6th November 2004

 

An interesting view looking east towards Tonbridge station shows three Class 73 Electro Diesels and one 4 Vep. From front to back: No. 73107 in black ''Fragonset'' livery; Nos. 73204 and 73206 in ''Great Britain Railfreight'' (GBRf) orange and blue livery; Vep No. 1404 in former South Eastern colours. The view is from 6th November 2004 and shows a fairly tidy yard which was not so long ago coated in weeds. © David Glasspool

6th November 2004

 

A more recent westward view from 6th November 2004 shows a yard transformation, with all shrubs having been obliterated. The Sea Urchin ballast carrier wagons are still in evidence, but it appears that the lifting of track in this area of the yard has been ongoing. The site has seen an interesting array of uses over the past few years, and has catered for the storage of preserved rolling stock, and the stabling of steam locomotives on charter services. © David Glasspool

6th November 2004

 

''Sea Urchin'' ballast carrier wagons were commonly stored in the yard, the aquatic name deriving from the old GWR practice of giving freight stock names after sea creatures. Formerly steel plate carriers for British Rail, they are the resultant of a conversion undertaken by Adtranz at Crewe in 1997 for EWS, in which they subsequently became low-sided ballast carriers. This example was seen at Tonbridge on 6th November 2004. © David Glasspool

6th November 2004

 

Here we see our small three friends again, No. 73107 on the right, with No.73204 and 73206 behind, on 6th November 2004. The two GBRf Class 73s are former Gatwick Express locomotives which were modified for push-pull working with BR Mk 2d air-conditioned stock and the Class 489 GLV. The locomotives were progressively transferred as Class 460s arrived in force on Gatwick workings. The ''power box'' in the background dates from Kent Coast Electrification, and became operational in 1962. © David Glasspool