975025 - In Profile
Photos courtesy of MB
975025 + 33103 shortly after arrival at Derby RTC 11th May 2006.
In view of the considerable amount of times 33103 works with inspection saloon 975025 here is a profile of the vehicle.
Built in 1958 to British Rail Lot Number 30393 (frames built at Ashford, body built at Eastleigh) as S60755 the vehicle was originally part of a "Hastings" '6B' Diesel Electric Multiple Unit designated TRB (trailer restaurant buffet). By around 1978 the vehicle had transferred to departmental stock numbered 975025 following conversion to the Southern Region General Manager's saloon. In this guise it was outshopped in British Rail blue/grey livery with double arrow symbols at each end.
Driving positions were fitted to either end of the vehicle along with control gear to make it fully compatible with Classes 33/1 and 73 locomotives along with most Southern Region Electric Multiple Units of that era.
After the Royal Wedding of 1981 Princess Diana and Prince Charles left London by train on the way to their honeymoon. That train was in fact 975025. It was displayed at Eastleigh open day in 1983. By 1991 Network South-East livery had been applied
By 1999 the vehicle became disused before being moved by road to Derby where it was overhauled by Fragonset Railways and returned to use with Network Rail. The vehicle carries the name 'Caroline'.