23. The Kentish Ring-12 & 13.04.18

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-2018 > 23. The Kentish Ring-12 & 13.04.18

A circular tour of north and east Kent with Andy. I managed to get some new signal boxes, even if some were closed, and Andy copped some stations. We travelled in his Nissan Micra and had an overnight stay at Stone in a Travelodge and an excellent curry at the British Raj of Spice on London Road.

Click here to search The Archive Files

Images 1-37 of 37 displayed.

357314, CC 18.25 London Fenchurch Street-Shoeburyness (1D64, 1L), Tilbury Town station
Taken on the journey down to Kent at Tilbury Town station just before we crossed the Thames Estuary over the bridge. In utterly dismal light the 18.25 from Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness worked by 357314. Unlike most of C2C's stations, this was an 'open' one. Andy and I have always found access on to C2C stations a tricky proposition with a general unwillingness almost staff to permit access.
Keywords: 357314 1D64 Tilbury Town station

Frontage, Northfleet station
On the morning of Friday 13th April (not unlucky for us; we had a great day!) the frontage of Northfleet station is seen. There has been a station here since the South Eastern Railway opened one in 1849. The original station was demolished and rebuilt into this typical clapboard structure opened in about 1891. Steady rationalisation of the station structures have taken place over the years but at least Northfleet is still part-timed manned by its operator Southestern. Just over the fence the other side and down in the valley below is the huge Ebsfleet International station with all its connections to France and beyond; it certainly puts poor old Northfleet in the shade a little!
Keywords: Frontage, Northfleet station

Frontage, Gravesend station
We were pleased to see throughout or day that Southeastern have been spending some money renovating many of their stations. A good example of the work that they have undertaken is here at Gravesend. It was designed by the architect Samuel Beazley who did a lot of work for the South Eastern Railway. It's an elegant two-storey building constructed out of the SER's favoured yellow brickwork and is frescoed with stone lining. The £19million restoration completed in 2104 is very good apart from the ghastly footbridge but this, like all the others installed, has had to be designed to facilitate disabled access.
Keywords: Frontage, Gravesend station

465011 & 465042, SE 07.12 London Charing Cross-Gilligham (2L14, RT), Hoo Junction TQ694736
In very grey conditions down on Shorne Marshes at the very mouth of the Thames, 465011 and 465042 pass with the 07.12 Charing Cross to Gillingham working. This site is actually at Hoo Junction and is taken from a public crossing. I apologise for the electricity pylons growing out of the roof of the Newtworkers!
Keywords: 465011 465042 2L14 Hoo Junction TQ694736

Class 395s, SE 06.52 Ramsgate London St. Pancras (1F15, RT), Hoo Junction TQ694736
With Hoo Junction yard in the background, two class 365 Jevelins speed past working the 06.52 Ramsgate to London St. Pancras. On the down line level with the back of the train you can see Hoo Junction station, there is a matching platform on the up line too slightly further away. This is technically an open station but not one you can get a train to or one you can get a train from! It's purely for the use of train crews at Hoo Depot as it is such a remote spot! From what we could see of the platforms, they were basic wooden affairs no more that a few yards long with a lean-to shelter.
Keywords: Class 395 1F15 Hoo Junction TQ694736

Class 70s & class 66s, stabled, Hoo Junction Yard
Taken from a public foot crossing on a track that goes down on to the remote Shorne Marshes, various stabled locomotives can be seen at Hoo Junction Yard. Unfortunately, no locomotives could be identified but there are at least two class 70s and a number of 66s. The two platforms of the staff only use Hoo Junction 'station' can be seen.
Keywords: Hoo Junction Yard

Gillingham Signal Box (Closed) (SEC, 1913)
Taken from the pedestrian footbridge the now closed Gillingham signal box is seen. The box closed in 2015 when a major signalling upgrade programme was activated. The box still stands at the level crossing on Church Street and looks to be in very good condition considering that it's been shut for three years. The box was constructed by the South Eastern and Chatham Railway in 1913. It was originally called Gillingham B but this suffix was dropped when the A box closed in 1973.
Keywords: Gillingham Kent signal box

466035, stabled, Gillingham Depot
Looking from the pedestrian bridge at Church Street level crossing in Gillingham, the depot can be seen There is only one unit on display, a Newtworker number 466035. This unit was built by BREL at York in the early 1990s. These have been reliable units in the south east but a little hampered by the maximum 75mph speed.
Keywords: 466035 Gillingham Depot

Rainham Signal Box (Closed) (BR, 1959)
Taken from the pedestrian bridge at the level crossing with Station Road the boarded up remains of Rainham signal box is seen. Architecturally it is not particularly attractive but it is of its time! Built by BR in 1959 I'm sure that it was a significant step up from the old box that was situated at this end of the up platform almost opposite the present one. Rainham box was opened as part of the electrification programme of the late 1950s. It closed in 2015 and I am not sure what the future holds for it?
Keywords: Rainham Signal Box (Closed) (BR, 1959)

466021, SE 10.51 Sheerness-on-Sea-Sittingbourne (2D26, 1L), Swale station
With the 1960 built Swale vertical lifting bridge in the background Networker 466021 approaches Swale station with the 10.51 Sheerness to Sittingborune working. The bridge is a characteristic feature of the area and just out of site to the right is the Sheppey Crossing opened in 2006. This significantly eased the congestion on the old road and rail bridge.
Keywords: 466021 2D26 Swale station

466005, SE 10.05 Sittingbourne-Sheerness-on-Sea (2D27, 10L), Queenborough Main Road Bridge
A bit of a head-on shot but there were very limited options due to tree growth. Networker 466005 arrives into Queenborough working the 10.05 Sittingbourne to Sheerness train. Queenborough seemed a nice little place on the Isle of Sheppey that had a well patronised station of traditional construction built by the London, Chatham and Dover railway in 1860.
Keywords: 466005 2D27 Queenborough Main Road Bridge

Sittingbourne Signal Box (Closed) (BR, 1959)
Another relatively new signal box being constructed by BR in 1959 when the line was electrified. By 2016, it had shut and the Kent Signalling Centre took over control. Given its unlisted status I wonder how long it will survive fo given that Network Rail demolished Rochester box almost immediately?
Keywords: Sittingbourne Signal Box (Closed) (BR, 1959)

395025, SE 11.25 London St. Pancras-London St. Pancras (1C26, 3L), Sittingbourne station
Javelin 395025 pauses at Sittingbourne station working the 1C26 11.25 out and back St. Pancras service. Sittngborune station is another that has had a major amount of work including the vast footbridge that can be seen above the train.
Keywords: 395025 1C26 Sittingbourne station

466021, SE 12.25 Sittingbourne-Sheerness-on-Sea (2D33, RT), Sittingbourne station
Having worked in from Sheerness-on-Sea, 466021 waits to depart from Sittingbourne with the 12.25 return working. Two units operate on this route all day providing a roughly half hour service.
Keywords: 466021 2D33 Sittingbourne station

375610, SE 11.34 London Victoria-Dover Priory (2K18, 1E), Selling station
Selling is a delightfully rural location in the middle of the Kent countryside surrounded by hop fields and other market gardening operations. Here, 375610 passes straight through Selling station with the 11.34 Victoria to Dover train. I like the Southeastern livery and think that it suits these Electrostar 375s well.
Keywords: 365610 2K18 Selling station

395017, SE 12.53 Margate-London St. Pancras (1J37, RT), Chartham station
Old and new technology at Chartham station separated by 110 years! A 2009 built Hitachi Javelin 395017 crosses the level crossing that is controlled by a crossing box built in 1895 forming the 12.53 Margate to St. Pancras. In DC mode these units are capable of 100mph, not a speed that it will be doing on this section of line! The picture is taken form Chartham station's footbridge.
Keywords: 395017 1J37 Chartham station

Opening the gates, Chartham level crossing
After a train has passed the crossing keeper opens the manual gates in Chartham village. No axle counters, laser control and CCTV here! The 1885 signal box, now reduced to a crossing box, received this unusual colour scheme in 1997. The replacement crossing gates themselves were installed in 2003.
Keywords: Chartham level crossing

Chartham Signal Box (SER, 1885) & crossing gates
The South Eastern Railway opened its signal box at Chartham in 1885. It remains virtually as built, apart from the unusual green paint scheme! It is built of typical clapboard construction as were much of there structures. The former Railway Arms pub can be seen behind the box. Fremlins brewery was in Maidstone and was a large Kent brewer. It closed in 1972 following the inevitable takeover by Whitbread. The old brewery is now a Tesco supermarket in Maidstone.
Keywords: Chartham Signal Box

Chartham Signal Box (SER, 1885)
Chartham signal box now reduced to the status of a crossing box following the 2003 resignalling of the line. It is good to see a box of this vintage that has not had the 'Network Rail' treatment. In other words, it has not had totally out of character UPVC windows installed and cladding that totally destroy its appearance.
Keywords: Chartham Signal Box

Canterbury East Signal Box (SECR, C. 1911)
The impressive structure of Canterbury East signal box is still in situ some years after it was shut after extensive resignaling came into use. It still carries its Network Southeast name board. The box was built to such a height so as to give the signalman a completely unhindered view of the station. I wonder what the future holds for this structure?
Keywords: Canterbury East Signal Box

Canterbury West Signal Box (SR, 1928)
The incredible and very impressive Canterbury West signal box is seen astride the lines to the east of the station. The overhead box was built by the Southern Railway in 1928 but I am unsure as to why it was constructed in this manner; advise anybody, please? Despite being out of use now the box is Grade II listed so its future, for the moment at least, seems secure.
Keywords: Canterbury West Signal Box 1928 Southern Railway

375615, SE 14.06 Canterbury West-London Victoria (2A44, RT), Canterbury West station
Southeastern 365615 waits at Canterbury West station working the 2A44 to Victoria. Notice in the background another of the vast new footbridges installed at the cost of £540 000 in 2010. The station has also had a pretty substantial refurbishment.
Keywords: 375615 2A44 Canterbury West station

Frontage, Canterbury West Station
Canterbury West station is grade II listed and in this view it is easy to understand why! It's an attractive station opened in 1846 by the South Eastern Railway that has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment and very well done it has been done to!
Keywords: Frontage, Canterbury West Station

Sturry Signal Box (S&F, 1893)
I had to patient to get this picture and even then I have not quite succeeded in my endeavours to capture it vehicle free! The rear of the Audi has just spoilt the picture of Sturry box. This box has an interesting history. It was commissioned by the SER but built by the signalling company Saxby and Farmer in 1893. It remained as a signal box until 1964 when it was demoted to a crossing box. This situation remained until, bizarrely, it was upgraded to a block post again in 2004.
Keywords: Sturry Signal Box

375908, SE 15.17 Ramsgate-London Charing Cross (2W52, RT), Minster station
Southeastern's 375908 arrives at Minster staton working the 15.17 Ramsgate to Charing Cross. By now, mid afternoon, the sun had begun to put in an appearance on what had been , up to this stage, a pretty miserable and grey day! Minster is at a triangular junction where the Dover via Deal line diverges from the Canterbury to Ramsgate line. The signal box still remains as can be seen in this picture.
Keywords: 375908 2W52 Minster station

375908, SE 15.17 Ramsgate-London Charing Cross (2W52, RT) & 375620, SE 13.10 London Charing Cross-Ramsgate (2R38, 13L), Minster station
A meeting of trains at Minster station. To the left is 375908 working the 15.17 Ramsgate to London Charing Cross whilst 375620 arrives with the 13.10 Charing Cross to Ramsgate. Minster (or Minster Junction as it has been known as in the past) was opened in 1846 by the South Eastern Railway. Like many, it's seen a steady rise in passenger numbers over recent years.
Keywords: 375908 2W52 375620 2R38 Minster station

375620, SE 13.10 London Charing Cross-Ramsgate (2R38, 13L), Minster Station
375620 passes the Southern's 1929 built signal box forming the 13.10 from Charing Cross to Ramsgate. Minster station once boasted 3 platforms, substantial buildings and full length canopies. All of that has now gone and I can imagine that in winter it's a pretty desolate place!
Keywords: 375620 2R38 Minster Station

Minster Signal Box (SR, 1929)
Minster signal box, as shown here, is the second box built with this name. This one was built by the Southern in 1929 but has many of the architectural features of the Saxby and Farmer original. The semaphores all were wiped away in 1981 when a large amount of rationalisation took place in the area. However, the box still controls the colour lights and the triangular junction. In the distance, a class 375 takes the Dover line via Deal.
Keywords: Minster Signal Box (SR, 1929)

Frontage, Broadstairs Station
Broadstairs station opened in 1863 but this building dates from when the Southern rebuilt the station in 1926. This substantial single storey brick building has its impressive clock tower that looks smart having had a recent restoration.
Keywords: Broadstairs Station

375302, SE 14.10 London Charing Cross-Ramsgate (2R43, RT), Sandwich level crossing
Under some pleasant late afternoon blue sky, 375302 leaves Sandwich station forming the 14.10 London Charing Cross to Ramsgate via Ashford and Dover. The train is just crossing the level crossing with New Street and passing the former signal, now crossing box.
Keywords: 375302 2R43 Sandwich level crossing

Sandwich Station
Looking south east at Sandwich station reveals that the 1847 built structure is in fine condition. Most noticeably, it still has its 'as built' canopy. Also, on the up platform is the original hipped roof waiting shelter even if its side windows have been removed. Quite significantly, the lattice wrought iron footbridge is still in place. Altogether, a smashing station full of character and original features; long may it stay like this!
Keywords: Sandwich Station

Sandwich Signal Box (SR, 1938)
This is the second box to occupy this site, this one being built by the Southern in 1938. In recent times it has had the inevitable Network Rail window treatment but still retains hints of the Saxby and Farmer original box that it replaced. The semaphores were superseded by colour lights relatively early in 1981 but at least the box remains as a crossing box.
Keywords: Sandwich Signal Box (SR, 1938)

378819, SE 16.50 Ramsgate-London Charing Cross (2W60, 2L), Deal level crossing
In absolutely smashing spring lighting, 378819 crossed Deal level crossing forming the 16.50 Ramsgate to London Charing Cross via Dover and Ashford. This level crossing was a busy one, with a large number of vehicles and pedestrians waiting to cross within the few minutes that the barriers were lowered awaiting the passage of this train. After such a dull, cold and damp day, the stunning few hours of weather that we enjoyed during late afternoon was a blessing!
Keywords: 378819 2W60 Deal level crossing

Deal Signal Box (SR, 1939)
There is no doubting your location given the size if it nameplate! Deal signal box is a Southern Type 13 box opened in 1939. Locally it's referred to as 'the Glasshouse' but more usually it's referred to as being of the 'art-deco' or 'odeon' style. However you refer to it, it's an impressive structure that still controls semaphores within the environs of the station that is a short distance to the right of this picture. With the sun refelcting off the large windows the camera stuggled to get a proper exposure but this passable picture results.
Keywords: Deal Signal Box

395028, SE, 15.25 London St. Pancras-London St. Pancras (1C42, RT), Martin Mill station
Even modern digital cameras struggle with extreme contrast! The deep shadows at Martin Mill station have created havoc with the camera's exposure system. Despite using Photoshop, the sky and background is still too bright and lacking colour with the foreground too dark! Either way, Javelin 395028 passes through the quiet station at Martin Mill working the 15.25 London St. Pancras to St. Pancras out and back working. Martin Mill station opened in 1881 and, until 1998 had a tiny signal box with associated semaphores that was built in to the station building. A similar arrangement still exists at Hammerton on the York to Harrogate line in Yorkshire.
Keywords: 395028 Martin Mill station

Andy photgraphing 395028, SE, 15.25 London St. Pancras-London St. Pancras (1C42, RT), Martin Mill station
The final picture of the day sees Andy getting a 'going away' shot of 365028 working the 15.25 St. Pancras to St. Pancras out and back working at Martin Mill station. Behind the trees to the left there once existed a long single branch line, the route of which can still be made out in places, that led down to Dover harbour. It was constructed in order to facilitate the construction of the harbour in the 1890s. During both world wars, it was used again to serve the many gun emplacements along the cliffs nearby. Also, it carried two 14 inch track mounted cannons nicknamed Winnie and Pooh. After we took these final pictures, we had a quick brew in the station car park and headed for home after a very successful day for both us. I coped some boxes and Andy a number of stations that he could mark off in his book!
Keywords: Andy photgraphing 395028 1C42 Martin Mill station

Images 1-37 of 37 displayed.