A Class 73 is to be based at the Bluebell Railway, following approval by its Trust as well as its two Boards for the Electro-Diesel to be housed on the line. The locomotive is, appropriately, No. 73133, which was named The Bluebell Railway from 1990 until its withdrawal in 2004. It is currently located at Arlington’s Eastleigh Works.
Before it moves to its new home in the spring, the ‘73’ will undergo bodywork repairs and a repaint at Eastleigh. It was moved into the paint facility at the end of December for work to be carried out. Mechanically, the ‘ED’ is operational and has regularly been used by Arlington for shunting in recent years.
Several individuals have been critical of the use of diesel traction on the Bluebell Railway, which for many years had a steam only policy. However, plc Chairman Geoff Mee has, in, been keen to point out that, although the line will always be a predominantly steam railway, there are several benefits to having a small diesel fleet, providing resilience in hot weather without the risk of setting fire to countryside, and giving the ability to run earlier services from East Grinstead.
