Interesting to think of the London Bridge main lines at Sydenham as simply the East Croydon Lines. In my early days and right up to the Croydon Tangle remodelling, they were the East Croydon, West Croydon and Selhurst main lines. West C is now Overground and Selhurst-Norwood Junction passenger services fell victim to the Tangle rebuild of course, but it will always be a bright memory that, as a child, the three standard down services from my home station at Thornton Heath were to Coulsdon North, Epsom Downs and anywhere back towards London via Norwood Junction. Times change of course, as they should, but I can't watch the Runfurrow Video of the Thameslink Sutton Loop and, specifically, the descent into Selhurst depot right at the end, without being transported back to the days when those squeaky curves were the route of regular passenger services.
I took the Leatherhead to Victoria train daily from '84 to '87. Before that I used the Waterloo line. My favourite train was the Horsham flyer with Headcode 84 and proper doors and windows. It was the fastest train on the line. Viva the 3rd rail,
@@PGATProductions London Victoria to London Bridge is Pointless because taking the Victoria line to Stockwell and Changing for the Northern line via Bank would be Much Quicker
I grew up in Paddock Wood and travelled this line hundreds of times. I still live in Maidstone and regularly get stuck at one of the barrier crossings, usually East Farleigh! Charles Dickens loved the scenery along this line. Sometimes if he had a business meeting, he would ask the other person to meet him at Paddock Wood so they could talk as they travelled this line, taking in the scenery.
Brilliant footage, thanks for uploading. So many things I find astonishing about this tiny branch line, from the well oversized station platforms to the extremely short distance between bromley north and sundridge park station, makes me wonder about the necessity of both stations. I also wonder how often through trains operate, if there are even any in the first place! The whole line certainly looks worth checking out someday...
Excellent footage there of some rarely seen suburban lines. Always been interested in seeing what they look like from the drivers point of view given how light the traffic can be. Also interesting hearing the conversation between the 2 blokes in the cab. Are you one of them by any chance?
One did coming out of Hoo Jn towards Higham. You’ll note the lighter ballast on that side where the line has been renewed (whether that’s coincidence or due to the derailment, I have no info)
Hey buddy nice to see you back! The Tamper is lovely train I've seen a few dotted across the country some in Essex area as I was travelling from Shenfield to London Liverpool Street. Just a note I know this may have been asked before but why are say Kent and Southern Trains using 3rd rail whilst Great Anglia, GWR and trains in Euston use overheads? Wouldn't be useful if it was all 3rd rail or is it the conduct of electricity not sufficient?
The southern region has been using 3rd rail since 1920s/1930s, so as it’s expanded it’s continued. Liverpool uses exactly the same system and - previously - so did some areas of Newcastle. Both 3rd rail and overhead have their pros and cons, so the debate will go on for years. And standardising on one over the other would cost billions, so is unlikely in my lifetime I think!
That warning board for 40 approaching Dartford should be removed.The 40 doesn't start till Dartford junction and like you stated there is a 20mph restriction before that(either side of Dartford station).
There is a very brief period of 40mph immediately before the 20mph. If you have access to the Sectional Appendix, you’ll note a 40mph stretch from the crossover before Dartford There is a sign at 23:48 in the video, but it’s small and should be large. I have always ignored the 40mph anyway, due to need to slow for the 20mph
As we ride through Strood, I'd like to give a big shout-out to any ex Temple Secondary School boys, especially those who frequented this old, draughty establishment during the 1970s 🫡
I haven’t posted the final destination, because it wasn’t largely relevant for the video. It happened to be Woking Up Yard, but the camera battery died before I got that far (I’ve previously uploaded that part of the journey anyway)
Thanks for another great video. A route I just didn't know. Those with rattle-aversion will have liked the tunnels: very smooth ride through them, and hardly any sideways movements!
Love the video and thanks for sharing. Empty platforms unusual to see. That shaking noise would do my head in😂 I use to live at Wateringbury and travel by train to London and back every day. Gorgeous picturesque little station, especially at 7am in the morning, only 1 or 2 other passengers around. With the river running along side the London bound platform waiting for my ride, I would always enjoy soaking up the sights and sounds of the wildlife going about their morning, sometimes mist rising off the river, swans paddling, ducks quacking, great feeling too start the day..oops! Here comes my branch line train🚉😂
Once the Industrial Revolution/Period started, North Kent ('The White Country' cf 'The Black Country') was never a pretty place. But #ThatDamnedTunnel and #ThatDamnedEU and #ThatDamnedWomanMargaretHilda ruined our #BelovedKent. Grrr!
The gentle curves and long stretches of tangent track were pleasant surprises on this part of your route. But then lately I've been watching several video cab rides on Japanese meter gauge lines which seem to be all curves and even more tunnels than you have! 🙂 Thanks for another nice ride and cheers from Wisconsin!
