Class 37 and class 03 depart Epping Ongar Railway for the final time12th December 2024

37029

Popular class 37 diesel locomotive, D6729 (37029), has left the Epping Ongar Railway following its recent sale. A regular performer for more than 10 years and a favourite with our volunteer diesel crews, the locomotive was stopped in 2022 due to requiring some repair work. A subsequent review of the locomotive fleet led to it being made available for sale.

Being formerly based at Stratford depot in London it was truly a “local” machine.

Managing Director, Wesley Tierney, said “Following a review of future requirements for diesel traction and noting the planned return of class 25, D7523 and the return to traffic of class 45, 45132, both expected in the near future, together with a requirement for locomotives to provide electric heat during winter months, it was unlikely that repairs to D6729 would be justified had it remained at the Railway. It was therefore offered for sale”.

Following inspection by several interested parties, the locomotive left the Railway for its new home at Blaenavon’s Heritage Railway in South Wales on the afternoon of 11 December.

03119

Class 03 shunting locomotive, 03119, has also moved on. The locomotive has been on the railway since before its reopening and was a stalwart on works trains assisting with the reopening effort in 2012.

A rare survivor in preservation with a “cut down” cab due to clearance required under bridges on the branch line it was used on in British Rail days in Kidwelly, South Wales, it saw regular use in the years from 2012 both assisting our first passenger services that year and, later, on engineering and maintenance trains. Subsequently taken out of service awaiting significant repair work it has been sold to another heritage organisation.

31438

The Railway can also announce that class 31 locomotive, 31438, which has been sidelined for much of 2024 is due to receive an overhaul by an external contractor during 2025 and is expected to be back in service in time for the Railway’s busy winter season.

Spring Diesel Gala

In a change from recent years, the Railway will hold its three-day diesel gala at the end of April in 2025, rather than in September. The event from 25 to 27 April will feature visiting class 50 locomotive, 50021 “Rodney” which has remained at North Weald over Winter following its appearance at the last diesel gala in September 2024. It will be joined by 03170, 08114, 20227 and 47635, together with further visiting locomotives to be announced. It is hoped that class 205 diesel electric multiple unit, 205205, will have returned from overhaul in time for the event.

In the run up to the gala, the Railway will be offering driver experience sessions with the class 50 locomotive, and further details of this and the gala will be announced shortly.