| Built: | 1960 BRCW | |
| No DEL 117 | ||
| Traction Type: | Diesel-Electric | |
| Equipment: | Crompton Parkinson | |
| Power Unit: | Sulzer 8LDA28 | |
| Power Output: | 1,550 HP | |
| Max Speed: | 85 MPH |
| Train Brakes: | Vacuum and Air | |
| Train Heating: | Electric (ETH) | |
| Weight: | 73 Tons | |
| Length: | 50' 9" | |
| Height: | 12' 9½" | |
| Width: | 8' 10" |
33109 is one of two 33/1's at the ELR (the other being 33117). Nicknamed 'Bagpipes' due to the additional air pipework on the front, a total of 19 class 33/1's were adapted from 33/0's to include buckeye couplers with '3rd buffer', high level air pipes and control system modifications so that they could push or pull EMU sets on the Southern Region of British Railways, providing diesel traction where no 3rd Rail electric was available, most notably on Weymouth Harbour Tramway. More details can be found in the Fleet Profile PDF.
33109 was stored at Crewe for some time following the demise of the Fragonset company but was secured by a group from the ELR. The locomotive is named 'Captain Bill Smith RNR' and a photo of the plaque explaining his story can be seen below in the gallery.
Following remedial work on arrival at the ELR, 'Captain Bill' was returned to traffic on the 2nd of February 2008 performing a loaded test run pulling D335 and 47402 from Bury to Heywood and return then, later in the day, piloting D5054 on the regular diesel diagram.
Currently running in BR Blue with white window surrounds, 33109 is operational and a useful loco to the ELR. 2013 saw visits to both the Mid Hants and GCR(N) for Gala appearances, notably running at the MHR as Push-Pull with 4-VEP, 423417.
In 2015 Captain Bill made a visit to the Nene Valley Railway for their Diesel Gala over the 11th and 12th of April along with 50015 Valiant
July 2016 saw 33109 visit the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway for their diesel gala along with 40106 and 40135
A more detailed fleet profile
can be downloaded below:
Adobe PDF format
There are a wide range of events at the East Lancashire Railway ranging from Family and Education, Re-enactments, Sci-Fi, Transport and Collector's Fairs.
Selected events are shown below. See the ELR Website for the full event schedule including Family Events.
| Event | Date(s) |
|---|---|
|
Railway 200 'Open House'
Haulage opportunities between Bury and Summerseat with MSC 4002, 11506 (D2956), D2062, 08164, 13594 (08479) and 09024 with Steam LMS Pug 19 (11243) and Barclay 1969 'Jane Derbyshire'. Diesel fleet locos 40012, 50015 and 56006 on display. |
Saturday 18th January |
|
Winter Diesel Day
Featuring 33109, 37109, 40012, 45108, 47765 and 50015 with Class 105, Class 122 and 144009 plus Shunters 11506 (D2956), D2062, 09024 and MSC 4002 33109 Captain Bill Smith RNR's last running day before retirement for overhaul and refurbishment. |
Saturday 8th February |
| Legends of Steam | Friday 14th to Sunday 16th March |
| Day Out with Thomas | Saturday 3rd to Monday 5th May |
| Summer Diesel Gala | Thursday 3rd to Sunday 6th July |
| Day Out with Thomas | Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August |
| Day Out with Thomas | Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October |
| Autumn Steam Gala | Friday 17th to Sunday 19th October |
| DMU Gala | Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th November |
All events subject to availability
While every effort will be made to ensure events take place as advertised, rostered locos or units are available
and running to the advertised timetable, the ELR reserves the right to cancel or terminate without prior notice.
