Class 33

21st September 1990

Approximately half of the Class 33 fleet was allocated to Hither Green Depot from the outset, where they replaced the former Southern Railway's principally freight 0-6-0 Q1 Class and existing SE&CR types. They monopolised the depot's allocation throughout the late 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s, until newer Class 60s began appearing on the scene. Locomotives Nos. 33211 and 33035 are seen at the depot wearing all-over BR Blue. Repairs and heavy maintenance were undertaken at Stewarts Lane. © David Glasspool Collection

7th March 1991

A luxurious service but a grubby locomotive. No. 33206 is seen hauling the ''British Pullman'' section of the VSOE up the incline from Folkestone Harbour. The diesel is wearing ''Speedlink Distribution'' livery and at that time was a regular performer at Dover, where it undertook synchronised wagon shunting on the train ferry with sister locomotive No. 33205. © David Glasspool Collection

28th December 1991

Seen on the Hoo Peninsula, upon the single-track branch line to Grain, is the ''Crompton Constructor'' rail tour. This ran from Wolverhampton to Dover Western Docks, taking in the Grain and Sheerness-on-Sea branches en route. Leading is Class 33 No. 33063, followed by No. 33050 and a rake of InterCity-liveried BR Mk 1 carriages. On the end of the rake for this portion of the tour was Class 56 No. 56055, to take the tour back to Hoo Junction. At this time, both Class 33 diesels were wearing the scheme of the TrainLoad Construction business sector. © Wayne Walsh

29th December 1993

Evidence of reconstruction work for the international station can be seen in this view of Ashford, which depicts No. 33116 ''Hertfordshire Rail Tours'' powering a rail tour that traversed the branch line to Dungeness. It was paired with 4TC unit Nos. 410 and 417. © Wayne Walsh