73133 "The Bluebell Railway" Restoration

by Paul Auckland in Uckfield, East Sussex, United Kingdom

Total raised £2,060

raised so far

43

supporters

To provide a southern era Electro Diesel Loco (EDL) for operation on preserved railway lines, being based at the Bluebell Railway, Sussex.

by Paul Auckland in Uckfield, East Sussex, United Kingdom

We're still collecting donations

On the 26th February 2023 we'd raised £1,750 with 42 supporters in 66 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.

My vision is to restore the locomotive to operational condition for use on preserved railway lines. The loco has been well looked after over time, but like anything old, it needs work on it now. Specifically, it needs body work attention, some repairs and maintenance and you will see from the photos a new coat of paint. Nothing is especially cheap nor easy but with this loco it is ideally placed to be worked upon by a main locomotive works. This means for the loco uniquely right now there is an opportunity to make rapid progress and expertly restore the loco so it can provide, I hope decades of reliable use. 

I have a the slot for work to take place on the loco, and some of my own funding. Through this crowd funding anyone can make a contribution who wants to see an EDL restored and put into preservation and based at the Bluebell Railway. All funds donated here will be spent on restoring this loco. As ever there are a range of things to do which will all benefit the loco. These include potential work on the engine, ultrasonic testing of axles, air tanks survey, cab floor repairs, bodywork, tarpaulin cover, silencer fabrication, nameplates and crests, cab work, as examples.

The facebook group will keep people who donate updated on progress. This is a project by a private individual and is not fund raising directly for the Bluebell Railway, but will indirectly benefit the Bluebell Railway through having a useful locomotive at the end of the project.

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Rewards

This project offered rewards

£1 or more

Ride behind a working locomotive you made possible

Anyone who donates to this project will be able to ride behind 73133 when in normal operation. The loco is expected to be used from as soon as Spring 2023 onwards on passenger trains. Tickets to ride or using member benefits of the Bluebell Railway Preservation society will be required to ride behind the locomotive. It is hoped to run a "launch" train for passengers. This reward is subject to operational requirements.

£99 or more

Join the first operated train for supporters

Be part of supporting the return to service in preservation of 73133 "The Bluebell Railway" and be one of the first to join the supporters passenger train. You will travel in one of the Bluebell Railway's award winning fleet of preserved vehicles as part of the first supporters round trip. The aim is to have future supporters events as well for you to access. Actual date will depend on operational circumstances.

£1,000 or more

Guided tour of locomotive and the work done on it

When the locomotive is restored, supporters will be invited to attend in a small group to review the work done and discuss the plans for the locomotive's operation.

£2,500 or more

Guided tour and locomotive ride when operational

When the loco is running subject to the duty crew's agreement a ride on the locomotive will be arranged, along with a guided tour of the loco to see first hand all the work that has been done to restore the locomotive.

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