Rare Hastings Thumper at Springs Branch | Goshness Monster Railtour | 22nd May 2026

A rare and spectacular sight seen heading north along the west coast main line and through Springs Branch south of Wigan on the hot afternoon of Friday 22nd May 2026. The ‘Hastings’ Diesel-Electric Multiple Units aka British Rail Class 201

(DEMUs) are a unique type of narrow-bodied train which was constructed in 1957 and 1958 operating between London and Hastings via Tunbridge Wells. The six-coach units, incorporating diesel generators at each end, were unique in having especially narrow bodies which enabled them to pass through the unusually narrow tunnels on the Hastings line and finally withdrawn in 1986.

We see the train 1013 (202013) “Tunbridge Wells” & 201001 “Hastings” / “Mountfield” being chartered by GB Railfreight and the Branch Line Society for a 3-day outing to Scotland. The GOSH Ness Monster tour runs from Tonbridge to Polmont on day 1, Day 2 runs a loop from Edinburgh area to Inverness and Aberdeen with Day 3 working back to Tonbridge.

This train has never been north before so I am pleased to see it a stunning example of British engineering. The train is formed of 6 car unit 201013 and 3 car unit 201001 coupled together to make a 9 car train.

Website link about the train and preservation story
https://www.hastingsdiesels.co.uk/

This special three day adventure will raise funds for our charity partner, Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

Find out more: https://www.branchline.uk/fixture.php

Train running a few minutes late here having followed a few late Avanti services which also slowed the Tesco train down. Not my steadiest shot with my step I use breaking slightly. I will film this again on Sunday.

What an amazing sound the train makes heading towards a booked pickup point at Wigan. Since uploading I've learnt due to overheating they've needed to shunt the power cars around at Preston.

The Official working today was 1Z30 0812 Tonbridge to Polmont
1013 (202013) “Tunbridge Wells” & 201001 “Hastings” / “Mountfield”

S60119, S60529, 70262, 69337, S60528, S60118 'Tunbridge Wells', S60000 'Hastings' and S60116 'Mountfield' I believe the consist in order is.

Passed 1459
Running 5 late

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Filmed at Springs Branch
Filmed Friday 21st May 2026

#HastingsDEMU #Goshnessmonster #thegoshnessmonster
#branchlinesociety #gbrf
#demu #hastingsdiesals #1001 #1013 #202013 #201001
#britishrailclass201

Видео Rare Hastings Thumper at Springs Branch | Goshness Monster Railtour | 22nd May 2026 канала Jack Jolley