Withdrawal and Preservation
The last Brighton Belle train ran on 30 April 1972, and the three 5BEL units were withdrawn. However all fifteen cars were sold into private ownership, though no unit was kept together as a single entity. Instead they have been split up and each vehicle is used as an individual Pullman car, not all in railway use however. A number have been returned to service on the main line with the Venice-Simplon Orient Express (VSOE), forming the British Pullman charter train. Under the patronage of The Transport Trust, a campaign to return the Brighton Belle to mainline service was launched by the 5BEL Trust in 2008. The trust assembled a four-car set in early 2009, with support from VSOE and the North Norfolk Railway, and a fifth car, No.282 'Doris', was acquired from the Bluebell Railway in 2011 and Hazel in 2012. After restoration the Brighton Belle is expected to be returned to mainline service in 2013.
The table below sets out the current position:
| Number | Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 279 | Hazel | 5BEL Trust, to be restored |
| 280 | Audrey | VSOE, in service |
| 281 | Gwen | VSOE, in service |
| 282 | Doris | 5BEL Trust, to be restored |
| 283 | Mona | VSOE, stored |
| 284 | Vera | VSOE, in service |
| 285 | Car No 85 | 5BEL Trust, under restoration |
| 286 | Car No 86 | VSOE, stored |
| 287 | Car No 87 | 5BEL Trust, under restoration |
| 288 | Car No 88 | 5BEL Trust, under restoration |
| 289 | Car No 89 | Privately owned, Rowarth |
| 290 | Car No 90 | Destroyed by fire in 1991 |
| 291 | Car No 91 | 5BEL Trust, under restoration |
| 292 | Car No 92 | VSOE, stored |
| 293 | Car No 93 | VSOE, stored |
Read more about this topic: British Rail Class 403
Famous quotes containing the words withdrawal and/or preservation:
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