waterloo (departing at 09:00) with the Christmas Royal Wessex operated by Hertfordshire Railtours.After a short stop here it backed out of the station and then took the tramway line down to the Quay.The stock used on this train was the 'Ocean Liner Express' set in southern green. The scene in Weymouth station also include a NSE liveried Class-442 (No 444 or 450's then!) and a Regional Railways-150251.
..18 december 1994..
A freshly repainted 33035 had just become only the second and final '33' to get NSE livery and was still to re-enter traffic..It is seen standing out of the back of the Works at Eastleigh.This was an official Open day and the loco was actually in an 'out of bounds' area but a quick walk 10 yards 'over the rope' secured this shot. It still survives to this day over 20 years later now fully operational again but in Rail-Blue at the 'Ecclesbourne Valley Rly. Click HERE to check out that Railway.
..27 september 1992..
The first '33' to get a revamp into NSE-colouRs was 33114.Here seen standing in the yard at Eastleigh-Works c/w its 'Ashford150' nameplates.This loco saw quite a bit of action on the Waterloo to Exeter services in these colours.However it was taken out of service as early as February 1993, (Just 5 months later) and after languishing at Eastleigh for 3 more years was broken up by M J Phillips there.
..27 september 1992..
Still very much active in 1992 was the green D6508 (33008). Here sitting on display in Eastleigh Works.It was finally taken out of service in Feb-1996 and today is under restoration on the Battlefield Line Railway in Leicestershire.
..27 september 1992..
Crompton 33006 had already been withdrawn for over a year before this picture in Eastleigh-Works was taken.This shows in the generally unkempt and tatty condition the engine was in.It was inside for component recovery after which the unwanted bodyshell and parts would be dumped outside to await scrapping.This duly happened in June 1994 at Booth's at Rotherham.
..27 september 1992..
Regional-Railways 158795 sits in Salisbury with a Bristol to Portsmouth service whilst Crompton 33102 stands on the old largely disused platform with stock ready to work a later stopping service to Waterloo.When it is due to depart the train would reverse out and then run back into the main platforms for the passengers to board.
..Feb 1992..
33102 seen at Salisbury slowly backing onto a short rake of NSE Mk-2's on a substitution diagram for unavailable 'Thumpers' on a stopper up to Basingstoke. ..31 december 1991..
TOPS numbered 33114 but running as 6532 stands in Salisbury whilst undertaking 'Thumper' substitution on the Salisbury to Basingstoke route due to their lack of availability.Withdrawn in feb-1993 but not before getting a coat of NSE paint and the name 'Ashford 150'.
..Spring 1991..
The popular Crompton 33008 'Eastleigh' stands on display at the Basingstoke Rail Show.A really good day out with exhibits well laid out with several specials running up to Andover drawn by D200.It could not happen now.This yard area is now just roads and housing.
..27 september 1987..
BR-Blue 33033 runs into Westbury with a Portsmouth to Bristol-TM service consisting of just 4 Mk-1 coaches as was the norm at this time a year or so before the introduction of DMU's as replacements for these LCHS's.
..Spring 1988..
A pretty dramatic scene at Rodden (Frome North Junction) just over an hour after the collision between 33032 on '2B77' from Yeovil Pen-Mill going to Cardiff and 47202 on '6B03' from Westbury going to Whatley-Quarry.From the DOT final report it was established that 47202 with Driver E Chappell in charge had passed Signal W312 at danger and collided with a (by then) stationary 33032 and train.The picture shows efforts still in progress to release the 47 driver who was trapped in the crushed cab.He was he only person involved in the accident to suffer any serious injury.He never drove again after this and was retired subsequently. Both locomotives were write-offs being too far badly damaged.
..24 march 1987..
'Earl Mountbatten of Burma' 33027 sits in Paignton Station awaiting its next duty with its short-set of Mk-1's.This loco survived until 1992 just 6 years later when it was scrapped at Eastleigh Works..