33063 IS STARTED AND MOBILE.
Sunday 2nd July 2000

Photographs by A.French

33063 at Eythorne, 2/7/00 On Sunday 2nd July 2000, 33063 was brought back to life. With a new set of batteries fitted earlier that week all the anticipation was over. Having the last outstanding job done earlier in the day, i.e. 70 litres of hydrostatic oil added for the cooling fans, 063 was started and successfully moved under its own power with no problems.

Under the watchfull eye and ear of a 'Crompton' expert drafted in for the occasion, 063 was put through some tests, having not turned a wheel or even started since 1998.

Yet, more was to follow. Such was 063's fitness it was brought in to work the 14.00 Shepherdswell - Eythorne train, formed of preserved 2EPB unit, 5759. Its first train in preservation successfully completed, 063 promptly brought back the 14.20 Eythorne - Shepherdswell. 063 also took the next working, the 15.00 Shepherdswell - Eythorne & 15.20 return.

With the E.K.R.'s timetable over for the day, 33063 was given a chance to take the 2EPB just a little further beyond Eythorne, the limit of current passenger operations. As neither 063 or the 2EPB have had much chance to stretch their legs, they were taken towards Tilmanstone (Wigmore Lane buffer-stop) to make further tests and checks to round off a fantastic day for the S.E.L.G..

The next job for 33063 - B.R. Blue paint and yellow cab ends scheduled to be ready for the E.K.R. Gala Weekend on 15th & 16th July. At the time of writing, barring setbacks, 063 will be very much in evidence.

The Day in Pictures

33063 understandabley belches forth much smoke as it fires for the first time since 1998

At 12.15pm, 33063 fires up for the first time since 1998. After the initial, visible, belching of noxious fumes, the exhaust cleared up indicating a clean burn, therefore, (hopefully) a power unit in good fettle.
063 by the box at Eythorne having run up light from Shepherdswell Completion of its first test run from Shepherdswell up to Eythorne, next to the signalbox at the latter. The current terminus for passenger trains on the E.K.R..
33063 at Eythorne, 2/7/00 The relaxed stance of the Secretary as he casts an admiring eye over the object before him indicates that some of the more immediate anxieties of the day had been forgotten.
33063 at Eythorne, 2/7/00 Having experienced no problems thus far, 33063 prepares to return to Shepherdwell at 13.30hrs.
The gang present on the day who were able to savour the moment.

Members of the S.E.L.G. team on 2nd July who were able to savour the moment 063 finally turned a wheel in anger. Pictured at Eythorne, Messrs. Llewellyn, Axton, French, Francis, Shonhard, Blandford, Smith, Pay and Hill & partner.
33063 taking out its first passenger working in preservation - 2EPB unit 5759

As 33063 had raised no questions over its apparent fitness, it was decided to try it on its first passenger train working in preservation. 063 duly took charge of the 14.00 Shepherdwell to Eythorne formed of 2EPB 5759.

063 prepares to return to Shepherdwell, pushing 2EPB 5759. 2/7/00 Having reached Eythorne with 2EPB 5759, 33063 will push the 14.20 return trip back to Shepherdswell (there is no run-round facility).
33063 against the buffer-stops at Wigmore lane, near Tilmanstone. 2/7/00

After the line's passenger service had finished for the day, 063 took the 2EPB towards Tilmanstone and the buffer stops at Wigmore Lane (pictured), the end of the line for the E.K.R..

A proud Group Secretary in the classic pose - 33063 2/7/00

Striking up a classic pose, a proud Group Secretary takes the controls of 33063 at the beginning of a new lease of life for the B.R.C.& W. Type 3.