Crompton Class 33 202 arrives at Tenterden

We’ve hired in this Class 33 diesel electric locomotive from the Mid Norfolk Railway to assist with diesel motive power in the current high fire risk conditions.

Nicknamed Cromptons after the manufacturer of the electric traction motor which is powered by a mighty Sultzer engine which makes a fine throaty sound with ticking over or working hard.

This loco was one of a batch built in 1962 Birmingham for the Southern Region. It is slightly narrower than previous locos being designed for narrow tunnels on parts of the Southern Region.

It was an all diesel service today, with the Class 33 on the A set, the DMU on the B set and the Class 14, Teddy Bear on the Pullman. Despite this there were plenty of people about. Heritage diesels have their own enthusiastic followers.