R. J. Mitchell

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

Naming of 33063 'R. J. Mitchell' - Designer of the Spitfire - 3rd September 2005

Following a major body overhaul lasting 6 months, 33063 was unveiled to the public on the 3rd September in its' new 3 tone grey Construction livery. In front a gathered crowd, the Deputy Lieutenant of Kent named the locomotive 'R. J. Mitchell', after the designer of the Spitfire, followed closely after by a Spitfire flypast.

The day featured diesel haulage, including a luncheon special for invited guests before the naming ceremony, which featured the Wadhurst Brass Band. Guests also had the opportunity to visit the cab of LMS Jinty which was in light steam in the yard.

Plenty of work was carried out on the engine in the week leading up to the naming. A few photos are included here. All photos © M. Dives unless otherwise stated.

Above Left:- The first set of nameplates are attached to the locomotive in the week before the event.
Above Right:- The Construction logo attached to one side of 33063, two days before the naming. The windows were yet to be fitted, being left until 1am on the 3rd September!

Above Left:- 33063 sits outside the shed at Tunbridge Wells on the morning of its' naming.
Above Right:- Jinty 47493 was available for footplate visits in light steam.
Below Left:- 33063 with the curtain hiding the nameplates.
Below Right:- SVR Chairman Jon Nye begins proceedings for the naming.

Above Left:- SELG Secretary Chris Smith, whose idea it was to name 33063 after R.J. Mitchell, says a few words about the man himself and from former Spitfire pilot Bob Doe, who could not attend the naming.
Above Right:- David Orchard, whose concept it was to name some of the Class 33 after a Spitfire theme during the early 90s, gives a few words on the reasons for his choice. David was a driver at Eastleigh at the time and his idea was chosen as a result of a competition.
Below Left:- The Mayoress of Tunbridge Wells, a guest on the day, says a few words.
Below Right:- The Deputy Lieutenant of Kent unveils the nameplates to the gathered crowd.

Above:- The Deputy Lieutenant of Kent unveils the name 'R. J. Mitchell', newly applied to 33063 to the waiting crowd - Photo D. Staines

Above Left and Right:- The Spitfire flypast. The aircraft made three flypasts, on the final one flying above 33065 'Sealion', which was returning on with a passenger train.
Below Left:- From left to right: SVR Chairman Jon Nye, SELG Chairman Ian Shonhard, SELG Secretary Chris Smith, The Mayoress of Tunbridge Wells Councilor Mrs Paulson-Ellis, The Deputy Lieutenant of Kent Group Captain Patrick Tootal OBE DL RAF (Retr'd), Mrs Tootal and Mr Paulson-Ellis.
Below Right:- A special headboard was produced by Mike Pease, depicting R.J. Mitchell in the middle and some of his aircraft designs, including the Spitfire. It is believed that this is now above the SELG's secretary's bed for safe keeping!!

Above Left:- The nameplate in all it's glory. The above plate was a shedplate for Eastleigh which was the Spitfire.
Above Right:- The Wadhurst Brass Band attended and entertained the gathered crowd with some 40s style tunes.
Below Left and Right:- SELG Chairman Ian Shonhard and Secretary Chris Smith stand with the headboard, attached to 33063, shortly after the naming.

Above Left:- 33063 with headboard reverses onto its' first train following overhaul and repaint.
Above Right:- 33063 departs Tunbridge Wells West with its first train.