21. Suffolk & Essex-15.04.14

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-2014 > 21. Suffolk & Essex-15.04.14

A trip to Suffolk and Essex with Andy on a lovely spring day. We set off early travelling in Andy's automatic Nissan Micra ending up in the evening on the Thames Estuary at Leigh-on-Sea.

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90003, LE 06.48 Norwich-London Liverpool Street (1P11), Ipswich station
Missing the early morning sunshine at Ipswich station 90003 'Raedwald of East Anglia' pauses with the 06.48 Norwich to Liverpool Street service. I think that the Abellio Greater Anglia livery suits the Class 90s so it seems a shame that the company has not afforded the same treatment to their stock.
Keywords: 90003 06.48 Norwich-London Liverpool Street 1P11 Ipswich station Great Anglia Raedwald of East Anglia

66532 & 90041, stabled, Ipswich Yard
66532 'P&O Nedlloyd Atlas' stands in Ipswich's Yard awaiting its next turn of duty. The somewhat anonymous member of the class arrived on our shores in October 2001 being named in September 2002. Notice that the locomotive displays evidence of corrosion around its cab window apertures with large patches of rust emerging from beneath the window rubbers. This appears to be a particular weakness in their design with many members of the class displaying this problem.
Keywords: 66532 90041 stabled Ipswich Yard P&O Nedlloyd Atlas Freightliner

86613, stabled, Ipswich station
86613 looks a little forlorn left abandoned in the up side siding at Ipswich station. Not being familiar with the workings of the station I am not sure if it was simply stabled awaiting its next train or if it was in some sort of trouble and awaiting attention?
Keywords: 86613 stabled Ipswich station Freightliner AL6 AC electric

321328, 950001, 66593 & 66532, stabled, Ipswich station
Ipswich's small and compact yard is a busy place that fuels and undertakes basic maintenance on locomotives that are involved in the constant flow of freight to and from the nearby Port of Felixstowe. On this particular day, along with 90041 (almost obscured at the back), 66593 '3MG Mersey Multimodal Gateway' is seen next to 66532 'P&O Nedlloyd Atlas'. In the background is Network Rail's track recording train in the form of 950001 that would follow us throughout the morning. Finally, standing at platform four is 321328 stabled awaiting its next service to Liverpool Street.
Keywords: 321328 950001 66593 66532 stabled Ipswich station Freightliner Abellio Greater Anglia P&O Nedlloyd Atlas 3MG Mersey Multimodal Gateway

5. 156417, LE 06.16 Lowestoft-Ipswich (2D69), Ipswich station

66591, stabled, Ipswich yard
The driver of 66591 sits in his cab awaiting instructions from the signaller as to when he can leave Ipswich yard and head light engine to Felixstowe. This particular Class 66 arrived in the UK from its North American birthplace in April 2007 and has been in service with Freightliner since.
Keywords: 66591 stabled Ipswich yard Freightliner

950001 & 321362, stabled, Ipswich station
Utilising the lens at its widest angle (24mm) Abellio Greater Anglia's 321362 waits on Ipswich's platform four to work its next service back to Liverpool Street. In the adjacent yard track recording unit 950001 will later perform duties on a number of the Essex branch lines.
Keywords: 950001 321362 stabled Ipswich station

66543, 04.24 Tilbury-Felixstowe North (4R98), Ipswich station
66543 emerges from Ipswich tunnel to pass the through the station leading the 04,24 Tilbury to Felixstowe Freightliner service. I am not at all sure as to why a Freightliner service conveys boxes between two terminals so close to each other; can anybody advise?
Keywords: 66543 04.24 Tilbury-Felixstowe North 4R98 Ipswich station Freightliner

66543, 04.24 Tilbury-Felixstowe North (4R98) & 90009, LE 07.05 Norwich-London Liverpool Street (1P13), Ipswich station
As 66543 passes through Ipswich station with the 4R98 04.24 Tilbury to Felixstowe Freightliner service, 90009 'Golden Jubilee' arrives with the 07.05 Norwich to Liverpool Street Abellio Greater Anglia train. The Class 90 is still wearing its 'ONE' livery with the early version of the Greater Anglia livery complete with a large union flag vinyl associated with its name.
Keywords: 66543 04.24 Tilbury-Felixstowe North 4R98 90009 07.05 Norwich-London Liverpool Street 1P13 Ipswich station Freightliner Abellio Greater Anglia Golden Jubilee

90009, LE 07.05 Norwich-London Liverpool Street (1P13), Ipswich station
Still looking very smart from work completed in 2012 as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee 90009 stands at Ipswich station leading the 07.05 Norwich to Liverpool Street service. The locomotive is still sporting the former ONE livery with no evidence of it now being operated by Greater Anglia but it does have red buffer beams, silver cab roofs and a large Union Jack on both sides as well as its 'Diamond Jubilee' nameplates. I sys[etc that it will not remain in this livery for much longer as Abellio continue their rebranding a costly and wasteful part of of our ridiculous privatised railway!
Keywords: 90009 07.05 Norwich-London Liverpool Street 1P13 Ipswich station Abellio Greater Anglia Diamond Jubilee

Frontage, Ipswich station
The rather grand frontage of Ipswich station is a typical Great Eastern design and built using similar materials to most in this era in this part of the country. There appears to be some debate as to who designed it with many crediting local entrepreneur Peter Bruff (1812–1900) but others recognising it to be the work of Sancton Wood (1815–1886); it is certainly in a style more reminiscent of his work.
Keywords: Frontage Ipswich station

360113, 07.58 Harwich Town-London Liverpool Street (1A27), Manningtree station
360113 arrives at Manningtree station working the 07.58 Harwich to Liverpool Street 1A27 service. Take away the front of these units and they are, for intent and purpose, exactly the same as the Class 350 Desiros that operate past my home day in day out on the WCML. The fronts of the 360s have no interconnecting doors that must make the cab a more pleasant working environment from the more cramped version in the 350s.
Keywords: 360113 07.58 Harwich Town-London Liverpool Street 1A27 Manningtree station Abellio Greater Anglia Desiro

Andy & 360113, 07.58 Harwich Town-London Liverpool Street (1A27), Manningtree station
Despite the morning blue sky, it is only the middle of April and it was a bit chilly hence why Andy is sporting his sweater and long trousers with his hands thrust in the pockets! He is seen walking along Manningtree's bay platform one that serves the shuttle trains to and from Harwich as 360113 leaves from platform two with the 1A27 07.58 Harwich Town to Liverpool Street train.
Keywords: Andy 360113 07.58 Harwich Town-London Liverpool Street 1A27 Manningtree station Abellio Greater Anglia Desiro

Andy using the flat crossing, Mistley station
Flat crossings on the national network are becoming increasingly rare as Network Rail pusses ahead with it obsessive compulsion to remove every one. In order to irradicate this one at Mistley station, a footbridge will be required at great cost so I suspect that Andy would be able to cross the line at this point for some years to come yet! In the background is the 1932 constructed chimney on the former Edme foodstuffs production site that has now closed and moved elsewhere. The chimney is now a listed structure and a major landmark in the area. Despite this, there have been repeated moves to demolish it but non of the plans have been successful.
Keywords: Andy using the flat crossing Mistley station

Parkeston signal box (BR, 1987)
The rather unusual design of Parkeston signal box is of its time I suppose dating from 1987. This BR built structure replaced a number of boxes in the area as BR desperately tried to save money on this rather under-used branch line now dubbed the Mayflower Line. The large concrete structure passing behind the box carries vehicles on to the vast cross channel ferries that dock directly behind where I am standing as can be seen in the next photograph.
Keywords: Parkeston signal box BR 1987

Harwich Internation station
Harwich International station is located on Parkstone Quay and owes its existence to the Great Eastern Railway who developed the port and its associated infrastructure on reclaimed land in the 1880s. The rather grand former hotel and station building is now somewhat obscured by some rather clumsy canopies and lift towers. Whilst the station still boasts fairly healthy numbers of passengers courtesy of the daily ferry service to The Hook of Holland it is not as busy as in its heyday with regular boat trains not only to and from London but also from the north of the country.
Keywords: Harwich Internation station

Frontage, Dovercourt station
The Eastern Union Railway opened Dovercourt station 15.08.1854 to serve the seaside resort of the same name. Notice the building's pleasant symmetry making it appealing to the eye. The rather grand and attractive station building is now unceremoniously boarded up and unused; what a waste.
Keywords: Frontage Dovercourt station

Former train ferry signalling, Harwich Town
Standing on Harwich Town station and looking across to the former and now overgrown sidings these superb and unique signals are in view. They are a remarkable survivor dating from the times when the now truncated trackwork extended the short distance to the harbour that saw a fair bit of activity with trains loading directly on to ferries. As the track curved quite sharply prior to reaching the harbourside and the loading points these circular signals were provided to make things easier for shunters. The coloured lights illuminated in a variety of different patterns and combinations to give instructions to the drivers, such as move forward slowly, stop or reverse. I believe that they are now in the care of the nearby Harwich Railway and Shipping Museum along with the reproduction level crossing gates in the distance.
Keywords: Former train ferry signalling Harwich Town

321320, LE 09.00 Manningtree-Harwich Town (2A10), Harwich Town station
321320 drifts into Harwich Town station with the 09.00 Abellio Greater Anglia service from Manningtree. This unit will make a number of trips between the two stations stopping at all the intermediate ones throughout the day working the route dubbed the Mayflower Line.
Keywords: 321320 09.00 Manningtree-Harwich Town 2A10 Harwich Town station Mayflower Line

321320, LE 09.28 Harwich Town-Manningtree (2A27), Harwich Town station
Having just arrived with the 09.00 service from Manningtree 321320 will soon work the 09.28 return service. The train is seen standing at Harwich Town's sole platform with the rather grand station building to the right. The status of this station is somewhat diminished from what it once was when Harwich town once boasted its own port facilities that included the loading of complete trains on to ferries to cross to the continent. This was until ferry services moved to the nearby and much larger Parkstone Quay.
Keywords: 321320 09.28 Harwich Town-Manningtree 2A27 Harwich Town station Mayflower Line

Frontage, Harwich Town station
The single-story Harwich Town station is now empty and awaiting future use. There are discussions about it becoming the new home for The Harwich Town Railway and Maritime museum. At seventy miles from Liverpool Street, the former Great Eastern Railway station once boasted three platforms but now has just one but at least it's a long one that can accommodate trains of up to seven coaches.
Keywords: Frontage Harwich Town station Great Eastern Railway GER

Frontage, Walton-on-the-Naze station (now housing)
Walton-on-the Naze station was opened 17.05.1867 by the Tendring Hundred Railway that was then absorbed and worked by the Great Eastern Railway (GER). The rather grand station building was once served by three platforms with it also having a small yard, locomotive shed and signal box. The station is now a single platform affair with a 1980s ticket office and a car park occupying the site of the former yard. The original station building seen here has now been turned into flats.
Keywords: Frontage Walton-on-the-Naze station

Information board, Frinton-on-Sea station car park
The residents of Frinton-on-Sea seem to be fiercely supportive and proud of their station As well as well-manicured flower beds along the entrance road there is this interesting and informative information board all maintained by the very active (it would seem) Frinton & Walton Heritage Trust.
Keywords: Information board Frinton-on-Sea station car park Sunshine Coast Line

Frontage & old level crossing gates, Frinton-on-Sea station
The attractive station building at Frinton-on-Sea was constructed in 1888 to a design similar to several others in Essex featuring the large central gable. However, the twin circular windows (with only one in view in this image) are unique to Frinton. The Frinton & Walton Heritage Trust do a lot of work in the area and maintain the station and its environs to a high standard. This includes the installation of the level crossing gates that were previously located on Frinton's level crossing just to the east of the station. They were replaced by automated barriers just five years ago in 2009.
Keywords: Frontage & old level crossing gates Frinton-on-Sea station

950001, 08.48 Ipswich-Clacton-on-Sea test train, Frinton-on-Sea station
Andy and I were interested to see track recording train 950001 earlier in Ipswich yard, see..... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/29996910604/x321328-950001-66593-66532-stabled but we did not expect to see it in action! Catching us unawares at Walton-on-the-Naze station it passes through heading west having just visited Walton-on-the-Naze as the 08.48 Ipswich to Clacton-on-Sea recording train.
Keywords: 950001 08.48 Ipswich-Clacton-on-Sea test train Frinton-on-Sea station

950001, 08.48 Ipswich-Clacton-on-Sea test train, Frinton-on-Sea station
Andy grabs a 'going away' shot of Network Rail's mobile recording train 950001 as it passes through Frinton-on-Sea as the 08.48 Ipswich to Clacton-on-Sea via most of Essex! It is commonly thought that 950001 is a converted Class 150 unit. However, it was actually purpose-built using the same design as the 150 because that was deemed to be cheaper than designing a whole new unit from scratch. Consequently, it emerged straight from the Class 150 production line at BREL's York facility in 1987. It is based at the RETC in Derby and is used primarily on branch lines where a lighter weight is required on what is often poorer quality track.
Keywords: 950001 08.48 Ipswich-Clacton-on-Sea test train Frinton-on-Sea station

Thorpe-le-Soken signal box (GE, 1822), closed, used as NR office
Thorpe-le-Soken signal box sits in a lofty position on the station's platform. The station is located just east of the junction where the branch heads off east to Walton-on-the Naze from the double-track route to Clacton. The feather for the Walton line can be seen above the colour light to the far left of the photograph.
Keywords: Thorpe-le-Soken signal box 1822 closed NR Office Great Eastern Railway

Thorpe-le-Soken signal box (GE, 1822), closed, used as NR office
The former Great Eastern Railway signal box located on Thorpe-le-Soken's island platform looks remarkably original given that it ceased to operate as a box in 2009. It is now used by Network Rail as a mess room performing no signalling duties. I hope the NR continue to maintain the structure in the correct manner as it is a fine example of a GE Type 2 box despite its rather poor 1937 crude extension over the flat-roofed building.
Keywords: Thorpe-le-Soken signal box GE closed NR office GER Great Eastern Railway

950001, 08.48 Ipswich-Clacton-on-Sea, Clacton-on-Sea station
Our third meeting with track recording unit 950001 as it waits at Clacton-on-Sea station having just arrived after working along the Walton-on-the-Naze branch. It's a shame that Greater Anglia and Network Rail have allowed so much litter and detritus along with weeds to spoil their trackbeds, especially when in full view of the travelling public at stations.
Keywords: 950001 08.48 Ipswich-Clacton-on-Sea Clacton-on-Sea station

360111, 11.05 Clacton-on-Sea-London Liverpool Street (1N35), Clacton-on-Sea station
Greater Anglia Desiro 360111 leaves Clacton-on-Sea station working the 11.05 service to Liverpool Street, a journey of some sixty-nine miles. In this scene, the Great Eastern 1891 signal box stands to the left that controls the plethora of ancient 'searchlight' colour signals dating from when the line was electrified.
Keywords: 360111 11.05 Clacton-on-Sea-London Liverpool Street 1N35 Clacton-on-Sea station Desiro

Clacton-on-Sea signal box (GE, 1891)
At first glance Clacton (-on-Sea) signal box looks to be a superb example of a Great Eastern Type 7 box. However, close inspection reveals that it is entirely clad in upvc with double glazed windows but, at least the veranda has been retained that looks to be original. The box controls the colour light signals around the station and those controlling the adjacent depot.
Keywords: Clacton-on-Sea signal box GE Great Eastern Railway

950001, testing all tracks, Clacton-on-Sea station
Track recording unit 950001 leaves Clacton-on-Sea station making a short journey just beyond the station to then return to the shed roads. Notice the small four-road shed in the background used to house and undertake basic maintenance on units that work the lines to and from Colchester and beyond to Liverpool Street.
Keywords: 950001 Clacton-on-Sea station Network Rail Class 150

950001, testing all tracks & searchlight up starter gantry, Clacton-on-Sea station
A fine example of one of Clacton's 'searchlight' starter brackets that certainly look as if they have suffered from the ravages of the sea air! This unique signalling was installed in 1958 when the lines to the Essex coast were electrified. They are controlled by a mechanical/electro-mechanical lever frame with parts dating from 1891. There are plans to resignal the station and the line afoot but this is not scheduled to happen until 2020 so this vintage and unique signalling can be enjoyed for a few years yet.
Keywords: 950001 searchlight up starter gantry Clacton-on-Sea station Network Rail Track Recording unit Class 150

321321, stabled, Clacton-on-Sea CSD
Greater Anglia's 321321 undergoes attention inside Clacton's small depot. Built by BREL at York between 1988 and 1991 these one hundred miles per hour units proved to be incredibly reliable and marked a step-change in the travelling experience for many commuters in the south-east. Their roles have evolved over the years with them being cascaded as new stock has been introduced but they are still going strong now being twenty-five years old.
Keywords: 321321 stabled Clacton-on-Sea CSD

Searchlight up starter gantry & Clacton-on-Sea signal box (GE, 1891), Clacton-on-Sea station
The signalman stands at the top of the signal box steps taking in some welcome spring sunshine at Clacton-on-Sea. Whilst he will control colour light C60, a more conventional signal type, he will also control vintage 'searchlight' type C55. This mix of signalling at Clacton is a delight to behold but is scheduled to be replaced in the coming few years with the associated box to be swapped away in the name of progress.
Keywords: Searchlight up starter gantry Clacton-on-Sea signal box 1891 Clacton-on-Sea station GER Great Eastern Railway

950001, testing all tracks, Clacton-on-Sea station
Having worked out of another platform a little earlier, the Network Rail track recording unit 950001 returns still undertaking tests and recording the condition of the track on its cameras. It is about to pass one of Clacton's famous 'searchlight' signals C55
Keywords: 950001 testing all tracks Clacton-on-Sea station Class 150 Track recording train

360106, ECS for depot, Clacton-on-Sea station
Abellio Greater Anglia's 360106 will soon depart from Clacton-on-Sea station and make the short reverse move to the adjacent depot. The station was opened in 1882 being named Clacton until 2007 and is busy at commuting times with many passengers making the journey to Liverpool Street.
Keywords: 360106 ECS for depot Clacton-on-Sea station Greater Anglia Desiro

Footbridge to be removed weekend 18-21.04.14, Weeley station
Contractors survey their work area on Weeley station in preparation for work to take place over the coming Easter bank holiday weekend. The concrete station footbridge, installed when the line was electrified in 1959, was due to be removed over the four-day closure of the line and a TUM 400 Steel Footbridge by VEEDA associates. The old bridge was an 'Exmouth' precast reinforced concrete footbridge spanning the two tracks with dog-leg staircases to each platform that was described as being life expired' and one that did not meet disability access requirement.
Keywords: Footbridge to be removed weekend Weeley station

360108, unidentified London Liverpool Street-Clacton working, Weeley station
An unidentified Liverpool Street to Clacton service pauses at Weeley station being worked by 360108. If the name Weeley seems vaguely familiar it may because it hosted a huge rock festival in 1971that was graced by such bands as Status Quo, T Rex, Mungo Jerry and King Crimson. It is estimated that this one-off festival, in the year when the Isle of Wight one was cancelled, that over one hundred thousand attended with many no doubt using the diminutive railway station.
Keywords: 360108 London Liverpool Street-Clacton Weeley station Greater Anglia Desiro

Great Bentley station & former goods yard entrance
The first-floor pair of matching arched windows of Great Bently's station building is an attractive feature, it's a shame that the rendering looks rather grey and unkempt. Of particular interest in this photograph are the former goods yard gate and concrete post that are still standing. Notice the replacement footbridge behind the station building of the type that will be imminently replacing the Exmouth structure at Weeley, see.....https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/29996917404/footbridge-to-be-removed-weekend
Keywords: Great Bentley station former goods yard entrance

321425, LE 11.56 Colchester-Walton-on-the-Naze (2F38), Wivenhoe station
Up until 2010, this unit was seen almost every day passing my home patch on the WCML just south of Northampton, indeed I travelled on it a number of times. Then, it was leased by London Midland but still wearing its Silverlink (1997-2007) livery. Some four years later it is now sporting a smart Abellio Greater Anglia paint job and seen arriving at Wivenhoe station with the 11.56 Colchester to Walton-on-the Naze train.
Keywords: 321425 11.56 Colchester-Walton-on-the-Naze 2F38 Wivenhoe station Abellio Greater Anglia

360108, LE 12.05 Clacton-on-Sea-Liverpool Street (1N37), Hythe station
Hythe station, in the eastern suburbs of Colchester, was opened in 1847 by the Colchester, Stour Valley, Sudbury & Halstead Railway, then to become part of the Eastern Union Railway. The station underwent a complete rebuild during 2008 and 2009 when it was comprehensively reconstructed with much-extended platforms to accommodate morning and evening commuter trains to and from London. A substantial car park was also constructed with modern facilities also installed. 360108 arrives with the 12.05 Clacton to Liverpool street 1N37 service.
Keywords: 360108 12.05 Clacton-on-Sea-Liverpool Street 1N37 Hythe station Abellio Greater Anglia Desiro

East Gate Junction signal box (LNER, 1924)
Due to its location within Colchester's conservation area, East Gate signal box cannot be demolished despite being out of use since 2009; no doubt much to the chagrin of Network Rail! The box was built by the LNER in 1924 to control the adjacent level crossing and the western junction of the short spur to Colchester Town station with its name coming from the road crossing the line rather than the junction itself! Notice the small extended gallery at the far end that enabled the signalmen to have a clear view of the bust road prior to lowering of the gates., a process that is now automated with the crossing monitored on a VDU in some signalling centre somewhere!
Keywords: East Gate Junction signal box LNER 1924

360102, LE 12.02 London Liverpool Street-Ipswich (1Y16), Colchester station
360102 arrives at Colchester station working the 12.02 Liverpool Street to Ipswich Abellio Greater Anglia service. Andy and I had to 'request' access to the platforms to take some photographs; not something I like doing but something that has become increasingly common throughout the network.
Keywords: 360102 12.02 London Liverpool Street-Ipswich 1Y16 Colchester stationGreater Anglia Desiro

90009, LE 12.00 Norwich-London Liverpool Street (1P35), Colchester station
Having seen 90009 'Diamond Jubilee' earlier in the day at Ipswich it is seen again, this time at Colchester station. It is seen leading the 1P35 12.00 Norwich to Liverpool Street Abellio Greater Anglia service.
Keywords: 90009 12.00 Norwich-London Liverpool Street 1P35 Colchester station Abellio Greater Anglia Diamond Jubilee

82112, LE 12.00 Norwich-London Liverpool Street (1P35) & Class 321, stabled, Colchester station
Until new stock is procured, constructed, tested and introduced the travelling public on the Great Eastern Mainline will continue to make use of Mk. III stock that is over thirty years old! A rake of the stock leaves Colchester station with the DVT trailing along at the rear as the 12.00 Norwich to Liverpool Street. This rake of stock still wears the older livery of Greater Anglia awaiting a visit to the paint shop to receive its revised Abellio white paint scheme.
Keywords: 82112 12.00 Norwich-London Liverpool Street 1P35 Class 321 Colchester station

Colchester ASC (BR, 1983)
Taken from the platform end at Colchester station the 1983 area signalling centre is seen. This rather austere looking building built firmly in the BR era controls all movements in the area extending as far north as Norwich. It fringes with two area of absolute block signalling on the route out to Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft along with the line towards Cambridge from Haughley Junction.
Keywords: Colchester ASC signal box

360103, LE 12.52 Ipswich-London Liverpool Street (1Y41), Colchester station
360103 arrives at Colchester station working the 12.52 Ipswich to Liverpool Street Abellio Greater Anglia service. It is about to stop at the southern end of the longest physical platform in the UK as the entire length (platforms 3 to 4) measures six hundred and twenty metres. However, it loses out to Gloucester as that has the longest continuous platform at six hundred and two metres.
Keywords: 360103 12.52 Ipswich-London Liverpool Street 1Y41 Colchester station Abellio Greater Anglia Desiro

Frontage, Colchester station
The station frontages of Colchester could not be more different. The southern side, seen here, is a classical structure typical of the Eastern counties that was built in 1865 to replace an earlier structure. The northern frontage is a concrete monstrosity dating from the 1960s and is not one of British Railway's finest buildings!
Keywords: Frontage Colchester station

37402 & 975025 'Caroline', 07.25 Willesden-Willesden (via Cambridge & Ipswich), Witham station
On arrival at Witham station, Andy and I could hear the familiar tones of an English Electric engine at idle. We discovered 37402 'Stephen Middlemore 23.12.1954-8.6.2013' at the rear of the 07.25 Willesden to Willesden inspection train about to leave propelling saloon 'Caroline'.
Keywords: 37402 975025 Caroline 07.25 Willesden-Willesden via Cambridge & Ipswich Witham station Stephen Middlemore 23.12.1954 - 8.6.2013

975025 'Caroline', 07.25 Willesden-Willesden (via Cambridge & Ipswich), Witham station
975025 'Caroline' stands at the head of the 07.25 Willesden return tour at Witham station. I am not sure as the special passenger it was carrying were but they all had suits on there seemed to a fine spread laid on inside along with plenty bottle of wine on the tables! 97205 has a very interesting history. It was built in 1958 by Eastleigh Works as a trailer restaurant buffet car (TRB) S60755 as part of Class 203 diesel-electric multiple-unit 1036. The 203 were built with slightly narrower bodies to clear the tight tunnels on the Hastings line, its slightly unusual proportions are still clear today in this photograph.
Keywords: 975025 Caroline 07.25 Willesden-Willesden via Cambridge & Ipswich Witham station

90010, LE 13.30 Norwich-London Liverpool Street (1P41), Witham station
90010 'Bressingham Steam & Gardens' rattles at speed through Witham station leading the 1P41 13.30 Norwich to Liverpool Street service. Whilst the locomotive and the bulk of the stock is in the older Greater Anglia livery the first two coaches look very smart in the Abellio version but for how long will it be maintained in this state?
Keywords: 90010 13.30 Norwich-London Liverpool Street 1P41 Witham station Bressingham Steam & Gardens Abellio Greater Anglia

360114, LE 14.18 London Liverpool Street-Clacton-on-Sea (1N26), Hatfield Peverel station
Greater Anglia Desiro 360114 hurries through Hatfield Peverel station working the 14.18 Liverpool Street to Clacton-on-Sea service. This service appears to be a twelve coach train made up of three four-car units that seems to be generous for an early afternoon departure from London?
Keywords: 360114 14.18 London Liverpool Street-Clacton-on-Sea 1N26 Hatfield Peverel station Abellio Greater Anglia Desiro

66591, 13.30 Felixstowe North-Lawley Street (4M93), Hatfield Peverel station
66591 passes Hatfield Peverel station at, what I would have estimated to be, its maximum sixty miles per hour; it certainly left quite a draft in it wake felt while standing on the station's relatively narrow platform. The Freightliner 66 was hauling the 4M93 13.30 Felixstowe to Hams Hall (Birmingham) service that was just a short distance into its journey. Apart from the first and the last few miles, this journey is entirely under the wires but despite this, a diesel (usually a Class 70) is still thought to be the best form of haulage. Maybe some more creative thinking is required to enable its to be electrically hauled?
Keywords: 66591 13.30 Felixstowe North-Lawley Street Hatfield Peverel station 4M93 Freightliner

975025 'Caroline' & 37402, 07.25 Willesden-Willesden (via Cambridge & Ipswich), Hatfield Peverel station
Having seen the Network Rail observation train a little earlier at Witham station we looked at RTT and worked out where we would be able to see it working. We judged this to be at Hatfield Peverel and we calculated correctly. With 37402 'Stephen Middlemore 23.12.1954-8.6.2013' powering at the rear former Class 203 coach S60755 now numbered 975025 'Caroline' races through the station returning to Willesden where it had left earlier in the day at 07.25 travelling out via Cambridge and Ipswich.
Keywords: 975025 Caroline 37402 07.25 Willesden-Willesden via Cambridge & Ipswich Hatfield Peverel station Stephen Middlemore 23.12.1954-8.6.2013

37402 & 975025 'Caroline', 07.25 Willesden-Willesden (via Cambridge & Ipswich), Hatfield Peverel station
A former Class 203 trailer restaurant buffet car (TRB) is a ridiculously light load for 37402 'Stephen Middlemore 23.12.1954-8.6.2013' but, nonetheless it was still creating quite and English Electric soundtrack as it passes through Hatfield Peverel station! It is seen disappearing into the afternoon sunshine on the Great Eastern Mainline as it returns towards London as the 07.25 Willesden return working that had travelled outward via Cambridge and Ipswich.
Keywords: 37402 975025 Caroline 07.25 Willesden-Willesden Cambridge & Ipswich Hatfield Peverel station Stephen Middlemore 23.12.1954-8.6.2013

360101, LE 14.35 Colchester Town-London Liverpool Street (2F51), Hatfield Peverel station
Hot n the heels of the previous train, see.... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/29996921004/x37402-975025-caroline-07-25-willesden the 14.35 Colchester Town to Liverpool Street Greater Anglia service was running under caution as it passes Hatfield Peverel station. 360101 is one of twenty-one units ordered from Siemens just over ten years ago and that have worked exclusively on the GEML ever since. Not the most attractive design with their 'slab' front ends but they were a step-change for passengers who had endured slam-door Class 312s for many years.
Keywords: 360101 14.35 Colchester Town-London Liverpool Street 2F51 Hatfield Peverel station Abellio Greater Anglia Desiro

321331, LE 15.36 Wickford-Southminster (2J38), Burnham-on-Crouch station
In glorious spring afternoon sunshine 321331 leaves at Burnham-on-Crouch station working the 15.36 Wickford to Southminster service. Its destination is the next station just a short distance away to the north on the edge of the delightfully named Dengie Marshes.
Keywords: 321331 15.36 Wickford-Southminster 2J38 Burnham-on-Crouch station Abellio Greater Anglia

321334, LE 16.14 Wickford-Southminster (2J40), North Fambridge station
Throughout the day essentially two sets of Class 321s operate the Southminster branch line to and from Wickford. With it being single track the only place that the units can pass is here at North Fambridge where a passing loop is provided. 321334 arrives with the 16.14 Wickford to Southminster train whilst 321331 waits out of shot behind my right shoulder.
Keywords: 321334 16.14 Wickford-Southminster 2J40 North Fambridge station Abellio Greater Anglia

334334, LE 16.14 Wickford-Southminster (2J40) & 321331, LE 16.14 Southminster-Wickford (2J33), North Fambridge station
North Fambridge is the only place on the Southminster branch line where trains can pass with a short passing loop and two platforms. 321331 gets away with the 2J33 16.14 Southminster to Wickford whilst 321334 pauses with the 2J40 16.14 ex Wickford. As well as having two tracks, North Fambridge is the only station on the sixteen-mile long branch to have more than one platform.
Keywords: 334334 16.14 Wickford-Southminster 2J40 321331 16.14 Southminster-Wickford 2J33 North Fambridge station Abellio Greater Anglia

321331, LE 17.06 Wickford-Southminster (2J42) & Class 321, LE (1K68) 16.24 Liverpool Street-Southend Victoria (1K68), Wickford station
This is my third photograph of Greater Anglia's 321331 working, along with another unit, the Southminster branch on this particular day. Currently sta in Wickford's bay platform it will leave in the next few minutes with the 17.06 service to Southminster. On the adjacent platform in this view and unidentified unit forms the 1K68 16.24 Liverpool Street to Southend Victoria.
Keywords: 321331 17.06 Wickford-Southminster 2J42 Class 321 1K68 16.24 Liverpool Street-Southend Victoria 1K68 Wickford station Abellio Greater Anglia

321429, LE 17.25 Southend Victoria-London Liverpool Street (1K93), Hockley station
Another former Silverlink and London Midland member of the Class 321/4 subset is seen in its new Abellio Greater Anglia livery. 321429 arrives Hockely station forming the 17.25 Southend Victoria to Liverpool Street service. This route was electrified during 1956 using the 1500 DC system (as per the Woodhead route) however, was converted to the new standard of 25KV AC by BR in 1979. One of the original signalling gantries can be seen in this photograph that spans the line carrying the catenary. Incidentally, the feather on the colour light is for a cross-over just beyond the station.
Keywords: 321429 17.25 Southend Victoria-London Liverpool Street 1K93 Hockley station Abellio Greater Anglia

321340, LE 17.04 London Liverpool Street-Southend Victoria, (1K74), Prittwell station
321340 departs for Southend from Pritwell station working the 17.04 from Liverpool Street. The station is just a short distance from it's destination that will be reached by passengers aboard 321340 in about three minutes time. Pritwell station is just a short distance from Roots Hall the home to Southend United Football Club who have a had an indifferent season in Tier four of the league under their manager new manager Phil Brown.
Keywords: 321340 17.04 London Liverpool Street-Southend Victoria 1K74 Prittwell station Abellio Greater Anglia

357025, CC 18.23 Shoeburyness-Shoeburyness Depot, (5S15), Shoeburyness station
After having a relatively easy day on the Abellio Greater Anglia network with most stations 'open' and even those that were 'closed' allowing Andy and I access, we found c2c a very different proposition. All of their stations are firmly closed and the general policy seemed to be to prevent enthusiasts from hopping on to the platforms for a few minutes and take a photograph. Indeed, here at Shoeburyness station I was challenged taking this photograph through the railings by an employee with incorrectly saying that 'I needed permission to take photographs of trains' and that he would 'call the BTP if we didn't move on'. I really wanted to take him on and see what would happen if he did call the authorities but we did not have time to wait so I suggested that he reads his rule book and to get his facts correct! 357025 has just arrived from Fenchurch Street and is returning the very short distance to the extensive depot as 5S15.
Keywords: 357025 18.23 Shoeburyness-Shoeburyness Depot 5S15 Shoeburyness station Electrostar c2c

Frontage, Southend Central station
Southend is blessed with two large stations. Whilst Victoria is a terminus on the line from Liverpool Street Central is a through station on the c2C route to Shoeburyness. This view shows the lesser-used north side of the station with its refurbished canopy, facilities and forecourt refurbished in 2007 opposite Southend's University of Essex campus out of sight to my left. Train to and from Central station use London's Fenchurch Street.
Keywords: Frontage Southend Central station c2c

Frontage, Leigh-on-Sea station
The frontage of Leigh-on-Sea station just catches the late evening sunshine and marks our final stop for the day before heading for home in the white Nissan Micra parked up (quite illegally!) in the foreground. This is the second station building at Leigh replacing the earlier 1855 building in 1934 and built unashamedly in the style of the era. A notable feature is the four-sided clock tower with its white-painted stone inserts matched by a second one on the up (south) side of the station. . Notice the clear view of the north Kent coast across the Thames Estuary to the extreme left.
Keywords: Frontage Leigh-on-Sea station

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