Class 73s

Class 73s

Built in the 1960s, the Class 73s were primarily used on the Southern Region, owing to their ability to operate from either a diesel engine or third rail. Until the recent introduction of the Class 88s, they were unique in their electro-diesel ability. The initial 73s were either 73/0 or 73/1, depending on production run, and a select few were used on services to Gatwick in the 1980s and reclassified as 73/2s. The last sub-class was the 73/9s, which were converted by GB Railfreight and given new engines.

The Class 73s have never been the best-looking machines on the railway (some even nicknamed them ‘shoeboxes’), but the years of service these workhorses have provided cannot be faulted. As the 73/9s continue to find work around the UK, it seems they may be part of the railway scene for a long while to come. With more than 220 images, this book shows off all the sub-classes of the 73s.

Available: NOW

ISBN: 978 1 80282 544 2

Price: £15.99

Series: Britain’s Railways Series, vol 41

Format: Paperback, 96 pages

Author: Mark V. Pike