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Electo-Diesels
Southern Region design still in use on the mainline with Network-Rail and GBRF(JB type).All JA's now either preserved or broken up for spares.
'6Y28' the 09:01 from Eastleigh to Hoo Junction can run just as light engines either way which can be somewhat annoying.However this morning it produced a decent load with the train headed by73136 and formel 'Southern' 73202 at the head.Here seen at Worting Junction after coming down the ramp off the batledown Flyover.
..30 may 2023..
Looking pretty lost and lonely 73951 'Shoebox' or as some people prefer 'Minion' in Network Rail-Yellow scuttles up through Berkley Marsh with '0Z41' the 10:00 from Weymouth to Bristol TM-Platform 2-Motorail.Some kind of crew training run I understand.
..4 may 2022..
Here is quite an unusual visitor to deepest Somerset! Network Rail's ED-73951 'Malcolm Brinded' in use on some kind of Route Learner '0Z40' from Bristol-TM (10:08 off) to Weymouth then back to Westbury then returning down to Weymouth.This shot being on its second and final passing of Clink heading for Weymouth.Just a spot of light watery sun here.
..3 may 2022..
'Network Rail's' Shoebox- ED-73951 'Malcolm Brinded' was used today on a route learning duty from Bristol-TM (10:08 off) to Weymouth '0Z40' including a return loop back up to Westbury.Here it is seen at Clink Road Junction on the Weymouth to Westbury leg of the journey.Not a regular visitor to this particular line for sure!
..3 may 2022..
After visiting Fawley-Esso on the Marchwood Branch the Test-Train '1Q22' is seen on the return leg bound for Woking-CHS having left Fawley at about 14:30 due to being delayed 20 mins on its way there at Totton for some reason. Now 73965 'Des O'Brien' leads with 73963 on the rear. Also of note was they were operating on diesel power even though the 3rd rail option was clearly available.
..8 september 2021..
This is a Test-Train '1Q22' from Woking-CHS (11:06 away) and return via Fawley-Esso on the Marchwood Branch.73963 'Janice' led with fellow ED 73965 'Des O'Brien' on the back-end.Seen coming away from Southampton-Central in weakish sunlight.
..8 september 2021..
GBRf's Electro-Diesel 73964 'Jeanette' today worked some kind of 'route learner' between Westbury Down TC and Taunton and back.Listed as '0Z21' it departed Westbury at 13:00.Here viewed passing 66525 which was heading '6C58' from Oxford Banbury Road to Whatley at Berkley Marsh nr Frome on the return leg.. ..30 march 2021..
GBRf's 'JB' 73107 'Tracy' finally had its moment in the sun hauling '5Z83' comprising the London Transport 4-TC Set back from Bradford-Junction around the Hawkeridge Rhubarb Curve to Heywood-Junction.From there D6515 here on the back would take over all the way to London-Waterloo later in the day as '1Z84' the 17:04 from Warminster. Sadly this was the last shot I managed in any kind of sunlight of this interesting excursion.The shots taken later were dire so will not be presented here!
..17 august 2019..
This type of loco hardly ever passes this way so despite the dire lighting a shot of this pair was worth capturing.Here are 73107 and 73136 (Both original type JB's) running down to Bishops-Lydeard on the West Somerset Railway to participate in the coming weekends Diesel-Gala being held there.It was listed as '0Z73' the 09:38 from Tonbridge as it passed Berkley nr Frome just 20 minutes or so after the Class-67's on the NR-Tester.
..19 june 2019..
'JB' 73119 'Borough of Eastleigh' freed from its translator duties with 59003 for a short time works over the Common at Corfe going to Swanage.Only 4 coaches so well within its 600-hp capabilities!
..12 may 2019..
73963 & 73961 hang on to the rear of '1Z10' the 09:39 from Victoria to Port Talbot 'GBRf Out of the ordinary' Charity railtour as it passes Trowbridge.66782 being the leading loco.This pair will power the return to London later in the day.
20 september 2018..
Originally i was set to picture this at Styles Hill on the Frome-Avoider but it turned out it ran via the Frome Station loop to allow an HST to overtake it.This became apparant whilst waiting on the Avoider when the route on RTT was set into Frome shortly after it had departed Westbury.Hence a mad dash firstly to Clink then to here to drag victory out of the jaws of defeat so to speak! So this is '1Z40' The Sunny South Express from Stevenage (07:30 off) going down to Weymouth on the south coast.GBRf's rebuilds 73961 and 73963 in charge of their rake of 10 Choc-n-Cream Mk-1's viewed crossing over the ladder at Blatchbridge-Junction to regain the down mainline once again after being sidelined in Frome for a short while.
..14 july 2018..
GBRf's Rebuilt JB's 73961 @73963 come off the Frome Station Loop onto the mainline at Blatchbridge-Jn to continue onwards towards Weymouth with '1Z40' the 07:30 from Stevenage to Weymouth.Sadly it returned via Bournemouth so an evening shot of these around Westbury wasn't an option!
..14 july 2018..
After a headlong dash from Styles Hill Footbridge on the Frome-Avoider to here at Clink prior to the Cut-Off starting when it was realised this working '1Z40' the 07:30 from Stevenage to Weymouth' wasn't actually going that way I arrived as it was coming under the bridge in the distance,such was the tightness of my arrival. GBRf's rebuilt JB's 73961 @ 73963 headed this tour comprising of 10 Mk-1 coaches.You gotta be on your toes sometimes in this game! (No time to set up a 'pole-shot' here not that it was needed or in my case ever will be!)
..14 july 2018..
This was an unexpected working! Running as '5Z74' the 17:40 from Worcester-TC down to Eastleigh-Arlington returning the train there for remedial attention since 73962 failed at Long Marston shortly after it departed on its return journey to Paddington.73963 is seen leading the 'DIT' 73962 passing Arn Hill nr Warminster heading south.The poor old passengers were detrained at Worcester and returned to Paddington on service trains.The failure must have been quite a minor affair as this pair of '73s' did the same journey to Long Marston and back the next day actually arriving back in Paddington 8 minutes early!
..20 june 2018..
73962 sits on the rear of '1Z73' the 07:14 from Paddington to Long Marston.Note the nicely turned out London-Transport owned 4TC set now in maroon livery.73963 was the lead loco.Sadly 73962 suffered a 'brain-fart' shortly after it had departed Long Marston on the return journey.The passengers suffered the indignity of being 'dumped' at Worcester-Shrub Hill and having to make their own way back to Paddington on service trains!
..20 june 2018..
ED's 73963 & 73962 sandwich the LT 4TC set on an excursion from Paddington (07:14 off) to Long Marston as '1Z73'.Here seen coming off the route via Didcot-Parkway at Didcot North Jn.
..20 june 2018..
With 73965 leading and 73961 'Alison' seen here on the rear '1Q66' the 08:42 Test-Train from Woking yard to Woking yard via most of the Southampton Area takes the line towards Salisbury (Novichok City) after a brief halt here at Redbridge to reverse after just running off the Marchwood and Fawley branch at Totton.
..18 april 2018..
The '1Q66' Test-Train from Woking Yard (08:42 off) and return via various places including Marchwood and Fawley runs into the loop at Redbridge to execute a reversal so it can continue towards Salisbury and use the Laverstock Loop to gain the Mainline back to Woking. Electro-Diesel Re-incarnate 73961 was leading upon arrival and 73965 on the other end will be in charge for the remainder of the journey back to Woking.
..18 april 2018..
Network Rail Test-Train '1Q66' enters Eastleigh off the Romsey line working the 08:42 from Woking Up Yard Reception and eventually back there as well via, amongst various destinations including Fawley,Marchwood and Salisbury.Rebuilt GBRf pairing 73965 along with 73961 working on diesel were doing the duty.
..18 april 2018..
Now this was a nice little bonus! (Thanks MJ for the nod).Test-Train '1Q66' the 10:07 from Woking C.T.S going eventually back to Woking Yard via the World climbs Upton-Scudamore Incline almost silently with its pair of re-engined/uprated JB's in charge.Previously diesel power on these was a mere 600HP but are now 1600HP earning the name 'Ultra'-73's.That transforms the rebuilds into viable type-3's. So here 73962 'Dick Mabbut' leads its 4-coach NR-Test Train with 73965 on the rear.Both loco's being owned by GBRf.
..2 november 2016..
Today GBRf started what was to be a 4-day Railtour to celebrate their 15th year anniversary in the business.This leg was from London-Victoria to Swanage running as '1Z15'.It departed the Capital at 09:43.With plenty of blue sky around hopes were high for a nice sunny shot but it was not to be. So here is the Tour with its pair of 'JB-s' 73213 and 73128 leading a motley collection of various liveried coaches.Tagged on the rear were 20132 and 20118 which would do the return away from Swanage later. Location is the currently disused goods yard at Totten nr Southampton. Until recently this was the southern base for a Railvac and its runners plus a couple of 56's to drag it around--which was nice!
..8 september 2016..
Not the greatest shot in the world but what can you do when the lighting conditions betray you!.Here is the returning '1Z63' working the 17:25 away from Weston-S-Mare going back to Ashford-International headed by this pair of 73/9's. 73964 'Jeanette' was leading this time with 73961' 'Alison' inside.Here the special is seen shortly after it passed through Trowbridge prior to turning left at Westbury and heading off up the B&H towards London.Annoyingly 20 seconds later the entire scene was bathed in full sunshine not that that offered me any solice!
..18 june 2016..
Significantly this is my first sighting of the rebuilt version of the Class-73 that is now designated as 73/9.A complete refurbishment and a serious upgrade from 600HP to 1600HP for the diesel section of this Electo-Diesel design.Making this a now serious type-3 loco off the 3rd-rail.So here are 73961 'Alison' with 73964 'Jeanette' both in GBRf-Blue dropping down through Malago-Vale with '1Z61' the 07:18 from Ashford-International going to Weston-Super-Mare.Note the large 'Tonbridge Trailblazers' headboard.The 10 coach loading is now easy haulage with 3200HP available!
..18 june 2016..
Today a special working '1Z61' ran taking people to Weston-Super-Mare from Ashford-International (07:18 off).This was in conjuction with todays Airshow over the beaches at this resort.Motive Power was unusually a pair of the recently rebuilt and upgraded Class-73 Electo-Diesels owned and operated by GBRf.Each loco now has 1600HP available making 3200HP in total for hauling this train.Quite enough I would say! 73961 was leading with 73964 tucked inside.Here seen approaching Parson Street in the western suburbs of Bristol at Malago-Vale.
..18 june 2016..
Here is the Woking to Shalford via Southampton NR-Test Train passing Eastleigh.73109 in a 'Sort of' Electro-Blue' was on the rear whilst 73107 was leading.Note the serious overgrowth of wild Buddleia Bushes. If you go to Garden Centres you actually have to pay good money for these plants.NR should seriously go into the potted plant business and get this crap off the linesides!
..02 july 2014..
Here is a Network-Rail Test-Train,the reporting number of which escapes me.It is however the 06:08 from Woking to Shalford nr Guildford via Southampton Down Goods Loop.It is seen approaching Eastleigh shortly after the Southampton reversal.Grey 73109 was leading with blue liveried 73109 on the rear.As befits a train on Southern metals it was running off the 3rd-rail so no nasty fumes or noise here!
..02 july 2014..
Network-Yellow 73138 with 73107 on the rear today operated this test train from Eastleigh to Portsmouth then on to Ludgershall and return.It ran as '1Q41' and is seen approaching Grateley at a place called Palestine! No Palestinians were injured during the making of this photograph!
..14 january 2014..
Having noticed earlier in the day this pair of BR-Blue liveried 'JB-s' a return to Eastleigh station was undertaken as (by now) the sunlight had moved to a more favourable position for a spot of 'park-up' photography. So here are 73119 named 'Borough of Eastleigh' and 73208 sat parked up adjacent to Eastleigh Station.Both these locomotives are now operated by GBrF/Europorte. Amazing isn't it,with the passage of time the old BR-Blue livery actually looks quite attractive these days!
..22 august 2013..
E6036 in SR electric-blue passes Dixton with '2L62' the 12:30 from Cheltenham-RC going to Laverton.This was once 73129 'City of Winchester' and ended its mainline working life way back in June-2002 wearing the memorable NSE colours.If not bought for preservation would probably have been scrapped.This is quite ironic as this class has enjoyed a surge in popularity amongst several freight companies,indeed 3 members of the class are actually undergoing comprehensive rebuilds at this time (July 2013) to make them even more versatile.
..28 july 2013..
A pair of 'Shoeboxes', both ex-Gatwick Express speed down through Popham on a regular loco move '0Y38' from Tonbridge-West Yard going to Eastleigh.They are GBrf operated 73212 leading with 73207 in 'Large Logo' in behind.Naturally given where they are, both engines were running off the third-rail as they almost silently passed by.
..01 june 2013..
ShoeBox 'JB-s' 73141 'Charlotte' and 73205 'Jeanette' stand parked in the sidings behind Eastleigh Station.This area is where Gbrf tend to park their locomotives when ever they are based at Eastleigh.
..19 may 2012..
Reinforcements for the depleted stud of engines for this weekends activities was kindly supplied at short notice by Gbrf in the form on 'JB' Electro-Diesel 73136.This was scrambled earlier in the day from Hastings and upon arrival at Norden was quickly pressed into service for just one trip on this day (friday).I understand it will act as the permanant 'translator' for 57312 for the rest of the weekend. Anyway here it is passing Corfe-Common shortly after departing Corfe-Castle leading 33111heading for the coast at Swanage. ..11 may 2012..
All the years this Class worked the 'Gatwick-Expresses' I never once managed a picture at Gatwick with one of these engines and an aeroplane landing or taking off in the same shot.Amazingly I had to wait until now for that to happen.Here are 73208 and 73205 admittedly stationery in the Yard at Eastleigh with a FlyBee twin-engined Jet coming into land at the nearby local Airport.
..17 april 2012..
A closer look at 73208.Although loosely designed to look like a shoebox the 'JB' design has over the years proved itself many times over.A very successful Electo-Diesel design that is set to run in the services of Gbrf for many more years.
..17 april 2012..
When we arrived at Eastleigh the atmosphere was quite polluted from a large fire burning on Southampton Docks.Luckily after a while the wind changed and the sun came out! Here 73205 and 73208 pose in the now bright sunlight in the sidings behind the platforms at Eastleigh Station. Nice.
..17 april 2012..
Two more of Gbrf's small fleet of 73's stand parked at Eastleigh awaiting their next duties.Neither of these carries any Gbrf identity being in older pre privitisation colours (And all the better for it!) 73205 in Inter-City type livery and 73208 wearing good old BR-Blue.
..17 april 2012..
It may be just a pair of Light-Engine 'Shoeboxes' but for me actually seeing a Class-73 moving is something of a rare event! Two styles of Gbrf livery on display here with 73204 and 73141.Here viewed passing the cottages adjacent to Worting-Junction going from Eastleigh down to Hoo-Junction as '0Y66'.This passed just 4 minutes after the DBS working coming from the same place and also going to Hoo-Junction.Why? could they not have gone altogether.......Just another example of todays un-joined up railway!
..17 april 2012..
73204 'Janice' plus 73141'Charlotte' power silently by Worting-Junction 'on the juice' heading for Hoo-Junction from Gbrf's base at Eastleigh.Running as 0Y66' it was nice to see a 'JB' in motion for a change!
..17 april 2012..
Running as 'Tail-end Charlie' 73208 in old style Rail-Blue livery passes Acton-Turville with 57312 leading on '5Z66' from Eastleigh going to Bristol-SFM.A pretty unique combination particularly on this stretch on WR Mainline!
..22 february 2012..
Looking well restored and obviously in running condition 73001 or E6001 as it is here stands in the yard at Lydney.No movements here today but nice to see this prototype-ED looking well cared for. ..24 may 2011..
During a lull in proceedings on the mainline I had a quick look into the 'Dean Forest Railway to see what's what. 73002 a 'JA' series electo-diesel stands parked up in Large-Logo Colours slowly being swallowed up by the encroaching greenery. ..24 may 2011..
Now this has got to be a rare sight.'Jb' 73107 seemingly hauling a lengthy test-train up the Upton-Scudamore Incline in thankfully really excellent light.However the 'Jb' was merely being used as a 'DVT' and was weirdly completely silent! 31233 on the rear was pushing for all its worth.Quite a strange but very interesting combination and quite amazing in 2010! Working was '1Q10' from Westbury to Weymouth then back to Westbury then on down to Eastleigh.Study taken shortly after train had departed Westbury heading for the Southern. ..21 april 2010..
'JB' 73107 'Spitfire' gets away from Harmons-Cross heading for the seaside at Swanage with a working from Norden.The stock behind the electo-diesel is 4VEP-3417 'Gorden Pettitt'. Five years later in 2013 73107 is owned by RMS-Locotec and is fully operational for mainline use as is available on a spot-hire basis.The 4-VEP is now officially preserved and owned by the 'Bluebell Railway'.
..11 may 2008..
73133 'The Bluebell Railway' running in Mainline-Blue colours passes Kensington-Olympia in Central-London with the Willesden to Dover Mail service.
..25 april 2002..
73131 brings up the rear of the TPO from Willesden to Dover service led by 73133.This verybusiness like looking train is seen passing through the heart of London at Kensington-Olympia.Certainly adding a bright addition to the then current rail scene through this station.Sadly thisTPO operation ended a few months after this shot was taken and throughout the UK by 2004 bringing the curtain down on a long history of co-operation between the Post-Office and the Railways.
..25 april 2002..
A older style 'Gatwick Express' that in a few years time would be replaced by 'Darth-Vader' Class 460's. Here is 73212 leading a set on mixed advertising liveried stock with unusually 73203 T-n-T probably due to Push-Pull difficulties.The working is viewed heading north back towards London-Victoria,Horley Station is just visible in the distance.This loco now works for GBRf whilst its partner was broken up in 2010 becoming (for now) the last one of this class to have got the chop.Private Operators in the South have now recognised what a useful type this is and the engines not scrapped are now in much demand.Indeed several are being rebuilt to considerably extend their life and flexability.
..24 july 1999..
On a rare visit to darkest London here at Wandsworth Road 73117 and 73132 on the 3rd-rail are seen passing with '6Y94' a working from Purley (09:36 off) going to Cliffe-Brett's of empty bogie stone hopper wagons.These engines suffered completely different fates after withdrawal.73117 is now preserved and currently stored Burton in the Midlands whilst 73132 which was withdrawn just 9 months after this picture was taken is now no more.It was cut up for scrap at Ron Hull's at Rotherham back in July 2006.These days with JB's being in high demand a sad loss!
..12 february 1998..
This was how it was for many years for the 'Gatwick Express' services between London-Victoria and Gatwick-Airport Station.73208 with six mk-2 coaches speeds southwards towards Gatwick through Coulsdon. Note how the Buddleia-davida, to give it its latin name which is viewed by 'DEFRA' as an invasive non-native species has totally invaded the area between the running lines at this location.God knows what its like in 2018 now over 20 years later? This loco continues to work over 20 years later though now renumbered as 73965 having had a comprehensive rebuild and upgrade by its now owner GBRf.
..16 september 1997..
'JA' 73003 here seen as restored as E6003 remained in capital stock until June 1996.It was subsequently preserved ans is currently at Blunsden on the Swindon & Cricklade Railway.It is seen here on display at Old Oak Common during the 1994 Open-day held there.
..19 march 1994..
Here is a rather old shot of Large-Logo 73006 passing through Basingstoke on a Hoo-Junction to Eastleigh engineering working. Amazingly 27 years on this loco continues to work on the national-network as 73967 but is now rebuilt and works mainly in Scotland on Caledonian Sleeper duties under the ownership of GBRf. Not bad for an earlier 'JA' version.