BR British Rail Crimson & Cream Crimson and Cream Crimson Cream Blood & Custard Blood Custard Blood and Custard BR British Rail Crimson & Cream Crimson and Cream Crimson Cream Blood & Custard Blood Custard Blood and Custard BR British Rail Crimson & Cream Crimson and Cream Crimson Cream Blood & Custard Blood Custard Blood and Custard

 

© BloodandCustard

Southern

Royal Trains

& Rail Tours

 

Royal Train
Tattenham Corner
3rd June 1959

 

Tattenham Corner 3rd June 1959 View towards Purley on 3rd June 1959 and the Station is prepared for HM the Queen to attend the year’s primary horse-race. Her Pullman train is hauled by a resplendent 'Schools' locomotive no. 30938 'St Olaves’ (with Lemaitre double-chimney). Note headcode and Stationmaster guiding the driver to the exact stopping point. © Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

Tattenham Corner
3rd June 1959

View towards Purley on 3rd June 1959 and the Station is prepared for HM the Queen to attend the year’s primary horse-race. Her Pullman train is hauled by a resplendent 'Schools' locomotive no. 30938 'St Olaves’ (with Lemaitre double-chimney). Note headcode and Stationmaster guiding the driver to the exact stopping point.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

Derby Day 3rd June 1959 (seen from Tattenham Corner) West from the famous Corner, with the Grandstand dominating the background. What a happy - and smart-looking - throng! The Derby was won by 'Parthia'. © Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

Derby Day
3rd June 1959
(seen from Tattenham Corner)

West from the famous Corner, with the Grandstand dominating the background. What a happy - and smart-looking - throng! The Derby was won by 'Parthia'.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

 

 

Sir Winston Churchill's Funeral Train
Clapham Junction
30th January 1965

 

Sir Winston Churchill's Funeral Train Clapham Junction 30th January 1965 On the Windsor Lines at Clapham Junction, the train ran from Waterloo to Hanborough via Reading South and Oxford, hauled by SR Bulleid Light Pacific no.34051 'Winston Churchill'. The unique liveried hearse vehicle of the seven-coach Pullman train conveyed the coffin - Sir Winston having died on 24th January 1965 then lain in state. The train carried a unique disc headcode representing 'V for Victory'. This locomotive was built in December 1946 as no.21C151, after withdrawal in September 1965 was saved and preserved in the National Collection at York. “Mid-winter weather precluded my obtaining a good photograph”. © Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

Sir Winston Churchill's Funeral Train
Clapham Junction
30th January 1965

On the Windsor Lines at Clapham Junction, the train ran from Waterloo to Hanborough via Reading South and Oxford, hauled by SR Bulleid Light Pacific no.34051 'Winston Churchill'. The unique liveried hearse vehicle of the seven-coach Pullman train conveyed the coffin - Sir Winston having died on 24th January 1965 then lain in state.

The train carried a unique disc headcode representing 'V for Victory'.

This locomotive was built in December 1946 as no.21C151, after withdrawal in September 1965 was saved and preserved in the National Collection at York.

“Mid-winter weather precluded my obtaining a good photograph”.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

 

 

Rail Tours

For full details on these Rail Tours please go to Six Bells Junction.

This page will be updated as more information becomes available.

 

RCTS South London Rail Tour
30th September 1950

 

St. Helier RCTS South London Rail Tour View towards Wimbledon on 30th September 1950 and the Railway Correspondence & Travel Society South London Rail Tour. Both line and station were opened as on 5th January 1930, with an electric service from Holborn Viaduct via Tulse Hill, Streatham and Wimbledon to Sutton. Behind the locomotive is Malachite-livery Bulleid 3 Cor set formed 12th July 1948. “It was a memorable Tour, covering numerous unfamiliar sections of the network in South London”. © Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

St. Helier
RCTS South London Rail Tour

View towards Wimbledon on 30th September 1950 and the Railway Correspondence & Travel Society South London Rail Tour. Both line and station were opened as on 5th January 1930, with an electric service from Holborn Viaduct via Tulse Hill, Streatham and Wimbledon to Sutton. Behind the locomotive is Malachite-livery Bulleid 3 Cor set formed 12th July 1948. “It was a memorable Tour, covering numerous unfamiliar sections of the network in South London”.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

 

St. Helier RCTS South London Rail Tour Looking towards Wimbledon on 30th September 1950 and the Railway Correspondence & Travel Society South London Rail Tour. Steam locomotives normally only worked on freight (including milk to Morden) from Wimbledon to St Helier, so beyond here ex-SECR C-class no.31722 (built January 1901, withdrawn May 1962) had to take on the assistance of ex-LB&SCR R. Billinton E6 class no.2418 for the 1-in-40 climb on the final stretch up and around the ‘wall of death’ into Sutton. © Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

St. Helier
RCTS South London Rail Tour

Looking towards Wimbledon on 30th September 1950 and the Railway Correspondence & Travel Society South London Rail Tour. Steam locomotives normally only worked on freight (including milk to Morden) from Wimbledon to St Helier, so beyond here ex-SECR C-class no.31722 (built January 1901, withdrawn May 1962) had to take on the assistance of ex-LB&SCR R. Billinton E6 class no.2418 for the 1-in-40 climb on the final stretch up and around the ‘wall of death’ into Sutton.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

 

 

RCTS Brighton Works Centenary
19th October 1952

 

Kemp Town RCTS Brighton Works Centenary Sunday, 19th October 1952 and RCTS Rail Tour at the former Kemp Town station (which had not seen a regular passenger service since 2nd January 1933 although goods trains worked in until 14th June 1971. Between Victoria and Brighton the tour was hauled by Brighton Atlantic H2 class no.32425 with A1X class 'Terrier' no.32636 operating a special between Brighton and Kemp Town. No.32636 was preserved as no.72 'Fenchurch' on the Bluebell Railway. © Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

Kemp Town
RCTS Brighton Works Centenary

Sunday, 19th October 1952 and RCTS Rail Tour at the former Kemp Town station (which had not seen a regular passenger service since 2nd January 1933 although goods trains worked in until 14th June 1971. Between Victoria and Brighton the tour was hauled by Brighton Atlantic H2 class no.32425 with A1X class 'Terrier' no.32636 operating a special between Brighton and Kemp Town.

No.32636 was preserved as no.72 'Fenchurch' on the Bluebell Railway.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

 

 

Ian Allen Ltd
Loco Spotters Club / Trains Illustrated Specials
& Branch Line Tours with Veteran Locomotives
12th April 1953

 

Tipton St Johns Ian Allen Ltd Loco Spotters Club / Trains Illustrated Specials & Branch Line Tour with Veteran Locomotives 12th April 1953 saw a multiple-train Rail Tour arranged by Ian Allan Ltd., with (175 intended but not achievable due to engineering works) high-speed runs from Waterloo to Exeter (Central) and back. The first return train from Waterloo was 09.20am Loco Spotters Club, the second 10.00am Trains Illustrated Special Two auxiliary tours to Exmouth and back via Sidmouth Junction were also operated, with no.30583 arrived from Sidmouth Jcn. This locomotive operated the second branch line train which ran Exmouth to Exeter Central and Sidmouth Jcn to Exmouth. © Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

Tipton St Johns
Ian Allen Ltd
Loco Spotters Club / Trains Illustrated Specials &
Branch Line Tour with Veteran Locomotives

12th April 1953 saw a multiple-train Rail Tour arranged by Ian Allan Ltd., with (175 intended but not achievable due to engineering works) high-speed runs from Waterloo to Exeter (Central) and back. The first return train from Waterloo was 09.20am Loco Spotters Club, the second 10.00am Trains Illustrated Special

Two auxiliary tours to Exmouth and back via Sidmouth Junction were also operated, with no.30583 arrived from Sidmouth Jcn. This locomotive operated the second branch line train which ran Exmouth to Exeter Central and Sidmouth Jcn to Exmouth.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

 

Exmouth Ian Allen Ltd Loco Spotters Club / Trains Illustrated Specials & Branch Line Tour with Veteran Locomotives 12th April 1953 saw a multiple-train Rail Tour arranged by Ian Allan Ltd., with (175 intended but not achievable due to engineering works) high-speed runs from Waterloo to Exeter (Central) and back. The first return train from Waterloo was 09.20am Loco Spotters Club, the second 10.00am Trains Illustrated Special No. 30583 was one of the LSW Adams '0415' class which survived much longer than most of the class as it was needed for working on the lightly-built Lyme Regis branch. It was built March 1885 as No. 488, then as no. 0488 in the Duplicate list was withdrawn in September 1917 and sold to the Ministry of Munitions who employed it at the Ridham Salvage Depot, Sittingbourne. In April 1919 it was bought by the East Kent Light Railway and numbered 5. It worked on that line for eighteen years, then lay derelict at Shepherdswell for two years. However, it was re-acquired by the SR eventually in March 1946, restored after the War and put to work on the Lyme Regis branch in Dember 1946, where it worked until July 1961. It is now preserved by the Bluebell Railway. © Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

Exmouth
Ian Allen Ltd
Loco Spotters Club / Trains Illustrated Specials &
Branch Line Tour with Veteran Locomotives

12th April 1953 saw a multiple-train Rail Tour arranged by Ian Allan Ltd., with (175 intended but not achievable due to engineering works) high-speed runs from Waterloo to Exeter (Central) and back. The first return train from Waterloo was 09.20am Loco Spotters Club, the second 10.00am Trains Illustrated Special

No. 30583 was one of the LSW Adams '0415' class which survived much longer than most of the class as it was needed for working on the lightly-built Lyme Regis branch. It was built March 1885 as No. 488, then as no. 0488 in the Duplicate list was withdrawn in September 1917 and sold to the Ministry of Munitions who employed it at the Ridham Salvage Depot, Sittingbourne. In April 1919 it was bought by the East Kent Light Railway and numbered 5.

It worked on that line for eighteen years, then lay derelict at Shepherdswell for two years. However, it was re-acquired by the SR eventually in March 1946, restored after the War and put to work on the Lyme Regis branch in Dember 1946, where it worked until July 1961. It is now preserved by the Bluebell Railway.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

 

 

RCTS Railtour
Marylebone to Broad Street
10th October 1953

 

Blackfriars RCTS Railtour 10th October 1953 At this stage hauled by ex-GN N1 no. 69441, The Railway Correspondence & Travel Society (London Area) Rail Tour has stopped briefly at the remains of Ludgate Hill station on its complex route from Marylebone through Wembley Stadium, Acton Wells, Greenford, Battersea Yard, Loughborough Jcn, Ludgate Hill, King’s Cross, South Tottenham, East Ham, Dalston East Jcn and Broad Street., which included Battersea - Kentish Town via Blackfriars Bridge and the Snow Hill Tunnel, with. The train will travel north through Holborn Viaduct Low-Level, Snow Hill Tunnel and Farringdon and the Metropolitan 'Widenend Lines'. The station had been closed since March 1929 and at the time of the Rail Tour only cross-London freight trains and SR local trains to Holborn Viaduct passed through here. The island platform of Ludgate Hill station was removed in 1974.. © Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

Blackfriars
RCTS Railtour
10th October 1953

At this stage hauled by ex-GN N1 no. 69441, The Railway Correspondence & Travel Society (London Area) Rail Tour has stopped briefly at the remains of Ludgate Hill station on its complex route from Marylebone through Wembley Stadium, Acton Wells, Greenford, Battersea Yard, Loughborough Jcn, Ludgate Hill, King’s Cross, South Tottenham, East Ham, Dalston East Jcn and Broad Street.

The station had been closed since March 1929 and at the time of the Rail Tour only cross-London freight trains and SR local trains to Holborn Viaduct passed through here. The island platform of Ludgate Hill station was removed in 1974.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

 

Blackfriars RCTS Railtour 10th October 1953 The Railway Correspondence & Travel Society (London Area) Rail Tour will tave the far-left track travelling north through Holborn Viaduct Low-Level, Snow Hill Tunnel and Farringdon and the Metropolitan 'Widenend Lines'. The tracks on the right lead to Holborn Viaduct (SR) terminus, visible in middle distance. Those on the left are the Metropolitan Widened Lines, plunging down into Snow Hill Tunnel, through Holborn Viaduct Low Level Station which closed in June 1916 (when through passenger services ceased). Freight traffic ceased in March 1969. The rebuilding of the war-damaged City of London has only just begun. © Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

Blackfriars
RCTS Railtour
10th October 1953

The Railway Correspondence & Travel Society (London Area) Rail Tour will tave the far-left track travelling north through Holborn Viaduct Low-Level, Snow Hill Tunnel and Farringdon and the Metropolitan 'Widenend Lines'.

The tracks on the right lead to Holborn Viaduct (SR) terminus, visible in middle distance. Those on the left are the Metropolitan Widened Lines, plunging down into Snow Hill Tunnel, through Holborn Viaduct Low Level Station which closed in June 1916 (when through passenger services ceased). Freight traffic ceased in March 1969.

The rebuilding of the war-damaged City of London has only just begun.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

 

Blackfriars RCTS Railtour 10th October 1953 On the day of an RCTS Rail Tour. South from the platform of former Ludgate Hill Station (closed 3rd Match 1929), towards Blackfriars Station, showing SR Through lines from Holborn Viaduct Station and on right the separate 'Metropolitan Widenend Lines' (used for freight traffic) over the Blackfriars Bridges towards Elephant & Castle. © Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

Blackfriars
RCTS Railtour
10th October 1953

On the day of an RCTS Rail Tour. South from the platform of former Ludgate Hill Station (closed 3rd Match 1929), towards Blackfriars Station, showing SR Through lines from Holborn Viaduct Station and on right the separate 'Metropolitan Widenend Lines' (used for freight traffic) over the Blackfriars Bridges towards Elephant & Castle.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

 

 

R.C.T.S. (London Branch)
Swindon & Highworth Railtour
25th April 1954

 

Swindon Works R.C.T.S. (London Branch) Swindon & Highworth Railtour This ‘memorable’ Railway Correspondence & Travel Society Tour on 25th April 1954 had started from Victoria behind two 'Dukedog' locomotives (nos.9023 & 9011) to proceed via Longhedge and Kensington to the WR main line at Old Oak Common. At Swindon the Works was visited and a Special continued to Highworth and back. On the return journey 47XX class no.4707 (built April 1923, withdrawn May 1964 - the last of the class of nine) brought the tour back to Reading General, where (ex-LSWR) Urie class H16 no.30517 took over. © Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

Swindon Works
R.C.T.S. (London Branch)
Swindon & Highworth Railtour

This ‘memorable’ Railway Correspondence & Travel Society Tour on 25th April 1954 had started from Victoria behind two 'Dukedog' locomotives (nos.9023 & 9011) to proceed via Longhedge and Kensington to the WR main line at Old Oak Common.

At Swindon the Works was visited and a Special continued to Highworth and back.

On the return journey 47XX class no.4707 (built April 1923, withdrawn May 1964 - the last of the class of nine) brought the tour back to Reading General, where (ex-LSWR) Urie class H16 no.30517 took over.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

Chertsey R.C.T.S. (London Branch) Swindon & Highworth Railtour This ‘memorable’ Railway Correspondence & Travel Society Tour on 25th April 1954 had started from Victoria behind two 'Dukedog' locomotives (nos.9023 & 9011) to proceed via Longhedge and Kensington to the WR main line at Old Oak Common. At Swindon the Works was visited and a Special continued to Highworth and back. On the return journey a 47XX class no.4707 brought the tour back to Reading General, where (ex-LSW) Urie class H16 no.30517 (built November 1921, withdrawn December 1962) took over and deviating short of Virginia Water onto the - normally freight-only - loop to the line to Weybridge. From there it was up the main line to Wimbledon, thence the East Putney loop to pass through Clapham Junction on the Windsor Lines before finally reaching Victoria via Longhedge Junction. From Clapham Junction C class no.31480 hauled the train for the last leg into Victoria. Coaching stock was Loose - S4433S (Nondescript Brake Open) + S1436S (Third Class Open) + S1386S (Third Class Open) + S7954S (Cafeteria Car) + S1399S (Third Class Open) + S1307S (Third Class Open) + S4441S (Nondescript Brake Open).

Chertsey
R.C.T.S. (London Branch)
Swindon & Highworth Railtour

On the return journey 47XX class no.4707 brought the tour back to Reading General, where (ex-LSWR) Urie class H16 no.30517 (built November 1921, withdrawn December 1962) took over and deviating short of Virginia Water, took the (normally freight-only) West Curve to Chertsey and Weybridge (curve closed June 1964).

From there it was up the main line to Wimbledon, thence the East Putney loop to pass through Clapham Junction on the Windsor Lines. From Clapham Junction C class no.31480 hauled the train for the last leg into Victoria via Longhedge Junction.

Coaching stock was all ‘Loose’ formed S4433S (Nondescript Brake Open) + S1436S (Third Class Open) + S1386S (Third Class Open) + S7954S (Cafeteria Car) + S1399S (Third Class Open) + S1307S (Third Class Open) + S4441S (Nondescript Brake Open).

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

 

 

Inter-Regional Ramblers Special
Ramblers' Association /RCTS combined Tour
10th October 1954

 

Blackfriars Inter-Regional Ramblers Special Ramblers' Association /RCTS combined Tour On 10th October 1954 the Ramblers' Association /RCTS combined Tour was setting off South(!) initially, for Buckinghamshire. It went via Herne Hill, Tulse Hill, Streatham Hill, Clapham Junction and Kensington to Willesden Junction, then down the WCML to Bletchley hauled by Drummond T9 class no.30729 (built January 1900, withdrawn March 1961), later back up the WCML to Euston. On the way down, at Cheddington ex-LNW no.58887 took over for a run on the (closed) Aylesbury High Street branch, then to Wolverton, to visit the Carriage Works, run to Newport Pagnell and back, thence on to Bletchley. © Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

Blackfriars
Inter-Regional Ramblers Special
(& Buckinghamshire Rail Tour)
Ramblers' Association /RCTS combined Tour

On 10th October 1954 with a late departure, the Ramblers' Association /RCTS combined Tour was setting off South(!) initially, for Buckinghamshire. It went via Herne Hill, Tulse Hill, Streatham Hill, Clapham Junction and Kensington to Willesden Junction, then down the WCML to Bletchley hauled by Drummond T9 class no.30729 (built January 1900, withdrawn March 1961), later back up the WCML to Euston. Ramblers had the opportunity to leave the train either at Berkhamstead and Tring.

On the way down, at Cheddington ex-LNW no.58887 took over for a ‘Buckinghamshire Rail Tour’ run on the (closed) Aylesbury High Street branch, then to Wolverton, to visit the Carriage Works, run to Newport Pagnell and back.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

 

Aylesbury High Street Inter-Regional Ramblers Special Ramblers' Association /RCTS combined Tour South towards buffer-stops on 10th October 1954, this terminus of the ex-London & North Western branch from Cheddington was already closed to passengers (from 2nd February 1953). However, remained for goods until 2nd December 1963. However, the RCTS (Railway Correspondence & Travel Society) were able to include the branch in their complex 'Buckinghamshire Rail Tour', motive power being ex-London & North Western 'Coal Tank' 2F no. 58887. © Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

Aylesbury High Street
RCTS Buckinghamshire Rail Tour

South towards buffer-stops on 10th October 1954, this terminus of the ex-London & North Western branch from Cheddington was already closed to passengers (from 2nd February 1953). However, remained for goods until 2nd December 1963.

However, the RCTS (Railway Correspondence & Travel Society) were able to include the branch in their complex 'Buckinghamshire Rail Tour', motive power being ex-London & North Western Railway 'Coal Tank' 2F no. 58887. A visit to the Carriage Works at Wolverton was also included.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

 

Newport Pagnell RCTS Buckinghamshire Rail Tour View westward, towards Wolverton. Ex-LNWR Webb 'Coal Tank' 2F no. 58887 (designed 1882, withdrawn April 1955) has run round its train from Wolverton. This is part of the RCTS 'Buckinghamshire Rail Tour' - and the fireman is changing the headlamps for the return run. This engine also took the train from Cheddington to Aylesbury High Street and back on the complex tour that had started /ended at Blackfriars behind T9 no30729 as the ‘Inter-Regional Ramblers Special’. The Newport Pagnell branch from Wolverton was closed to passengers on 7th September 1964 and to goods on 22nd May 1967. © Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

Newport Pagnell
RCTS Buckinghamshire Rail Tour

View westward, towards Wolverton. Ex-LNWR Webb 'Coal Tank' 2F no. 58887 (designed 1882, withdrawn April 1955) has run round its train from Wolverton. This is part of the RCTS 'Buckinghamshire Rail Tour' - and the fireman is changing the headlamps for the return run. This engine also took the train from Cheddington to Aylesbury High Street and back on the complex tour that had started /ended at Blackfriars behind T9 no30729 as the ‘Inter-Regional Ramblers Special’.

The Newport Pagnell branch from Wolverton was closed to passengers on 7th September 1964 and to goods on 22nd May 1967.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

 

Cheddington
Last day of service to Aylesbury High Street

 

In researching this tour, the following photographs of Cheddington on its last day of passenger service to Aylesbury High Street also surfaced and so are included as being historically interesting.

 

Cheddington Last day of service to Aylesbury High Street 31st January 1953 View southward on the bay platform, with the Last Passenger Train to Aylesbury High Street on 31st January 1953. Locomotive was a Webb 5'6" 2-4-2T no. 46601, built September 1890 and not withdrawn until 5th December 1953. “The Aylesbury branch remained open for freight until December 1953, but was personally traversed on an RCTS Tour in October 1954”. © Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

Cheddington
Last day of service to Aylesbury High Street
31st January 1953

View southward on the bay platform, with the Last Passenger Train to Aylesbury High Street on 31st January 1953. Locomotive was a Webb 5'6" 2-4-2T no. 46601, built September 1890 and not withdrawn until 5th December 1953.

“The Aylesbury branch remained open for freight until December 1953, but was personally traversed on an RCTS Tour in October 1954”.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

 

Cheddington Last day of service to Aylesbury High Street 31st January 1953 View towards London on the WCML, junction of the branch to Aylesbury High Street. An early branch line, it opened 10th June 1839 to Aylesbury (with that station relocated 16th June 1899 and renamed Aylesbury High Street in 1953), closed to passengers 2nd February 1953, goods 2nd December 1963. One of the last trains, being on the Saturday stands at the branch platform at Cheddington, with ex-LNW Webb 5'6" 1P no.46601. © Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

Cheddington
Last day of service to Aylesbury High Street
31st January 1953

View towards London on the WCML, junction of the branch to Aylesbury High Street. An early branch line, it opened 10th June 1839 to Aylesbury (with that station relocated 16th June 1899 and renamed Aylesbury High Street in 1953), closed to passengers 2nd February 1953, goods 2nd December 1963.

One of the last trains, being on the Saturday stands at the branch platform at Cheddington, with ex-LNW Webb 5'6" 1P no.46601.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

 

Cheddington Last day of service to Aylesbury High Street 31st January 1953 Up stopping train at Cheddington hauled by Stanier 5MT no. 45372 (built June 1937, withdrawn 26th November 1966) heads a Bletchley - Euston slow train. “I had just sampled the branch from here to Aylesbury High St. on its Last Day of passenger services - but goods services continued for another ten years”. © Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

Cheddington
Last day of service to Aylesbury High Street
31st January 1953

Up stopping train at Cheddington hauled by Stanier 5MT no. 45372 (built June 1937, withdrawn 26th November 1966) heads a Bletchley - Euston slow train.

“I had just sampled the branch from here to Aylesbury High St. on its Last Day of passenger services - but goods services continued for another ten years”.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

 

 

 

RCTS 'Sussex Rail Tour'
7th October 1962

 

London Bridge (Central) RCTS 'Sussex Rail Tour' London Bridge (Central) Station on 7th October 1962, with 'Schools' no. 30925 'Cheltenham' (built April 1934) with Mk1 set 279 ready to leave at 11.03am on the Railway Correspondence & Travel Society 'Sussex Rail Tour', which went to Brighton by the main line thence Seaford and back to Brighton, returning to London Bridge via Preston Park (rev), Hove, Steyning, Horsham and Sutton. 'Cheltenham' was withdrawn soon after (December 1962) but was fortunately preserved. © Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

London Bridge (Central)
RCTS 'Sussex Rail Tour'

London Bridge (Central) Station on 7th October 1962, with 'Schools' no. 30925 'Cheltenham' (built April 1934) with Mk1 set 279 ready to leave at 11.03am on the Railway Correspondence & Travel Society 'Sussex Rail Tour', which went to Brighton by the main line thence Seaford and back to Brighton, returning to London Bridge via Preston Park (rev), Hove, Steyning, Horsham and Sutton. 'Cheltenham' was withdrawn soon after (December 1962) but was fortunately preserved.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

 

Brighton RCTS 'Sussex Rail Tour' From platform 5/6, just arrived at platform 7 is the Railway Correspondence & Travel Society 'Sussex Rail Tour', headed by SR Maunsell class V 'Schools' no.30925 'Cheltenham' on Sunday, 7th October 1962 with Green-liveried Mk1 set 279. © Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

Brighton
RCTS 'Sussex Rail Tour'

From platform 5/6, just arrived at platform 7 is the Railway Correspondence & Travel Society 'Sussex Rail Tour', headed by SR Maunsell class V 'Schools' no.30925 'Cheltenham' on Sunday, 7th October 1962 with Green-liveried Mk1 set 279.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

 

Seaford RCTS ‘Sussex Rail Tour’ Sunday, 7th October 1962 and an Animated scene on the platform at Seaford after arrival of the RCTS ‘Sussex Rail Tour’. From Brighton thence back via Newhaven shed, the Rail Tour was headed by ex-LB&SC A1X no. 32636 and E6 no. 32418. © Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

Seaford
RCTS ‘Sussex Rail Tour’

Sunday, 7th October 1962 and an Animated scene on the platform at Seaford after arrival of the RCTS ‘Sussex Rail Tour’. From Brighton thence back via Newhaven shed, the Rail Tour was headed by ex-LB&SC A1X no. 32636 and E6 no. 32418.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

Seaford RCTS ‘Sussex Rail Tour’ Sunday, 7th October 1962 and the RCTS ‘Sussex Rail Tour’ locomotives A1x class no. 32636 and E4 class no.32418 are running round the Tour train, at Seaford. © Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

Seaford
RCTS ‘Sussex Rail Tour’

Sunday, 7th October 1962 and the RCTS ‘Sussex Rail Tour’ locomotives A1x class no. 32636 and E4 class no.32418 are running round the Tour train, at Seaford.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

 

Newhaven Locomotive Depot Sunday, 7th October 1962. “Enthusiasts off the RCTS Sussex Rail Tour mill round the Locomotive Yard and watch the two ex-LBSCR engines which worked our Special from Lewes to Seaford and back to Brighton”. No. 32636, a Marsh A1X rebuild (1913) of Stroudley A1 class Terrier no.72 'Fenchurch' of September 1872, which belonged to the Newhaven Harbour Co. 1898-1926, thence SR no.B636, 2636 and BR no.32636. Withdrawn in November 1963 it is preserved by the Bluebell Railway as no. 72 'Fenchurch'. Behind is R. Billinton E6 class no.32418, built December 1905, withdrawn December 1962. © Ben Brooksbank (Geograph/CC-by-SA)

Newhaven Locomotive Depot
RCTS ‘Sussex Rail Tour’

“Enthusiasts off the RCTS Sussex Rail Tour mill round the Locomotive Yard and watch the two ex-LBSCR engines which worked our Special from Lewes to Seaford and back to Brighton”.

Sunday, 7th October 1962 and no.32636, a Marsh A1X rebuild (1913) of Stroudley A1 class Terrier no.72 'Fenchurch' of September 1872, which belonged to the Newhaven Harbour Co. 1898-1926, thence SR no.B636, 2636 and BR no.32636 are at Newhaven for servicing and turning. Withdrawn in November 1963, no.32636 is preserved by the Bluebell Railway as no. 72 'Fenchurch'. Behind is R. Billinton E6 class no.32418, built December 1905, withdrawn December 1962.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

 

Sunday, 7th October 1962 and The Railway Correspondence & Travel Society 'Sussex Rail Tour' train, with its A1X no. 32636 & E6 no.32418 hauling ex-’Man of Kent’ Mk1 set 279, is pulling into Newhaven Town station to pick up the tour passengers after they had visited the Shed. © Ben Brooksbank (Geograph/CC-by-SA)

Newhaven Locomotive Depot
RCTS ‘Sussex Rail Tour’

Sunday, 7th October 1962 and the RCTS 'Sussex Rail Tour' train, with its A1X no. 32636 & E6 no.32418 hauling ex-’Man of Kent’ Mk1 set 279 (formed 2x BSK, 4x SO & 1x RO), is pulling into Newhaven Town station to pick up the tour passengers after they had visited the Shed. Note the Electrification flashes on the E4’s water tank ends.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

 

Preston Park RCTS ‘Sussex Rail Tour’ Sunday, 7th October 1962 and the RCTS 'Sussex Rail Tour' train. Running tender-first, R. Billinton’s K class no. 32353 (built March 1921, withdrawn December 1962) has drawn set 279 out of Brighton Station. It will now take the train round to Hove, thence back to London via Steyning and Horsham. “I was not the only one to photograph it.” © Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

Preston Park
RCTS ‘Sussex Rail Tour’

Sunday, 7th October 1962 and the RCTS 'Sussex Rail Tour' train. Having run tender-first, R. Billinton’s K class no. 32353 (built March 1921, withdrawn December 1962) has drawn set 279 out of Brighton Station. It will now take the train round to Hove, thence back to London via Steyning and Horsham.

“I was not the only one to photograph it.”

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

 

Horsham RCTS ‘Sussex Rail Tour’ Sunday, 7th October 1962 and the RCTS 'Sussex Rail Tour' train where R. Billinton’s K class no. 32353 has brough the train (set 279) up from Hove to Horsham via Steyning. © Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

Horsham
RCTS ‘Sussex Rail Tour’

Sunday, 7th October 1962 and the RCTS 'Sussex Rail Tour' train where R. Billinton’s K class no. 32353 has brough the train (set 279) up from Hove to Horsham via Steyning.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

 

RCTS /LCGB
The North Midlands Rail Tour
11th May 1963

 

Derby RCTS /LCGB The North Midlands Rail Tour “This is a poor photograph, but merits exposure for the almost unknown appearance at the time of a 'West Country' 4-6-2 right up at Derby, in the Locomotive Yard of that Midland stronghold”. Taking water between bringing a memorable RCTS Tour on 11th May 1963 from London St Pancras by the main line via Leicester. After resting the locomotive went light to Burton-on-Trent where it re-joined the Tour and took it back to London via Coalville and Knighton South Junction near Leicester. In the meantime, the party visited Derby Shed then re-joined the Special for a great circuit (behind ex-LNER B1 no.61004), via Trent, Pye Hill, and Ambergate to Buxton, then down to Ashbourne and Uttoxeter, and back towards Derby but turning off at Tutbury to Burton-on-Trent. With extended smoke deflectors, 'West Country' no.34006 'Bude' was built July 1945 as no.21C106, renumbered by BR as 34006 but was never rebuilt before withdrawal March 1967 and scrapping. © Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

Derby
RCTS /LCGB The North Midlands Rail Tour

“This is a poor photograph, but merits exposure for the almost unknown appearance at the time of a 'West Country' 4-6-2 right up at Derby, in the Locomotive Yard of that Midland stronghold”.

Taking water between bringing a memorable RCTS Tour on 11th May 1963 from London St Pancras by the main line via Leicester. After resting the locomotive went light to Burton-on-Trent where it re-joined the Tour and took it back to London via Coalville and Knighton South Junction near Leicester.

In the meantime, the party visited Derby Shed then re-joined the Special for a great circuit (behind ex-LNER B1 no.61004), via Trent, Pye Hill, and Ambergate to Buxton, then down to Ashbourne and Uttoxeter, and back towards Derby but turning off at Tutbury to Burton-on-Trent.

With its extended smoke deflectors, 'West Country' no.34006 'Bude' was built July 1945 as no.21C106, renumbered by BR as 34006 but was never rebuilt before withdrawal in March 1967 and scrapping.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

 

 

LCGB ‘Wealdsman’ Rail Tour
13th June 1965

 

Stoneleigh LCGB ‘Wealdsman’ Rail Tour Even back on 13th June 1965 this was an extremely rare occurrence on that Waterloo - Raynes Park - Epsom line, as steam locomotives had practically never come that way since electrification over 40 years before. Stoneleigh station was 'modern', being opened 17th July 1932. Going towards Epsom on the LCGB ‘Wealdsman’ Rail Tour is rebuilt 'Battle of Britain' no. 34050 'Royal Observer Corps' (built as No. 21C150 in December 1946, rebuilt August 1958, withdrawn August 1965 and scrapped) on the first leg from Waterloo to Three Bridges via Horsham. From there the tour continued to Hastings via East Grinstead, Eridge & Hailsham. It returned via Eastbourne, Haywards Heath, Hove, Steyning, Horsham, Cranleigh, Guildford, Effingham Junction & Wimbledon. © Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

Stoneleigh
LCGB ‘Wealdsman’ Rail Tour

Even back on 13th June 1965 this was an extremely rare occurrence on that Waterloo - Raynes Park - Epsom line, as steam locomotives had practically never come that way since electrification over 40 years before. Stoneleigh station was 'modern', being opened 17th July 1932.

Going towards Epsom on the LCGB ‘Wealdsman’ Rail Tour is rebuilt 'Battle of Britain' no. 34050 'Royal Observer Corps' (built as No. 21C150 in December 1946, rebuilt August 1958, withdrawn August 1965 and scrapped) on the first leg from Waterloo to Three Bridges via Horsham. From there the tour continued to Hastings via East Grinstead, Eridge & Hailsham. It returned via Eastbourne, Haywards Heath, Hove, Steyning, Horsham, Cranleigh, Guildford, Effingham Junction & Wimbledon.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

 

 

Ben Brooksbank

In researching photographs for BloodandCustard webpages many excellent the photographs taken by the late Ben Brooksbank emerged of the Geograph website including these taken on the Southern Region.

Ben granted permission to use these photographs under the Creative Commons licence. Sadly, those of us here at BloodandCustard never got to meet Ben (a lifelong railway enthusiast and Retired Medical Scientist sadly he passed on 24th February 2018). However, this page is dedicated in gratitude towards both Ben and his foresight to take these photographs which form part of an important historical record.

 

 

 

 

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