Spa Valley Railway

Spa Valley Railway, West Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QY
Telephone: 01892 537715
Email spavalleyrailway@email.com

(Photo ©M. Dives)

BR Class 207 DEMU 207017 (Previously 1317)
Nos. 60142 & 60916

BR Eastleigh - Built 1962
British Railways, Eastleigh, England
Engines - English Electric 4SRKT 600hp diesel
Weight - DMBS 56 Tons, DTS 32 Tons

A 2-car diesel electric multiple unit constructed as a 3-car in 1962 at British Railways’ Eastleigh works. The 19 ‘Oxted’ units were built to run on the routes between London , Tonbridge (via Tunbridge Wells), Three Bridges , East Grinstead , Brighton and Eastbourne . Due to the restrictions imposed by tunnels in the Tunbridge Wells area the units were given a narrowed body width of 8 feet 6 inches. The Oxted units differed in appearance from other DEMU’s of that period by the rounded steel-reinforced fibreglass cab ends. The distinctive sounding English Electric engine given to all Southern Region DEMU’s resulted in the affectionate name of "Thumpers".

The unit spent much of its working life running over the Tunbridge Wells West to Eridge line. Paired with unit 1311 it provided the shuttle service over the line on the last day of passenger services, 6^th July 1985. 1317 was retired from the national rail network in March 2004, and following a power unit replacement it was handed over to the Spa Valley Railway by Porterbrook in mid September. The unit ran within the confines of the yard at Tunbridge Wells West shortly after arrival. It has since operated a few services on the railway, although it will not be in general service until restoration is complete.

In May 2005, the Hampshire and Sussex Units Preservation Society donated 207017's original centre coach 60616 to the Spa Valley Railway. Purchased by the group in 1999, it underwent some restoration prior to being donated. The coach is currently being fully restored off-site and will join the rest of the unit upon completion of the work. When it does, it will form the only 3-car Oxted Unit in preservation.

A support group has been set up to look after the restoration and running of this unit. For more details please contact the group through email at oxted1317@spavalleyrailway.co.uk or visit the group's webpage by clicking on the link provided here.

Livery - South Central white and yellow

Current Status - Both coaches are currently undergoing restoration

Above Left:- 207017 in April 1995. Above Right:- 1317 stands at Tunbridge Wells West on the last day of services on the 6th July 1985 - Both photos © J. Nye

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