News from HDL

Unit 1001’s status

Last updated on 4 September 2023

Unit 1001 is based at St. Leonards depot. Its formation at the depot is [correct as at 4 September 2023]:
[Ashford end] 60116 Mountfield + 60119 – 60529 – 70262 – 69337 – 60528 – 60118 Tunbridge Wells [Bexhill end]

Our train has seven active vehicles re-certified for main-line use, including the CEP coach and Buffet car. See our Fleet list for full details.

The restoration of 60119 our fourth motor coach is completed! It has been re-certified for main-line running, following its inspection on Monday 24 April 2023. This vehicle finally carried fare-paying passengers on 3 September 2023, the first such occasion for around 35 years!

The restoration of trailer coach 60528 is completed! It has been re-certified for main-line running and was marshalled into our train on Monday 17 April 2023, in place of 60501 which is now stopped for maintenance.

During autumn 2022, our train has also been retro-fitted with Controlled Emission Toilet equipment so that its toilets no longer discharge onto the track.

Please visit the DEMU Diary to see our train’s recent activities, as well as a record of its many workings on the main line since March 2003. See also the HDL Railtour archive.