The first major event of 2003 was the arrival of two Class 73 Electro-Diesels at Barrow Hill. Both had been purchased from EWS by two of the group's members, and both would see restoration to working order over the following eighteen months. Whilst not strictly the core activity of the group, 73138 was to become the group's depot shunter, whilst 73119 would be sold on for further use elsewhere.
Meanwhile, restoration work continued on 84001, with a deadline of the Doncaster Plant 150 Open Days in July, to which the loco had been invited. Working days throughout the first half of 2003 saw restoration work on 84001's paintwork reach an advanced stage, with the first top-coat completed in time for the show.
Meanwhile, restoration work continued on 84001, with a deadline of the Doncaster Plant 150 Open Days in July, to which the loco had been invited. Working days throughout the first half of 2003 saw restoration work on 84001's paintwork reach an advanced stage, with the first top-coat completed in time for the show.