Olympia
Express 2011
On 17th December 2011
Hastings Diesels Ltd operated a charter service
from the Hastings line up to the show-jumping at Kensington Olympia.
The
train’s routing was via Bromley South, Factory Curve thence up to Kensington
Olympia and Shepherd’s Bush. Following last year’s trip the decision was made
to again berth at Beckenham Junction, albeit routed via Crystal Palace.
Tonbridge (platform 2) and 1001 waits to
follow
the 09:37 Charing Cross service (platform 1).
Kensington Olympia and the majority
of our passengers leave the train.
The remaining passengers leave at
Shepherd’s Bush
(along with an enthusiast who obtained our permission to board
at Kensington Olympia).
1001’s arrival at
Beckenham Junction.
Wish a published
schedule a few enthusiasts came out to photograph us!
1001 basks in the sun at Beckenham
Junction!
So why did
1001 layover at Beckenham Junction?
Like the 2009 Olympia Express the 2010 trip was scheduled to
layover at Willesden Junction. However, because of the snow the conditions
underfoot would be hazardous for staff including the relief driver who was
coming in from Kent. So it was decided to berth at Beckenham Junction instead.
During the planning of the 2011 Olympia Express it was decided
to seek a scheduled layover at Beckenham Junction again as it was a convenient
location with Waitrose alongside!
So, whilst some staff undertook Christmas shopping in Waitrose
other took the opportunity to ride on Tramlink down
to Croydon and back. Accordingly not only can Hastings Diesels claim to have
gone Christmas shopping by train we did so by taking our ‘own’ train!
Some of 1001’s staff pose for the camera
before going off to Waitrose!
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