Class 73

The British Rail Class 73 is a British electro-diesel locomotive. The type is unusual in that it can operate from the Southern Region's 650/750 V DC third-rail or an on-board diesel engine to allow it to operate on non-electrified routes. This makes it very versatile, although the diesel engine produces less power than is available from the third-rail supply so the locomotives rarely stray from the former Southern Region of British Rail. Following the withdrawal and scrapping of the more powerful Class 74 electro-diesels in 1977, the Class 73 was unique on the British railway network until the introduction of the Class 88 electro-diesels in 2017. Ten locomotives have been scrapped.

Accidents and Incidents

 * On 26 April 1968, locomotive E6023 was derailed at Early, Berkshire when a set of points were moved by mistake.undefined
 * On 8 January 1972, locomotive E6027 collided with 4-BEP no 7004 at Horsham, injuring 15.undefined
 * On 12 October 1972, locomotive E6001 was hauling a freight train that ran into the rear of a passenger train at Wimbledon, London due to inattentiveness on the part of the driver. Twelve people were injured.undefined
 * On 16 January 1982, 73 115 was hauling a departmental train which overran signals and ran into the rear of a parcels train at East Croydon.undefined The severely damaged locomotive was withdrawn and subsequently scrapped.undefined Locomotive 73 006 was hauling the parcels train that was run into.undefined