Oxted Line DEMU is offered to Bluebell
THE Bluebell Railway has been offered a Class 207 ‘Thumper’ DEMU.
If approved by the line’s trust, preservation society, and plc boards, the unit, No. 1305, could take up residence on the line.
Comprising driving trailer
No. 60904 and driving motor brake No. 60130, No. 1305 was formerly owned by the East Lancashire Railway, which offered it for sale in 2020.
It was acquired by the Coulsdon Old Vehicle & Engineering Society (COVES), which moved it to its Bicester base in early 2021 and made a start on the required bodywork and engine overhaul that saw it withdrawn in 2011.
The two-car unit is mechanically and electrically operational as a result of the work undertaken by COVES, although the bodywork still requires attention.
A new dedicated working group, known as the 1305 Oxted Thumper Gang, has been formed with the aim of undertaking the outstanding work itself rather than taking away manpower and resources from the Bluebell’s carriage and wagon department.
The unit has historical significance as the one that formed the last DEMU working between Uckfield and Oxted in 2004.
Ben Wetherall, the railway’s diesel traction engineering co-ordinator, said: “If it is agreed, the plan will be to use the unit for the first and last trains of the day (to take the pressure off our steam locomotives and crews), for any exceptionally hot periods as we had this summer, and as a back-up to keep a service running if there are any unforeseen circumstances with the booked train on any running day.”
The Class 207s were built by
BR at Eastleigh in 1962 and had a lifespan of 42 years. Most units were withdrawn in 1987 following the electrification of the Oxted Line’s East Grinstead branch. The final three units were withdrawn in August 2004.
Also, it was revealed that thanks to the support of a generous donor, the railway may also be able to acquire a Class 73 electro diesel currently in regular use in the South East, though it did not specify any further details.
The proposals were set to be placed the boards at its next meeting, with a decision due to be reported next month.
The Spa Valley Railway has preserved three-car unit No. 207017. ➜ Other COVES vehicles must vacate Bicester site – see News, page 26.