Basingstoke to Weymouth Quay 1976

[overtonchris]

Hi Folks. I've got a (distant) memory of taking a train from Basingstoke to Weymouth Quay in 1976 prior to a sea trip to the Channel Islands. I seem to remember it was a Class 74 to Bournemouth....then a Loco change to a 33 for the remainder. Would this have been the normal run of things back then? If so, why didn't the 74 just switch to Diesel and be done with it???!! Probably a stupid question, and I'm guessing Route Availability comes into it - but I'd like to know! Thanks in advance.

 

[eastwestdivide]

Yes, pretty normal, although 73s also possible on the Waterloo end of things.
Two possible reasons
- the 74 wasn't that powerful on diesel (the 3rd rail only went as far as the Bournemouth area back then), and there are some stiff gradients on the Weymouth line, especially with 10+ Mk1s in tow.
- and also, I think the 33/1s were fitted with an adaptor for a flashing light for the quay line.
You were lucky to get a 74 though - they were a bit unreliable.

 

[overtonchris]

Thank You for your reply. The 74s are a distant memory to me as I only started spotting in 1975 - and they were all dead within a couple of years! I know you are totally right re the 33/1s......they did have the flashing light ability along with all those god-awful black pipes for push and pull use with emus!

.....suffered them at Worting, Hants for years before they were withdrawn. Would be glad to have them back now though!!!!