33063 The locomotive is still performing very well, however a low power fault has occurred which means the locomotive cannot reach full power. Efforts to rectify this have so far failed with the fault lying within the engine governor with one of the diaphragms. Otherwise 063 is still performing very well and reliably, she was in regular use this year especially while 0-6-0 shunter 427 was on stop. 063 will be a back up locomotive for the Santa Specials if our plan for 065 does not work out.
33065 With the new replacement batteries on board (thanks to the 71A Group and certain representatives) the loco is performing very well indeed. Starting problems are now a thing of the past and the loco seems to be a very 'strong' one.
Two of our members have started on the replacement of the cab floors with new flooring being made from scratch, constructed of new wood and covered in lino, together with brass ring pulls. One cab is completed so far - the other is following on. It is hoped to eventually have new flooring in both cabs on both locos.
With the re-paint into BR blue completed (although it still needs a second coat) efforts are now turned to re-instating the ETH generator. Hopefully, if this is a success, the East Kent Railway could see its first heated Santa Special trains this year. So far it's looking good with ETH jumpers re-fitted and some of the electrics repaired. When you press the 'ETH on' button the loco responds! Attention is on the ETH Generator now, with all the brush housings removed for cleaning and replacement, cleaning of the generator can now be started. This work is hoped to be completed by the end of November so it can be tested before the Santa's start. The EPB Group has made ready their two car EPB unit to accept the ETH jumper.
33 065 is booked to work on all the Santa trains this year and should be top & tailing with the steam loco Albert.
33065 Strenuous efforts concentrated on the continued restoration of 33 065 such that 065 was unveiled in full BR Blue livery (with a full white roof and red buffer beams), rounded off with the rededication of its red 'Sealion' plates, at the EKR Gala over the Bank Holiday weekend at the end of August. We hope to bring a feature to these pages in due course to record the occassion.
The Class 33 batteries, purchased to replace the temporary batteries, were fitted prior to the May Gala Weekend. However, problems were identified with several dead cells within the batteries and required them to be sent back to the supplier. These were scheduled for return from repair and fitting on 16th July.
Importantly, the locomotive's air tanks were passed and certified on 15th May. Work on the cab floors has progressed during the Summer. The external restoration which has been continuously frustrated due to the infamous British weather is now, to all intents and purposes, complete, thanks to the tireless efforts of a few dedicated members and supporters. With only a matter of weeks before the Gala in August, the loco was still in need of a second coat of Blue and one yellow cab end.
33063 The loco has continued to perform faultlessly throughout the Spring and Summer at the Railway. Following the Crompton Gala (5/6 May 2002), the locomotive performed at the Fire Engine event on 18th/19th May and Driving Experience days. Due to 427 now being out of traffic (Aug.02 onward), 33 063 has been working every weekend covering 427's duties. The locomotive also operated at the East Kent Railway Gala weekend over the Bank Holiday weekend in August (Sunday 25th/Monday 26th August) and at the Bus Rally event on Sunday 15th September where it operated an hourly shuttle from 11.00hrs – 15.00hrs with the EPB.
33065 : Both bodysides now in grey undercoat with one cab end in yellow. Painting into B.R. Blue will continue as the weather permits. It is envisaged to have 065 with an off-white roof so that it will be simular to 063 but also distinctively different. 065, also, lacks snow ploughs. A sponsor has secured the fitting of 'Sealion' nameplates when painting is completed.
33063 and 33065 were in action on Sat. 1st December for the visit of a Pathfinders railtour from S.Wales. 063 provided power for the service trains whilst 065 was giving the chance to 'drive-a-loco' for those visitors who opted to sit at the controls of a Crompton. More details of this, with pictures, of the weekends events will appear in due course.
The S.E.L.G. are planning a second 'Crompton Gala' at the EKR on the Bank Holiday weekend of 5th/6th May 2002 with the attraction of experiencing two 330xx's. The first train of the day will be at 10am. Day rover tickets for unlimited travel behind the Cromptons will be £12.
Check back on the website later for further updates.
At The East Kent Railway First train at 1000 hrs last train at 1600 hrs Drive a Class 33 at Eythorne Cab rides in a Class 33 - £10 for a return trip. All locomotives are subject to availability Adults -£5, Children -£4, All day ticket -£10EKR Enquiries: - (01304) 832042 (answer phone) Connex Enquiries: - (08457) 484950 |
By Car:- From the A2: Take the turning to Shepherdswell and continue down this road to the village. In the village you will pass a shop on your left and go over a railway bridge. Take the next turning left after this bridge signposted for the EKR. |
From the A256: Take the turning for Eythorne at the roundabout on the section between Eastry and Whitfield. Follow this road right through Eythorne, then take the right turn signposted for the EKR. |
Typical Sunday Connex service from London Victoria dep. 0805, 0835, 0935, 1035, 1105, 1205. Return service approximately hourly. Before travelling, please check with train enquiries at the telephone no. shown above for timetable changes or amendments (e.g. Sunday possessions/divertions etc.) |
| courtesy of "Streetmap.com" |
33065 : Currently being painted in grey undercoat and should receive repairs to its generator on Sat 15th September in readiness for the Gala weekend on 22/23 Sept.
33065 Started!! : Full report added 3/9/01
It's
been some 5 years since 33065 was started, having suffered burnt out wiring after a fault during charging of the batteries. Stopped in
September 1996 when at Stewarts Lane, we can now report the successful restarting of 33065 on Saturday 14th July when, at around 15.15,
the engine was turned and life returned once again to the 'Crompton' that carried the name "Sealion". An hour or so later after
elecrical checks, to the amazement of Group members and supporters gathered, she was also able to move under her own power with a few movements restricted to the sidings. After service trains finished, she was attached to 33063 to allow 065 to pull a load (76 tons) and have some security if all didn't go according to plan. This was, infact, the case, because as 065 pulled over the road crossing to the North of Shepherdswell, the power unit tripped out with 063 + 065 being brought to a stand on the Eythorne side of the crossing.
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Left, 33065 is started at around 15.15 hrs on Saturday 14th July 2001, belching forth all those deposits, cob webs, birds nests etc. accumulated over time - it is believed 33065 was last started in 1996 before the wiring burnt out during charging problems. Right, 33065 nearest with 33063 on the spur, both idling. 063 pushed 065 back into the siding for further checks to take place before an attempt was made to move 065 under her own power.
Below, prior to 33065 starting, SELG members and public alike gather at the end of Shepherdswell platform to witness the event.
There was some disappointment when 065 failed to restart so it was back to Shepherdswell with 063 providing the effort. The initial buzz derived from actually have two working 'Cromptons', albeit for a few hours, was enough to make us realise how fortunate we were at being able to get 065 this far, and tomorrow was another day.
On Sunday 15th July, further adjustments, battery charging and circuitry checks were undertaken and more faults identified. Again 33065 started and more tests performed. There is still some way to go before 065 can be deemed to be anything near reliable what with a list of defects still to be corrected.
With a repaint in the offering (will it be blue or 'Dutch'?) before the worst of the British Winter returns, a full story on the events of the weekend will be presented when photographs are returned from the developers, and the full magnetude of the achievements have sunk in.
The S.E.L.G. are planning a 'Crompton Gala' at the EKR on the weekend of 22/23 September 2001 with the attraction of experiencing two 330xx's. 33063 will operate a shuttle-type service from 10am to 4pm (Shepherdswell - Eythorne) with the resident 2EPB (certificated cab rides on 33063 at £10) while 33065 will be available for 'drive a Crompton', from Eythorne crossing to Wigmore Bridge and back - around £20 for the privilege. The last train on both days is intended to be top'n tail with the two Cromptons. That's the intention, all being well.
Check back on the website soon for further updates.
33063 in action! See you there!
Help on where Shepherdswell is located is on the Where/When page.
427 'The Buffs'
Our stalwart locomotive has provided sterling service to the EKR since
the head gasket work in July 2000. Recently receiving an oil filter and fuel filter change, 427 should continue to top'n tail the
normal service trains with the steam loco, 'Spitfire' and should also be in operation on some of the Gala trains in mid-July.
33063
Some electrical work has been carried out recently which involved the removal of the main generator inspection covers and brush assemblies. This was to facilitate the eradication of a nagging earthing fault. Some cleaning was undertaken whilst in the area which revealed undesirable conductive materials within, believed to be a contributary factor towards the recurring fault.
The traction motor blower has received attention as well as two of the traction motors themselves. Motors one and three have had covers removed and close attention paid to removing dirt and dust as a preventative maintainance measure. Completed with the motors in situ, it's not a job for the faint-hearted nor weak of arm. It is the intention to share this task as equally as possible amongst members as there is no great desire to attempt a second motor once someone has had a go! Any takers for 'two' and 'four'?
Further jobs planned are the renewal of the cab floors and ultra-sonic testing of the axles and bearings.
The cab floors were
usually changed on every visit to works, being constructed of wood/plywood and coverd in lino. There are inspection hatches for access
to the bogies. The new floors will be constructed in the same manner. It is estimated that the existing cab floors are in excess of
10 years old and are clearly showing signs of wear and tear.
It is intended for 33063 to be one of the locomotives to work several of the Gala trains at the EKR over the weekend of 14th & 15th July.
33065
Due to the inclement weather in the South East until relatively recently, the repainting has not advanced as much as hoped.
Electrical rewiring work has continued beneath the engineroom floor where there had been a small fire, damaging cables routed nearby.
Many of the loco's contactors have been removed, cleaned thoroughly and replaced.
The set of traction batteries currently carried are those taken out of 33063 after the initial, failed attempt to start 063 in May 2000. However, the set has enough capacity to drive some of 065's auxiliary equipment even though it cannot turn over the power unit. If all goes well, it may be possible to start 065 for the first time in some years, by jump starting from 063 during the Gala Weekend (14th & 15th July). A number of factors will dictate if this can be done so it's by no means certain it will be tried.
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click here to go to the 'How & Where' page ANSWERPHONE : 01304 83xxxx (info.only) |
Saturday 3rd Feb : saw 33 063 and 33 065 coupled together and a successful brake test completed (thus confirming that 33 065's brake equipment was OK!). This will now enable the two Class 33's to top and tail trains at EKR with 33 063 providing the power and where necessary braking completed by 33 065 when leading.
33 063 passed its air tank and pressure test at the 2nd attempt on Thursday 11th January 2001 so is therefore now certified for operational use again!
SELG Work Parties
Further work parties have been organised each month next year to structure work being carried out on our locomotives and coaches.
These work parties are open to Members and supporters only and will take place on the following Sundays next year, commencing at
10.00am at Shepherdswell;
25th February 2001 (follows AGM on 24th)
18th March 2001
22nd April 2001
20th May 2001
24th June 2001
Please note these work parties are for work on our locomotives/coaches only.
33063
The Work Weekend of 25/26 November 2000(see seperate page) was a great success with the locomotive receiving
a full oil and coolant/anti-freeze change. Through the dexterity of members, the difficult task of removing the air tanks for testing
and re-certification was successfully completed. The tanks would be certified on Friday 1st December and will allow 33063 to continue
operating trains next year.
The air tanks will now be tested under full pressure to test the emergency relief valves are functioning correctly and that all controls
work on 14th December. If 33 063 passes this inspection it is planned to operate the locomotive along with 'Spitfire' on the Santa
Specials on Saturday/Sunday 16th/17th December.
The opportunity was also taken to review the possibility of restoring the locomotive's ETH generator. However on close examination, it was discovered that the generator was in danger of 'shorting' which in turn would risk the main generator. The decision reluctantly therefore was taken not to proceed with the restoration. However, the good news is that the ETH generator on 33065 is more suitable so this may be an option so a member's hard work may not have been in vain.
Throughout the weekend it was evident that 33 063 had not escaped the recent months of appalling wet weather and the lack of covered accommodation resulted in the locomotive being extremely wet throughout. This water together with a period of inactivity led to several small problems in starting and operating the engine for some shunting on the Saturday afternoon (25/11). However, with the help of some appreciated 'Crompton' expertise, these electrical problems were overcome and repaired and the fine weather on Sunday 26/11 together with running 33 063 for several hours helped dry the locomotive out. As a direct result we are now considering covering the locomotive with a 'tent' style tarpaulin which would provide protection over the winter months but also allow ventilation to prevent condensation.
33065
A small number of dedicated members have commenced work on rubbing down the external bodywork and have completed a superb job on
the roof which is now in full undercoat. The radiators have also been drained for winter. Over the weekend of 25th/26th November,
an opportunity was taken to examine the electrical damage caused by a small fire in the locomotive's final months with EWS. After
removing the relevant engine room floor panels, the good news is that the damage is not particularly significant and should not
preclude operational restoration. Naturally, due to 063's rapid return of good looks and operational status, 065 has fallen in
the shadow somewhat, but to make amends, a picture page dedicated to 065 will appear soon.
SELG Workgroup for November 2000
A weekend of urgent maintenance is planned on the Group's locomotives. Jobs to be done on 25th/26th November include:
427 -
antifreeze change and some engine control adjustments.
33063 - engine oil change, coolant and antifreeze change, cleaning of ETH generator and preparations for air tank testing.
One of the Support coaches is also in need of attention due to ingress of water during the storms.
063 & 065 Painting Continues
After the successful Gala on the weekend of 15/16 July 2000, painting continued seeing
063 put into all over BR Blue when the 'missing' side was completed. Also, the roof has
just received a second coat. Data panels, TOPS numbers and BR copyrighted 'arrows' (except one) have been applied. The area
of body panel for one of the 'arrows' requires further attention to the paintwork. 33063 will next see action on the Bank Holiday
services, 28th August.
33065 has also been and will continue to receive, paintwork attention in an effort to afford protection againt the elements. Rubbing-down and filler are preceeding painting into Departmental Grey but a decision on its long term livery is unlikely until early Spring 2001.
GREAT NEWS!! 33063 IS A RUNNER
Today, Sunday 2nd July 2000, 33063 was brought back into life. With its new set of batteries fitted earlier in the week all the
anticipation is over. Having the last outstanding job done today, 70 litres of hydrostatic oil added for the cooling fans, 063
was started and successfully moved under its own power with no problems.
(PICTURES ON SEPARATE PAGE).
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 is 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.
The E.K.R.'s timetable over for the day, 33063 was given a chance to take the 2EPB a few extra miles beyond Eythorne and the limit of current passenger operations. As neither 063 or the 2EPB have had little chance to stretch their legs, they were taken towards Tilmanstone to make further tests and checks to round off a fantastic day for the S.E.L.G..
33063 will be rested next week whilst its B.R. Blue paint and yellow cab ends are applied (3 coats for a proper job) in readiness for the E.K.R. Gala Weekend on 15th & 16th July. Barring setbacks, 063 will be very much in evidence. See you there!?
Work Progress on 33063 (23/6/00)
The new set of batteries are due for delivery in the middle of w/c Mon. 26/6. A start-up will be organised as soon as it's practicle.
Work Progress on 33063 (3/6/00)
Battery problems on 063 meant it failed to start on 26/5/00 so a new set has been ordered. When put under load, some of the cells
could not deliver hence the new set. A second attempt to start her will be made towards the end of June. The new date will appear
here as soon as it's known.
On a brighter note, the use of our versatile 0-6-0 shunter, 427, to pump up the air tanks on 063 was very successful and what
little rotation was had on the power unit when starting was attempted, proved the suspected triple pump to be 'operational' and
not seized as originaly suspected.
The bodywork is still in primer/undercoat of dark grey with pale cream cab ends (GO TO PIC'S ON SEPARATE PAGE).
Work Progress on 33063 & 33065 (19/5/00)
On Friday 26th May 2000, it is the intention to start 33063 for the first time in approximately 2 years. The bodywork has been rubbed down
and filled where appropriate. The cab ends are already back into yellow. 063 will be repainted into 1970's B.R. Blue,
starting on the Bank holiday weekend at the end of May.
33065 is devoid of its snowploughs, 063 now in possession of a full set. Apart from having internal gutters cleaned to prevent rainwater problems in the engine room, no further work has been carried out to 065.
The target date to have 063 ready for operation remains mid-July.
Work Progress on 33063 (early May 2000)
Since the arrival mid-March at Shepherdswell, 063 has received a full assessment and rectification work identified and prioritised.
The batteries have been, and will continue to receive, close attention. A full set has been derived from the best cells tested on
both 063 and 065 although there may still be failures when put under load.
The bodywork is receiving attention with some detail to corrosion around windows. A full repaint will occur as soon as the rub-down is completed and the weather improves. At very little cost, 063 could be put into B.R. Blue. Coupled with the looming approach of the paint's shelf life means it must be used sooner rather than later.
065 has yeilded missing snowplough parts to 063.
The target date to have 063 ready for operation remains mid-July.
33063 + 33065 Moved to E.K.R.
The two recent acquisitions to the S.E.L.G.'s assets were moved from Rainham to Shepherdwell over the period 16th - 18th March 2000.
33063 was put onto the the low-loader on Thursday 16th, only being allowed to negotiate the M25 from 22.00 hrs, due to restrictions
on the motorway for loads of this size and weight. Off loading was performed on 17th March, while 33065 was loaded at Rainham. 065 was
the more awkward to load, being at an angle in the bus depot. It was delivered to Shepherdswell on Saturday 18th. Pics and more info
on the move will be available next month.
ON 1st MARCH 2000
As from 5th January 2000, the 'Class 33 locomotive Club' and
the '33046 Fund' became the 'South East Locomotive Group', a name that links together with our Company, 'South East Rail Limited'.
On 25th January 2000, the S.E.L.G. (South East Locomotive Group), purchased TWO Class 33 locomotives, numbers
33063 and 33065 to operate on the East Kent Railway, Kent. It is planned to have one of these locomotives working
on passenger trains at the Railway Gala Weekend in July of this year. The S.E.L.G.'s other locomotive, the Ruston + Hornsby 0-6-0 Diesel Hydraulic, No.427 'The Buffs' will gain a second
Military name on Saturday 25th March 2000. 'The Royal Engineers' naming ceremony will take place at Sheperdswell, Kent at 2pm.