DR73202 Plasser and Theurer Universal Liner/Tamper
DR73202 Plasser and Theurer 07-16 Universal Liner/Tamper is a type of self-propelled track maintenance machine developed to carry out day-to-day track maintenance work previously carried out by large numbers of plate-laying gangs. It combines the functions of Tamping (lifting sleepers to the correct level) and Lining (adjusting the alignment of rails).[1]
DR73202 was built in 1973 as works number 1041, and allocated BR Departmental number DB965957.[2] It was initially allocated to the London Midland Region[3] In 1985 it was in use in the Birmingham area.[2]
Use on the SVR
OnTrackPlant.com recorded this machine as owned by B&R Track Services. It was first noted at the SVR in 2003 after which time it made various return visits. After 2011 it was effectively resident on the SVR and regularly stabled at Highley as seen in the top photograph from 2015. It also made occasional brief visits to other railways.[4] It was in use at the SVR on 12-13 June 2019[5] and again on 23 July 2019, on the latter occasion to tamp a section of track between Highley and Hampton Loade following repairs resulting from the derailment of 75069 by a fallen tree. Although notionally self-propelled, the second picture shows it returning to Highley being propelled by BR Class 37 37688 Great Rocks.
In July 2020 it was reported "DR73202 is getting very tired and it has been decided to retire it as it is becoming unreliable. It will be leaving the SVR shortly and will be used as a donor of parts for other tampers".[6] In the same month DR73309 Plasser & Theurer 07-275 Switch & Crossing Tamper arrived on hire as its replacement.
In August 2020 DR73292 moved to Bridgnorth, awaiting disposal. It subsequently moved to the Churnet Valley Railway where it was first seen in October 2020.[7]
Since 2014, other rolling stock visiting the SVR has included other Plasser and Theurer Switch and Crossing Tampers such as DR73309 and DR73903.
See also
References
- ↑ Larkin Vol 2 (2012) p.41.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Roger Butcher, ‘Track Machines, Second Edition’ (1985)
- ↑ Larkin Vol 2 (2012) p.41.
- ↑ Photos on OntrackPlant.Com
- ↑ Davies, M., SVR Unofficial Facebook, 12 June 2019
- ↑ Bob Foster, Unofficial SVR Facebook, 31 July 2020
- ↑ Sightings on OnTrackPlant.com