Dual Power on the Rails: A Look at the Class 73 Locomotive
Developed to combine the strengths of electric traction with the flexibility of diesel, the first prototype, E6001 (later renumbered 73001), entered service in 1962.
Even today, Class 73s remain in use thanks to their unique versatility, with several still operating in Kent, Sussex, and even parts of Scotland.
These short clips capture the locomotives in action around South London during the early 1990s.
Special thanks to Roger G. Howard for providing this material.
This video provides a brief overview of the Class 73 electro-diesel locomotives, which were operated by British Rail’s Southern Region. Designed to operate on both third-rail electric and diesel power, these versatile engines were particularly useful on routes with incomplete electrification. The footage captures Class 73s in action around South London during the early 1990s, highlighting their continued use well into the late 20th century. While specific locations and headcodes are not included in the metadata, the video offers insight into the historical significance of this locomotive type.
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