Class 201 Thumper 1001 on “The Surrey Hills Surprise” & Class 37 test train at Tonbridge | 06/01/23

A busy morning at Tonbridge Station saw variety of freight including a class 37 test train in addition to the Hastings Diesels class 201 thumper! Originally, the plan was to get a shot of the 37 and DEMU side by side although this was no longer possible due to the late running of the test train. However, the service made an unexpected stop at Tonbridge West Yard, allowing me to overtake it and see it once again at Leigh! Enjoy!

[@duckie32x]

66794 is hauling empty aviation fuel tanks from Colnbrook (near Heathrow) to Grain. It will use the Medway Valley line from Paddock Wood, via Maidstone West. When loaded, the train can weigh 2,000 tonnes.

[@thetrainguy2024]

👍

[@josephinebennington7247]

I seem to recall that the Surrey Surprise train was used as a relief train when the long Strood Tunnels (Kent) occasionally flooded, as they didn’t need the third rail.

[@thetrainguy2024]

Oh wow thanks for sharing never knew that

[@basictraincontent]

Nice capture. I caught the DEMU 1001 at Chilworth. Such a coincidence that the 66794 was on a freight service when it was on 'The Chessy Ned' railtour a few months ago

[@thetrainguy2024]

Thanks! I was hoping to get the 37 and DEMU next to each other if the timings had worked out!

[@FredWilbury]

Nice thumper ,worked on these at Eastleigh works ,thanks for sharing. Fred

[@thetrainguy2024]

Oh nice! No problem! 👍

[@barrythedieselelectricstea5217]

excellent shots 👍didn't get any of it just to many there I've missed the test train twice yesterday and now today

[@thetrainguy2024]

Thank you! 👍 Oh no sorry to hear that!

[@markcf83]

Loving the retro livery on the Class 66.

[@thetrainguy2024]

Same!

[@michaelsandford1015]

great filming

[@thetrainguy2024]

Thank you! 👍

[@scottieboythetrainspotterf8587]

Nice video at leigh station of the 37

[@thetrainguy2024]

Thank you only just made it!

[@Hillsyhooplayz]

What was the test train headcode?

[@thetrainguy2024]

3Q41 from dollands moor to derby

[@Hillsyhooplayz]

@@thetrainguy2024 aww ok

[@Hillsyhooplayz]

@@thetrainguy2024 any test trains coming soon?

[@thetrainguy2024]

@@Hillsyhooplayz next one is week beginning 15th january

[@Hillsyhooplayz]

@@thetrainguy2024 wheres it heading?

[@PSYCHIC_PSYCHO]

Why do Class 37s sound like a rapid succession of farts?

[@thetrainguy2024]

Not sure 😂

[@delticnapierdccsound4236]

MEINE LORDZ 🔥

[@thetrainguy2024]

Was mega 🔥