new Southern Electric Group logo

Thumper Visits the Bluebell Railway

1001 cresting Freshfield Bank on 25th September 2015

photographs by Chris Livings

Having several years ago, on a members' vote, declined to provide a home for a Southern DEMU, September 25th 2015 finally saw a visit of a Thumper to the Bluebell Railway. Hastings Diesel's 1001 was on a private charter for a very special occasion indeed - to celebrate the retirement of Southern Railway's long serving Controller John Atkinson. John has long been a very good friend of the Bluebell Railway, Hastings Diesels and this group, not to mention the enormous amount of unit data he has provided to enthusiasts. Congratulations John and best wishes for a long and happy retirement!

(above) 1001 cresting Freshfield Bank
(below) 1001 entering platform 3 at Horsted Keynes

1001 entering platform 3 at Horsted Keynes on 25th September 2015