The first JA emerged from Eastleigh on the 1st February 1962 and all six were in service by the end of the year. So successful was the design that an order for a further 30, subsequently 43, was made. These were built by the English Electric Company at their Vulcan foundry Works in Newton-le-Willows. The first of this series, designated JB (later 73/1), E6007 left the works on 13 October 1965 and all were in service by January 1967. The JBs are distinguishable from the JAs since they have one less high level MU jumper cable and one less body side window. The JBs also have different traction motors allowing a top speed of 90mph - 10mph higher than the JAs.

The 73s staple work initially was on freight, parcels and departmental services with only limited passenger workings such as boat trains and overnight services. However the class provided an interim service on the Bournemouth line pending arrival of the 4Reps and introduction of the full electrified service. Indeed the 73s reprised this role - somewhat in a reverse scenario - in the late 1980s when they substituted for withdrawn Rep power cars in makeshift units so the Rep motors electrical equipment could be re-cycled into the new class 442 units.

photograph by Michael Taylor

photograph by David Smith

photograph by Mark Westcott

photograph by Colin Duff