1991
The 33046 Fund begins
A number of Class 33 Loco Club members came together in October 1991 to form a new preservation group, originally focused on the possible rescue of locomotive 33046.
A Brief Group History
From the original 33046 Fund to the preservation of two Class 33 Cromptons at Spa Valley Railway, SELG has been shaped by practical volunteer work, careful acquisitions and a long-term commitment to diesel heritage.
1991
Group conceived
2
Class 33 Cromptons
2004
Spa Valley move
Preserving Crompton diesel heritage for the long term.
Timeline
The story so far
A condensed view of the milestones behind the group, from its first preservation ambitions through to the ongoing care of 33063 and 33065 Sealion.
1994
South-East Rail Limited is registered
The operating company was created to support the group with public liability cover while keeping the group's locomotives, spares, tools and support vehicles separate from company ownership.
1998
427 'The Buffs' joins the group
The group bought the ex-Army Ruston & Hornsby 0-6-0 diesel hydraulic shunter based at the East Kent Railway, using it for driver experience and passenger work.
1999
The group becomes the South East Locomotive Group
With the prospect of acquiring 33046 gone, members voted at a Special General Meeting in December 1999 to change the name from the 33046 Fund to the South East Locomotive Group.
2000
33063 and 33065 Sealion are acquired
The group secured two Class 33 Cromptons in a private purchase. 33063 returned to working order by July 2000, while 33065 Sealion moved under its own power again in July 2001.
2003-2004
The locomotives move towards Spa Valley
33063 moved on loan to the Spa Valley Railway in July 2003, with 33065 Sealion following in July 2004 after a short visit to the Kent & East Sussex Railway.
2004
A new home at Spa Valley Railway
In autumn 2004 the group relocated fully from the East Kent Railway to the Spa Valley Railway, with the move formally announced that November.
Today
Long-term preservation continues
The group's maintenance and overhaul work continues, protecting both Cromptons for future running days, events, driver experiences and the next generation of diesel heritage supporters.
Home Base
From East Kent to Spa Valley
The group first made its home at the East Kent Railway, where members supported the railway with driver training, practical work parties and trackside clearance before the arrival of the mainline locomotives.
By autumn 2004, SELG had completed its move to the Spa Valley Railway. That relocation gave the group a new base for the preservation, maintenance and operation of its Class 33 locomotives.
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