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33117/D6536
Status: Heavy Overhaul/Bodywork Repairs
Livery: BR Blue
Running Number: D6536
Built: 1960 BRCW
No DEL 128
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"
Built by Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company (BRCW) in 1960, 33117 is one of two 33/1's at the ELR (the other being 33109). 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.

33117 has been a long standing member of the ELR Diesel Loco fleet and a useful machine to the railway with ETH capability. 33117 was withdrawn from service early 2006 for a heavy overhaul to begin including power unit maintenance and a partial cab rebuild.

33117 is currently stored under cover and work is ongoing. For reasons unknown at the time of writing, but clearly for hilarity, the loco has been adorned with 'ETHEL 4' above its running number. Hopefully it will be able to do more than just heat carriages in the not too distant future though!

ELR Events

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.

Event Date(s)
Day Out with Thomas Saturday 1st and
Sunday 2nd October
An Evening with John Cameron at Bury Transport Museum (includes meal) Friday Evening 14th October
Autumn Steam Gala Friday 14th, Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th October
DMU Weekend Saturday 12th and
Sunday 13th November

Covid Safety
Whilst Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted, the ELR encourage passengers observe sensible social distancing precautions. See the ELR Website for the latest details.

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.

ELR Website
Check out the ELR Website for the full event schedule.
The East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society was formed in 1966 and has always been a driving force behind everything we have achieved. Why not become a member and help support the ELRPS, click to find out more.