Spa Valley Railway - Class 207 DEMU Returns to Eridge July 6th and 7th 2012

The Spa Valley Railway is pleased to announce the return to Eridge from Tunbridge Wells West of our resident Class 207 DEMU 'Thumper' 1317 for the first time since July 6th 1985 on Friday 6th July and Saturday 7th July.

The DEMU has been undergoing extensive restoration in our shed at Tunbridge Wells West, both the interiors of the Motor Coach and Driving Trailer Coach have been completely refurbished along with most of the body work on the Motor Coach being replaced. The Motor Coach now sports British Railways Blue and Grey livery and the Trailer Car is following close behind.

Friday 6th July 2012

Friday 6th involves 5 return trips between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge, the first downward run being ran into the Bay Platform at Eridge, this is also the first time since the Uckfield line was singled in the early 1990's and what is now the Spa Valley Railway closed in 1985 that a passenger train has arrived in the Bay. This day is a special charter for those passengers wishing to be the first to return on 1317 and as such pre-booking is essential a booking form is available here: http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/6July Booking Form.pdf

Departures from Tunbridge Wells West on the Friday are as follows: 1315, 1500, 1615, 1750 and 1925. Departures from Eridge are as follows: 1410, 1530, 1710, 1822, 2020.

Saturday July 7th 2012

Saturday July 7th will see even more DEMU activity and also the first time the Spa Valley Railway has operated two trains over the whole line following a very well written timetable. This day will also feature resident Class 33 33063 R.J.Mitchell running alongside LMS Jinty 47493 which together will be hauling the Main Service train Top & Tailed. 33063 will be on the Eridge end of the train and 47493 will be on the Tunbridge Wells West end of the train.

DEMU Departures from Tunbridge Wells West: 0905, 1055, 1255, 1500, 1737, 1850 and 2010.
Main Train Departures from Tunbridge Wells West: 0955, 1155, 1405 and 1555.

DEMU Departures from Eridge: 1010, 1210, 1355, 1537, 1805, 1925 and 2105.
Main Train Departures from Eridge: 1110, 1310, 1447 and 1645.

Direct Southern Services from London Bridge connect with the 1010, 1110, 1210 and 1310 departures and with lots of activity happening on the railway over the course of the day a returning train to London is never far away! With a cross platform interchange at Eridge it couldn't be easier. Please see Spa Valley Railway - Home or Spa Valley Railway - Up In Smoke for further details and also the timetable which will be published in the next few days.

Hopefully we'll see you on board 1317 for her historic return of to Eridge from Tunbridge Wells West after 27 years.
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Times now on Spa Valley Railway site here :

Spa Valley Railway - Up In Smoke

 

A slight change to the Saturday now sees Class 37 37254 currently running as classmate 37153 (254 carries her power unit) in place of Class 33 33063. The 37 will be on the Eridge end of the train and has Four scheduled trips to Eridge. Jinty 47493 should then be hauling trains back to Tunbridge Wells West.

Do come along for this historic event!

 

I shall be there on the Friday...!
Recalls memories of travelling on the last of the day of line with the same unit back in 1985.

 

Hampshire Thumper 1133 will be operating at the Lavender Line, Isfield, East Sussex on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th July at their Diesel Gala.

 

Went over Saturday afternoon after my cricket match was rained off, some photos and a video from a good day, my first ride from Groombridge to Eridge.

Spa Valley Railway 2012 - a set on Flickr

Spa Valley Railway DEMU Anniversary Gala Saturday 7th July 2012 - YouTube