British Rail Class 73 - Definition and Overview

Class 73, no. 73201 at Clapham Junction on 19th July 2003. This locomotive is one of three still in use with Gatwick Express.

Description

The Class 73 is now unique on the British rail system, as it is an electro-diesel locomotive; that is, it can provide its own motive power (from an on-board diesel engine), but can also run from an external electricity supply (in this case, 750V DC third-rail). The Class 73 was built at BR Eastleigh works, using English Electric components.

Current Operations

English, Welsh and Scottish Railway (EWS)

Eurostar

Fragonset Railways

Fragonset Railways bought several redundant locomotives from EWS. Most of these were initially stored at various locations around the country, including preservation sites, such as the Mid-Hants Railway, the Peak Railway and the Dartmoor Railway. Some of these locomotives were repaired for use on these heritage railways, such as no. 73134 on the Dartmoor Railway.

One locomotive, no. 73107 "Spitfire" has now returned to mainline traffic following overhaul. It has been repainted in Fragonset's black freight livery, and is expected to be used on empty coaching stock moves associated with charter trains. Several other locomotives are also now being returned to service.

Gatwick Express

GB Railfreight

GB Railfreight is the newest operator of Class 73 locomotives. It purchased six redundant Gatwick Express locomotives, numbers 73203-207 and 73209. Four of these (73204-206/209) have now been returned to traffic, after overhaul by Fragonset at Derby. They have been repainted in the company's blue and orange livery, and named after female employees. The locomotives are primarily employed on engineering trains originating from Eastleigh and Hoo Junction.

Merseyrail Electrics

Merseyrail Electrics had a fleet of four Class 73/0 locomotives, based at Birkenhead, which were used on shunting and other departmental duties. Two locomotives, nos. 73001 and 73006 were repainted into Merseyrail's yellow livery. They were later fitted with sandite discharging equipment, and reclassified as Class 73/9. The locomotives were withdrawn from traffic by 2002, and all four were later sold for preservation.

Network Rail

Network Rail inherited two redundant Gatwick Express locomotives, nos. 73212 and 73213, from its predecessor Railtrack. These were overhauled and painted in the company's blue and green livery. They are used on engineering trains associated with an upgrade of electrical supply systems on the former Southern Region.

A third locomotive, no. 73141, was originally purchased as a supply of spare parts. However it has now been returned to traffic to act as a spare engine, in case of failure of one of the other two locomotives.

South West Trains

South West Trains inherited a sole locomotive, no. 73109, which is used as a "Thunderbird" rescue locomotive. It was named in 1990 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

South West Trains have recently expanded their fleet, by acquiring two more locomotives, nos. 73210 and 73235. These locomotives are currently being overhauled before returning to traffic.

Preservation

Several locomotives have been preserved on heritage railways. These are listed below. Of note, are the first built locomotive, no. 73001, and the former Pullman locomotive, no. 73101.

Fleet Details