Classic Traction

AFTER more than 60 years of steam-only passenger operation, the Bluebell Railway has taken delivery of Class 33 No. D6570 Ashford for use on the railway.

This is the first main line diesel to be permanently based on the East Sussex line, although there have been a couple of shunters for use ‘behind the scenes’.

One of these, Class 09 No. D4106, which has been called on for ‘Thunderbird’ duties in the past, is owned by B350

Ltd, which has now bought the ‘Crompton’ from the Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR). The group comprises long-standing BR loco department volunteers.

The Class 33 is an appropriate type for the railway as it was a common sight across the Southern Region on passenger and freight for more than 30 years, including the London Bridge to East Grinstead service.

No. D6570 (33052) entered service in October 1961. Withdrawn in February 1997, it has been preserved until now on the K&ESR. It is in good condition and has been stored undercover, out of use for several years. It will not enter traffic on the Bluebell immediately as the new owners will implement a recommissioning programme, including bodywork and roofing repairs.

There are several reasons why the Bluebell Railway PLC board has agreed to a large diesel being based at Sheffield Park in these changing times. It will minimise revenue loss on occasions when steam cannot be used because of lineside fire risk and as a ‘Thunderbird’ loco to rescue a failed train. Unlike the less powerful Class 09, it will be able to maintain train timings. It will also be useful on infrastructure and engineering trains, hauling heavier loads at higher speeds.

Being an important part of Southern history, it fits in with the line’s recently revised Long Term Plan. It has taken a while to locate the right loco to fulfil all these roles.

The B350 group seeks support from people interested in contributing to the cost of repairs, and particularly with experience of diesel loco maintenance and restoration. Anyone wishing to help should make contact by email at paulchillout@aol.com

MIKE HAWKINS/B350 Class 33/0 ’Crompton’ No. D6570 Ashford makes an unusual sight in the Bluebell Railway’s Sheffield Park yard on July 2 as it awaits unloading following arrival from the K&ESR. Although the Bluebell has held a few weekend diesel galas in the past, the first announced of which was no more than an April Fool’s hoax (the first actual one was held in 2014), the visiting locos arrived via the main line connection at East Grinstead.

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