Class 73/1 ELECTRO – DIESEL No.73138
At Dungeness with a nuclear flask train for Sellafield – 28.1.1999
Dave Cobbe Collection
Notes:-
Locomotive 73138 is aBritish Rail Class 73 electro-diesel locomotive, which is a type of bi-mode locomotive primarily used on the Southern Region of British Railways.
The Class 73
Design: Built between 1962 and 1967, the Class 73 can operate on either the Southern Region’s 650/750V DC third-rail electric power or an onboard 600 hp diesel engine. This dual capability made them highly versatile for use on both electrified routes and non-electrified sidings or branch lines.
Subclass: Loco 73138 was part of the second batch of Class 73s, initially classified as “JB” and later as Class 73/1 under the TOPS system. These had a higher top speed of 90 mph compared to the 80 mph of the earlier Class 73/0 prototypes.
TOPS number: The loco was originally numbered E6045 before being renumbered 73138 under the Total Operations Processing System (TOPS).
History of 73138
1984 Southern Electric Group Jamboree: On March 17, 1984, 73138 operated a long route as part of a Southern Electric Group special train. Its journey took it to destinations including Shepperton, Staines West Oil Terminal, Reading, and Southampton.
Private ownership and preservation: The locomotive was later owned privately and was restored between 2003 and 2004.
Depot shunter: From its restoration until October 2006, 73138 was used as a depot shunter at Barrow Hill.
Mainline return: In 2010, the locomotive was sold to Network Rail for further use on the mainline.
