Rare Heritage Railway 'Thumper' DEMU Destroyed By Fire

Mindless Vandals Consign 'Thumper' DEMU To History

Burnt Out 'Thumper' DEMU at Swindon Cricklade Railway

A vintage DEMU train, 'Thumper' number 1302, owned by the Swindon and Cricklade Railway and valued at around £100,000, was completely destroyed by fire in May 2016.

The 2-car 'Thumper', (so nicknamed by railway enthusiasts due to the noise the diesel engine made while running) DEMU, believed to be one of only three working units in preservation after withdrawal from Southern Railway service with British Railways, was parked up near the Hayes Knoll end of the line when the fire was discovered.

Dave Peacey, a trustee of the Swindon and Cricklade Railway, said: "It is completely beyond repair.  We are all devastated to say the least".

Three box wagons parked nearby containing electrical equipment were also destroyed.  It appears that the fire may have started in one of these and spread to the train.

The cause of the fire was investigated.  At time of writing the culprits had not been found.

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