Special - Rebuilding the 1960's Class 73's.

It's Friday, and today's post is a special! Not as I'm here (Andy)...

Class 73's were built in the 1960's and generally used in the Southern region. In 2013, it was announced that GB Railfreight would initially be re-building 5 Class 73's to make them Class 73/9's. The complete re stripping and rebuilding has taken place at Brush Traction in Loughborough. 

The Class 73/9's first started testing in late 2014 (73 961 - 965) as there had been some issues, however they were all resolved pretty soon. The 73/9's are intended to work infrastructure trains (test trains under Network Rail) and also to be used on Rail Head Treatment Trains.

As a result of the rebuild, it has given the Class 73/9's up to 25 years more in service, and more 73/9's are to be released over the coming months which should see them introduced on to the Serco Sleeper eventually!

Class 73 in action; 
© Andy.

Pictured to the right is Class 73/9 at Willesden Junction on a rather overcast day with a double Class 73 working heading from Tonbridge up to Peterborough.

This was the first time I had seen a Class 73/9 and I was rather impressed with them having more work to do!







Class 73 turns Serco colour.

SOURCE - https://www.facebook.com/GBRailfreight?fref=ts
The first refurbished Class 73 appeared in Serco Sleeper advertising on Tuesday, seen on the right at Newcastle by Alexander Cromarty after the Class 73 was heading to Craigentinny to begin both testing and crew training to operate Caledonian Services north of the border.


Naming of the Class 73/9's.
Some of the Class 73/9's are named. They are as follows;
  • 73 961 - Alison.
  • 73 962 - Dick Mabbutt.
  • 73 963 - Janice.
  • 73 964 - Jeanette.
That's all for today.




Regards:

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