The "Electric Blue-Bird" 12-04-08

After the departure of The Golden Arrow, GB Railfreight ran a special train, consisting of three of their class 73 electro-diesels, down the Folkestone Harbour branch. The special started from Hoo Junction and was run so that a cab ride video of the line could be filmed. The locos went right through the harbour station and as far down the branch as it is possible to go, before performing a noisy run-past across the harbour bridge. There then followed all the usual ceremony associated with the closure of a branch line, wreathes, a coffin, black flags and the taking of many photos. Finally, with more detonators scaring the c**p out of the seagulls (literally no doubt) the locos departed for Hoo Junction, bringing to an end a sad but memorable occasion and 164 years of history.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Blue-Bird
• Folkestone

[andyg3]

Isnt there hope yet for the branch?

I heard somthing about it was going to be used again???

[1Z64]

I don't know what the long term future holds for the branch but VSOE have used it several times since this farewell was taken, and on the 24th of January Past-Time Rail plan to take Tangmere there again.

[stuartthegrant]

Well put me down for a copy please

[1Z64]

The official cab-ride video (which is nothing to do with me) is called Harbour lights and is produced by Locomaster Profiles. It is available from all good transport video stockists.

[pete4468]

They are running on the juice here, aren't they?

[1Z64]

No, they're all running on diesel power. The supply to the branch was turned off some time ago, although all the staff connected with this train were carefully stepping over the live rail, force of habit presumably.

[cornettoman6]

@andyg3 i think somone is goin to preserve the line thats what it says on wiki, if you can trust wiki :/

[chrisr19897]

I must say that I travelled from Folkestone Harbour station on the British Pullman to London Victoria at the end of July/early August. I was incredibly annoyed at the poor state of the station considering it was still being used for excursion traffic, surely they could have at least tidied it up a bit and given it a lick of paint

[HSTHoward]

hopefully

[1Z64]

So far I've only seen a DVD mentioned once on an internet forum but I assume that if there is one, it will be advertised in the railway press.