History

The 98 Class 33 locomotives were built by Birmingham Carriage and Wagon Works (BRCW) between 1960 and 1962 at its Smethwick works. Destined for the Southern Region with the first locomotive allocated to Hither Green depot in South London, the whole fleet was fitted with Electric Train Supply (ETS) only which was something of a first for a fleet operating at the time; something which led to headaches within the operations department of BR (Southern) during the winter as they had the locomotives capable of heating a train but a lack coaching stock that could work with the new system. Upon renumbering as part of BR's reclassification scheme, the unmodified, standard Class 33 locomotives were given the 33/0 classification.

An experimental fitment of push-pull working took place to one locomotive to enable it to work remotely with southern region EMUs of the time, thus in the event of an electrical failure onboard the train could carry on to its destination. This was also seen as an advantage during planned power isolations enabling diversion onto non-electrified routes or running on diesel power when the power was isolated. The trial was a complete success and a batch of 19 locomotives were modififed with high level air pipes, rubbing plates and retractable buffers. Upon renumbering as part of BR's reclassification scheme, the locomotives modified for push pull operation were given the 33/1 classification.

At the time of signing the order, BR stipulated that the final batch of 12 locomotives must have a narrower profile for operation along the 'Hastings' route which had tighter clearances than the rest of the network. Thus, the final batch of Class 33s delivered were classified as Class 33/2.

Synonymous with passenger work on the Southern Region due to their ETS capabilities, the Class 33s led a pretty uneventful life and ownership passed to Mainline Freight and then EWS at privatisation. Popular for charters, the majority of the class ended their lives on freight duties working from Hither Green...except for 33025 and 33030 which were sent to Aberdeen for shunting duties and trip workings around the area! Engine defects saw their demise after just under a year working in Scotland. 

Current Duties

The versatility of these locomotives has endeared them to preservationists and main line operators alike, with FM Rail (formerly Fragonset), Direct Rail Services, West Coast Railway Co and South West Trains all using examples of the class in the last few years.

West Coast and FM Rail are, at the time of writing, the only operators with main line certified fleets (4 and 2 respectively) and these can be seen working charter trains operated by the two companies'.

Last Updated 23-12-2005