Class 73 locomotive arrives at the Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway

Class 73 locomotive, No. 73130 has been moved to the Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway after travelling from its previous home of the Coulsdon Old Vehicle and Engineering Society at Bicester.

The locomotive has been purchased by a new company, 73130 Ltd, which is aiming to own, restore and operate the locomotive.

73130 Ltd has been formed and funded by both members of the LMMR and Class 73 enthusiasts who have come together to create a new venture.

One of the latter type of members is Peter De Lacey who worked on 73 130 when it was owned by European Passenger Services, operators of the cross channel high speed rail service, he said: ‘Having worked with this loco for over 40 (years on and off) it's great to be reacquainted with it. My last contact was when it was one of two rescue locos, along with 73 118, purchased by European Passenger Services and I conducted driver training with it for the EPS train crew. We would use both locos to haul a Eurostar set from Waterloo to Dollands Moor.'

The project came together when it became apparent that COVES were moving from their Bicester site and were disposing of their heritage railway collection.

Mark Thomas, a director of the L&MMR, said: ‘The arrival of Class 73 locomotive to the Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway is a significant moment in the history of the project. Such a versatile and economical locomotive will play a vital role in the continuing development of the railway and in achieving the short, medium and long term aims of the project. The LMMR is delighted to be a part of this new organisation as am I personally.'

Whilst the LMMR are full supportive of the project, they have said that the project will be run independently and will be self funding.

L&MMR Director and Press Officer, David Mee said: ‘The Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway are delighted to welcome 73 130 to its new home. It will no doubt prove a huge asset, both as an attraction in its own right, and in support of infrastructure projects as we plan to extend the line.'

The next few months will be spent putting the locomotive through safety checks and remdial work with the hope it can operate on the Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway in 2023.

In the longer term, it is hoped that the locomotive can be made available for hire to other railways to appear at galas and other events.

Mark Thomas said: ‘We also hope that the loco can become a roaming ambassador for the railway and represent us around the UK'

Peter De Lacey, who has engineering experience was one of those who carried out the inspection, he said, ‘I arranged with a colleague (who has worked for many years maintaining Class 73s) to carry out an inspection of it prior to purchase. It was found to be in pretty good condition. Yes, there are a few things that need attention, but driving it up and down, it made all the right noises I have been accustomed to throughout my railway career and – more importantly – didn't make any unusual noises. There did not appear to be any major work needed on it. Some spare parts are available, but it would be prudent to obtain others.'

73130 Ltd has said that it is their intention to keep the locomotive in the condition it is in now with its Scharfenberg coupling adapters which allow it to couple to Eurostar trains and will retain the two-tone grey Eurostar livery.

The L&MMR railway is to hold a static open day at their Cynheidre site on Saturday November 26th where the new arrival will take centre stage and be on display for the first time. This will be a free admission event but no train rides will be on offer to visitors.