Hastings DEMU 1001 goes to Folkestone Harbour

Sunday 21st December 2008 saw Hastings DEMU 1001 operate its first public tour, in over three years. The Green Thumper, formed mainly of class 201/202 DEMU vehicles, worked a 'Christmas Onward Tour', which was organised by Hastings Diesels Limited (the owners of 1001) and The Remembrance Line Association Limited, who are campaigning to save the Folkestone Harbour branch.

The tour originated at Hastings, picking up passengers at Battle, Etchingham, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and London Victoria. After arriving at Victoria 30 minutes early, giving passengers more time to stretch their legs and take pictures of the train, the Thumper continued on its journey, running fast down to Folkestone Harbour via the Maidstone East line.

A shuttle trip was organised from Folkestone Harbour station, up to Folkestone East Sidings and back. The trip gave local residents and enthusiasts a chance to ride on the superbly restored DEMU. The shuttle trip also gave those on the main tour a chance to see the unit tackle the 1 in 30 gradient from the lineside.

The return journey to London Victoria and Hastings was the same as the outward. Even the 25-30 minute early arrival at Victoria was the same the outward!

Enjoy the video!

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• HDL
• 1001
• DEMU
• Thumper
• 6S
• 6L

[Bobcatonline]

Looks like a great day out well covered with your video. 5*

[21C123]

It was a superb day out! Thanks for your comment Bob.

[mikesndbs]

Ah so real trains do still get on the network!

Great to see and hear

[21C123]

They do indeed.

[ValentaLamenter]

Excellent sound on the branch there mate. Thanks for sharing.

[21C123]

Thanks for the comment mate, was looking forward to the sound of the thumper going up the branch.

[611unterscharfuhrer]

Get rid of the normal gauge coach, it looks pants

[mekydro]

solid thrash up the branch - superb thumping

[WrongRoadRailways]

Sheringham Crabber is tomorrow. I hope to film this unit through Cambridge!

[stuartthegrant]

Just found this tonight. Great film 5*s.

[sidney001]

Great to hear that once familiar sound again, Thanks for posting

[RG430]

Excellent Craig!

[dauntz88]

Wouldn't it be great if this line was preserved. 1) as rememberance for the enourmous role it played in both world wars, and 2) it is the perfect candidate to be the first electrified heritage railway.

It would be amazing to see a preserved CEP, CIG or even SEG 4-COR, in "Series Only" mode, and takeling that climb.

I hope to God this line is saved and preserved. It would be great to see genuine Southern Region Mark 1 EMUs working a genuine Southern Region line.

Get writing to your MP foks NOW

[gtaftw2]

Unfortunately the branch officially closed as of March 20. But I think Im right in saying the station and viaduct can't be demolished because it is listed, and I think a preservation group wants to buy it. I hope so anyway. Wouldn't be right to let one of the last operable harbour branches close. Awesome video, nice.

[Electricfox]

You thought you had it bad, apparently over at Tunbridge Wells West they used to leave the 205s and 207s idling overnight in the sidings in winter. The local residents were not amused ;)