Preservation company operating the narrow-bodied 1957 Hastings DEMU 1001 on a handful of main line railtours each year from Hastings.
Hastings Diesels Limited was formed to save the distinctive narrow-bodied diesel-electric multiple units built in 1957 and 1958 for the London to Hastings line via Tunbridge Wells. Unit 1001 was bought in 1989, restored at St Leonards depot and returned to the main line in April 1996. A second six-car set, 1013, has since been restored, allowing a ten-coach train.
The company runs around four railtours a year, all starting at Hastings and calling at stations along the Hastings line before heading out across the network. Recent destinations include Bath and the East Somerset Railway, the English Riviera, Windsor and the High Marnham test track near Tuxford. Fares are modest and both Standard and First Class are available, the latter in the original first class saloons.
The units are also hired to other promoters such as UK Railtours.
DieselHastings Diesels' 511-mile DEMU marathon from Hastings via the Midland Main Line to Nottingham and the High Marnham test track.