Wednesday 21 June 2017

Swanage Diesel Gala Focus: GBRf Class 73's


73119 Borough of Eastleigh was new to traffic as E6025 from English Electric Vulcan Foundry, Newton-le-Willows in March 1966. Withdrawn it was sold in 2003, eventually resident at the Keith & Dufftown Railway from 2004. Moved in early 2009 to Knight's Rail Services at Eastleigh Works,where it was named at the 2009 open day, and who ran it at the Swanage Diesel Gala in 2010. Acquired by GBRf in late 2011, and returned to traffic in 2012.

73961 Alison  was next in production at Vulcan Foundry, entering traffic as D6026 in April 1966. Renumbered to 73120 and later to 73209 when it joined the Gatwick Express fleet, later joining GBRf following storage between 2001 and 2003. Rebuilt at Brush in 2013- 2015 becoming 73961.

Arriving at Harman's Cross with 10:00 from Swanage.

Returning into Swanage with 11:30 from Norden.

Approaching Harman's Cross with 14:30 from Swanage.

Departing Norden with 16:00 train.

73119 was used as a brake translator, so was working on the train side through the day. Seen at Norden, having arrived earlier with 17:30 from Norden.