September 4th 2007 - Lymington Diesel Gala!!
September 4th 2007 saw somewhat of a bizarre event happen on the Brockenhurst - Lymington branchline after Class 421 1497 disgraced itself again by failing whilst working on the branch. Due to the unavailability of a Class 450 Desiro Class 73 73109 Battle of Britain 50th Anniversary was summoned to rescue the disgraced unit and for the first time in years initiate a temporary push pull operation from Brockenhurst to Lymington Pier. with the "Lymington Flyer" headboard on the 73 and on Diesel as well due to concerns of drawing too much juice the 73 set off for what could only be deemed as one of the workings of the year for around 5 hours trundling up and down the branch with a few rail enthusiasts in tow (no doubt we know whose photos will be preffered in the railway press then)! All photos were taken by and kindly provided by Stephen Trower and are © of Stephen Trower. The photos were taken using a mobile phone camera so quality is not as good but they show the events quite well.
73109 idles at Lymington Pier as the driver prepares to change ends.
A shot of the nameplate and body side details of BoB
73109 at Brockenhurst waiting to take the service to Lymington Pier.
One of my favorite shots this as it shows even with a mobile phone camera the speed of the shot. 73109 bombs its way to Lymington Pier.
Old Lady on the left: - " Ohh look Vera this is one of those new fangled Desiro trains "
Old lady on the right:- " Don't be daft thats rateable traction there. If the arthritis in my shoulder wasn't hurting I would be flailing like no tommorow"!!
With apologies to the ladies in question!!
The jumper connections between the disgraced slammer and the ED.
The "Lymington Flyer" headboard also made a surprise visit on the train as well.
On diesel power 73109 powers out of Lymington Pier with the service to Brockenhurst.
Postscript:- What at first could have turned out to be a nightmare situation for SWT turned out in their favour in a few more ticket sales and more publicity. Could we see more of a Diesel on the Lymmie Branch in the future?
Here some links to other photographers sites that were also present to see an impromptu diesel fest at Lymington! :-
James Mayl's UK Railpics
Richard Sulzman's Southern Railway Pics
Nagball's Pics
Steve the Guards Shots
All Pictures unless otherwise stated on this web site have been photographed and are Copyright of Anthony Henley
and may not be used without prior permission from me.
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