"The Purbeck Explorer" to Swanage, 13th June 2014

37423 + 37402 passing Redbridge with 1Z37 05:47 Stafford - Swanage. 37423 Spirit of the Lakes was recently repainted at Eastleigh, released on 22nd April. The new style DRS logo was applied in mid-May. 37423 was new to Cardiff Canton from English Electric Vulcan Foundry as D6996 in July 1965. Renumbered to 37296 in January 1974 and overhauled as a 37/4 at Crewe between July 1985 and January 1986. Withdrawn in November 1999, sold to Ian Riley in March 2003, then West Coast Railway Co in May 2004. Sold to DRS and overhauled in 2007.

37402 Stephen Middlemore 23.12.1954-8.6.2013 was new as D6974 from English Electric Vulcan Foundry in April 1965 and allocated to Cardiff Canton. Renumbered 37274 in March 1974 and overhauled to 37/4 at Crewe from October 1984 to July 1985. Stored by EWS from December 2004, sold to DRS in 2011 and overhauled in 2013.

37604 on the rear. A reversal in the Southampton Up Goods Loop removed the need for shunting at Swanage. 37604 was new as D6707 from English Electric Vulcan Foundry in February 1961 and allocated to March. Renumbered to 37007 in February 1974. Heavy general overhaul at Crewe from October 1985 to April 1986, renumbered as 37506. Modified for Channel Tunnel train usage in April 1995 and renumbered to 37604, and moved to DRS from October 2007.

 The train approaching Millbrook. Image by Ian Knight.

37604 leading out from Southampton UGL past Millbrook. Image by Ian Knight.

Further pictures: one two three four five six seven eight nine ten eleven twelve