18. Surrey, Hampshire & West Sussex trip-08.04.13

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-2013 > 18. Surrey, Hampshire & West Sussex trip-08.04.13

A 'big' day out with Andy exploring some lines in the south. Travelling in Andy's white Nissan Micra automatic we started off our day in GW territory (just) at Sandhurst before heading south towards Farnham and Petersfield ending up on the south coast at Havant. Then we headed east along the coastway line finding a lot of interesting mechanical signalling at Littlehampton and Bognor. We ended up in the evening at Dorking before heading for home; a really interesting day.

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Images 1-64 of 64 displayed.

165114, GW 08.20 Reading-Shalford, Sandhurst station
The first photograph of our trip to the southern counties finds us at a grey and dull Sandhurst station. First Great Western's 165114 arrives working the 08.20 Reading to Shalford (via Guildford) service. More usually expected to be found around Bristol or Westbury this Turbo unit is very much operating in an outpost of the FGW network operating deep into Surrey.
Keywords: 165114 08.20 Reading-Shalford Sandhurst station FGW First Great Western

Frontage, Frimley station
Frimley station is an attractive symmetrically constructed building that was opened in 1877 by the London and South Western Railway. During off-peak hours it is served by a regular service operating between Ascot and Aldershot but it also enjoys peak-time direct services to and from Waterloo.
Keywords: Frontage Frimley station

166210, GW 09.04 Reading-Redhill, North Camp station
The strange absence of a third rail on the eleven-mile section of the former London and South Western Railway route between Wokingham and Aldershot necessitates the use of diesel traction. First Great Western operate services on the line between Reading and Guildford with some services extended onwards as far as Gatwick Airport. 166210 arrives at North Camp station working the 09.04 Reading to Redhill service. North Camp station is located in Farnborough and is only a short walking distance from Ash Vale station which offers direct trains to Waterloo.
Keywords: 166210 09.04 Reading-Redhill North Camp station FGW First Great Western Turbo

Ash Vale Junction signal box (LSW, 1879)
It took me some time to reach a position from where I could capture an image of Ash Vale Junction signal box deep some woodland adjacent to a vast area of army firing ranges. Indeed, Andy who stayed in the car whilst I went off exploring was concerned on hearing gunshots wondering if I had got myself into trouble! The box dates from 1879 and is a non-standard L&SWR design that now contains a Network Rail updated switch panel. The box still wears its British Rail corporate identity printed design nameplate.

NB The box was to close, along with two others at Aldershot and Farnham, on 24.08.13 just four months after this photograph was taken (Note added 04.24)
Keywords: Ash Vale Junction signal box LSW. London and South Western Railway

458025, SW 09.23 Ascot-Guildford, Ash Vale Junction
The odd front-end design of the Class 458/0 subset is clearly shown from this perspective. One of thrity members of the subset, 458025 crosses Ash Vale Junction working the 09.23 Ascot to Guildford service. All of these units are now in service but had a disastrous start back in the early 2000s beset with all sorts of problems and issues eventually leading to their complete withdrawal for major modifications. However, even now some ten years or so on they are still unreliable and face an uncertain future.
Keywords: 458025 09.23 Ascot-Guildford Ash Vale Junction SWT South West Trains Juniper

Aldershot signal box (LSW c.1900)
Formally named Aldershot A signal box the box became just Aldershot on the closure of the B box in 1977. This box, along with Ash Vale and Farnham is due to close this year with control of signalling moving to the Woking signalling centre. The box is a typically styled London and South Western box with its characteristic pyramidal-hipped roof. Notice struggling Aldershot Town Football Club beyond the box looking like it is going to relegated from the football league at the end of the season.
Keywords: Aldershot signal box LSW 1900

458008, SW 09.23 Ascot-Guildford & 444016, SW 10.14 Alton-London Waterloo, Aldershot station
As 458008 waits at Aldershot, with the driver having changed ends, working the 09.23 Ascot to Guildford service as 444016 leaves working the 10.14 Alton to Waterloo service. Aldershot is a busy commuter/stockbroker belt station with fast and regular services to Waterloo that is sometimes stymied by its three platforms with trains being stabled and reversed at the next station to the west Farnham.
Keywords: 458008 09.23 Ascot-Guildford 444016 10.14 Alton-London Waterloo Aldershot station South West Trains

Farnham signal box (LSW, 1901)
Dating from 1901 Farnham signal box is to a classic London and South Western design with the added charm of an external personal needs block. It has been authentically painted and has a period nameboard. Whilst the windows have been changed for UPVC units that maintain the original glazing pattern. The box is due to close this summer along with Ash Vale and Aldershot (previously photographed on this trip) as part of the Sussex and Wessex Signalling Framework contract awarded to Atkins by Network Rail. Another piece of classic railway infrastructure is about to bite the dust!
Keywords: Farnham signal box LSW

Frontage, Farnham station
Farnham station was opened in 1849 on the short line linking the town directly with Guildford via Wanborough but it was not until 1870 when a further line was built connecting with Aldershot and beyond. Third rail electrification came in 1937 with the initial line in the direction of Guildford then closing. Despite appearances showing an empty car park, apart from Andy with his trusty Micra, the station is usually busy primarily with commuters heading towards London. A new depot that maintains and services the Class 450 Desiros opened in 2009 and is located some distance west of the station.
Keywords: Frontage Farnham station

Farncombe signal box (LSW, 1897)
Farncombe signal box is located to the south of the station where a road crosses the railway. The remains of the long disused McKenzie and Holland frame is apparently in the locking room being stamped 'L&SWR 1896' with the installation of a 'cooker switch' panel having made it redundant in 1986. The box is typical of the L&SWR being constructed in 1897. At present I have no date for its replacement but I suspect that it won't be too long before re-signalling catches up with it.
Keywords: Farncombe signal box LSW London and South Western Railway

450108, SW 10.24 Portsmouth & Southsea-London Waterloo, Godalming station
The 10.24 Portsmouth and Southsea to London Waterloo SWT service leaves Godalming station worked by Desiro 450108. The Class 450s have been in service for ten years now and have become the mainstay of operations on this route and a number of others throughout the south of England.
Keywords: 450108 10.24 Portsmouth & Southsea-London Waterloo Godalming station SWT South West Trains Desiro

Frontage, Godalming station
The rather attractive frontage of Godalming station is seen in some weak spring sunshine. It was opened at this spot in 1859 as a through station replacing an earlier one slightly further north towards Farncombe that was a terminus. Nothing remains of the earlier station that is now a housing estate. Godalming is probably best known as the station used in the 2006 cult film The Holiday starring Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Jack Black and Kate Winslet. It was renamed Shere for some days enabling the filming of a short sequence in the film.
Keywords: Frontage Godalming station

444019, SW 10.45 London Waterloo-Portsmouth & Southsea, Milford station
Another member of the extensive Desiro family passes Milford station at speed. 444019 is seen working the SWT's 10.45 Waterloo to Portsmouth and Southsea service.
Keywords: 444019 10.45 London Waterloo-Portsmouth & Southsea Milford station Desiro

444019, SW 10.45 London Waterloo-Portsmouth & Southsea & 450080, SW 10.45 Portsmouth Harbour-London Waterloo, Milford level crossing
As the 10.45 Waterloo to Portsmouth and Southsea service worked by 444019 heads off into the distance 450080 heads north with the 10.45 Portsmouth Harbour to Waterloo service. The scene is captured from the public footbridge at the end of Milford station deep in the Surry countryside but still being only just over thirty miles from London.
Keywords: 444019 10.45 London Waterloo-Portsmouth & Southsea 450080 10.45 Portsmouth Harbour-London Waterloo, Milford level crossing South West Trains SWT

Frontage, Witley station
Witley station in Surry is one of those unusually named examples that don't actually bear the name of the settlements closest to them. The village of Witley is some distance from the station that is actually located in Wormley. To add further to the naming confusion when the station was opened in 1859 it was named Witley and Chiddingfold.
Keywords: Frontage Witley station

Haslemere signal box (LSW, 1895)
As was a common practice for the LSW Railway Haslemere signal box is located on the station platform. It's an attractive and typical design that still houses a forty-seven lever frame that the signalman is busy operating as the line sees regular services. The box is Grade II listed so its future is secure when Network Rail re-signal the line sometime in the not too distant future.
Keywords: Haslemere signal box LSW London and South Western Railway

Haselmere station & signal box (LSW, 1895)
Located nearly forty-three miles from London Victoria Haslemere station remains a busy commuter start and finish point for nearly one point five million passengers annually. The station was originally opened in 1859 but was expanded and rebuilt when the electrification arrived in 1938. Today, the station enjoys a regular and fast service to either London or Portsmouth. Notice the 1895 signal box located on the platform as was a fairly common practice for the London and South Western railway.
Keywords: Haselmere station signal box LSW

Frontage, Liphook station
The attractive station building at Liphook is seen from the station car park. The station was opened on 1st January 1859 with the building being constructed a little later and is a typical style for the London and South Western Railway. Having 'coped' the station Andy emerges walking back towards the car.
Keywords: Liphook station

Petersfield signal box (LSW, 1880s)
A superb survival from the Victorian age still doing what it was designed and built to do! Petersfield signal box dates from around 1880 and looks to be in good condition. An unusual feature is the fretted timber valance and at the other end of the box it still retains its timber steps leading to a small landing. There are talks that it will become rade II listed that if so will secure its future after resignalling renders it redundant in the next few years.
Keywords: Petersfield signal box LSW 1880

444016, SW 12.00 London Waterloo-Portsmouth Harbour, Petersfield station
Passing Petersfield's superb Victorian signal box the 12.00 Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour slows for its stop worked by 440016. At fifty-four miles from Waterloo it enjoys regular services to the capital and is particularly busy during the morning and evening commute. I suspect that the residents of the town are not so keen on these regular services as the crossing gates are down for some length of time during the average hour.
Keywords: 444016 12.00 London Waterloo-Portsmouth Harbour Petersfield station SWT

377122, SN 12.02 London Victoria-Portsmouth Harbour, Havant station
Having reached the south coast following the line down from London we were now able to enjoy Southern services traversing the 'coastway' route to and from Brighton (and beyond). Electrostar 377122 arrives at Havant working the 12.02 Victoria to Portsmouth Harbour service that had headed southwest from the capital via the Dorking and Horsham route.
Keywords: 377122 12.02 London Victoria-Portsmouth Harbour Havant station Southern Electrostar

450108, SW 12.30 London Waterloo-Portsmouth Harbour, Havant station
Crossing over from the down mainline to the bi-directional platform one 450108 arrives at Havant working the 12.30 Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour service. Just behind the rear of the train is the level crossing and footbridge on New Lane and the redundant, boarded up and ivy-clad signal box.
Keywords: 450108 12.30 London Waterloo-Portsmouth Harbour Havant station SouthWest Trains Desiro

377441, SN 13.13 Southampton Central-London Victoria, New Lane Crossing, Havant
Electrostar 377441 leaves Havant station working the 13.13 Southampton Central to London Victoria service. The photgraph is taken from the pedestrian footbridge that permits people to continue along New Lane when the barriers are lowered; something that happens a lot with this section of line being busy. Notice the disused LBSC signal box dating from c.1876 behind the train.
Keywords: 377441 13.13 Southampton Central-London Victoria New Lane Crossing Havant Southern Electrostar

Havant signal box (LBSC, c.1876)
The boarded-up and rather sad-looking Havant signal box was built for the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway circa 1876 being extended by the Southern Railway in 1938. However, despite close examination, I cannot see where the extension was added as is often the case given away by, for example, a change in brickwork. There are continuing efforts to put the box to community use but as yet, nothing has come of this.
Keywords: LBSC, c.1876

313214, 13.03 Brighton-Portsmouth Harbour, New Lane level crossing, Havant
Soutern's 313214 approaches Havant working the 13.03 Brighton to Portsmouth Harbour 'Coastway' service. With my back to New Lane level crossing the former L&SWR route towards Guildford via Haslemere can be see curving off to the left.
Keywords: 313214 13.03 Brighton-Portsmouth Harbour, New Lane level crossing Havant Southern

377409, SN 13.13 Southampton C-London Victoria, Warblington station
The 13.13 Southampton Central to Victoria train passes Warblington station. Being deep in southern territory the platforms are pre-formed concrete probably a product of there once extensive plant at Exmouth Junction just east of Exeter.
Keywords: 377409, SN 13.13 Southampton C-London Victoria, Warblington station.jpg

313213, SN 13.59 Portsmouth & Southsea-Littlehampton, Emsworth station
The 13.59 stopper Portsmouth and Southsea to Littlehampton train arrives at Emsworth station worked by 313213. These veteran units have been in operation on this route and a number of others for three years now but their introduction was not without issues. The main criticism was that they were considerably older than the Class 377 Electrostars being replaced and thus lacked many more modern and to-be-expected features such as air conditioning. This will surely be their final use before withdrawal comes as they approach their fortieth year.
Keywords: 313213 13.59 Portsmouth & Southsea-Littlehampton Emsworth station Southern

377405, SN 13.33 Brighton-Southampton Central, Southbourne station
Hopefully, Andy has captured a decent photograph from the other platform at Southbourne station; certainly, it will be less head-on than mine! Southern's 13.33 Brighton to Southampton Central service passes at speed worked by Electrostar 377405.
Keywords: 377405 13.33 Brighton-Southampton Central Southbourne station Southern Electrostar

377122, unidentified up working, Southbourne station
Unfortunately, I have been unable to identify this Southern service passing Southbourne. 377122 is heading eastwards along the Coastway route in the direction of Brighton. Southbourne is one of a number of stations on this route that come one after another within a relatively short distance of each other.
Keywords: 377122 Southbourne station Southern Electrostar

377144, SN 13.02 London Victoria-Portsmouth Harbour, Nutbourne station
Nutbourne station is one of a number that comes thick and fast between Havant and Chichester on the Coastway route. 377144 passes the level crossing just to the east of the platform ends working the 13.02 Victoria to Portsmouth Harbour 'fast' service.
Keywords: 377144 13.02 London Victoria-Portsmouth Harbour Nutbourne station Southern Electrostar

313214, unidentified working ex Portsmouth Harbour, Fishbourne station
The Coastway 'stopper' services are generally operated by the venerable Class 313s. 313214 arrives at Fishbourne station working an unidentified service from Portsmouth Harbour. The small village of Fishbourne is probably best known for its superb and relatively early Roman palace that is widely recognised as the largest Roman residence north of the Alps.
Keywords: 313214 ex Portsmouth Harbour Fishbourne station Southern

Chichester signal box (LBSC, 1882)
Chichester signal box is a fine and imposing example of a London, Brighton & South Coast Railway structure built in 1882. It is only one of two Saxby & Farmer Type 5 signal boxes still extant the other being Eastbourne which I visited a few years ago. The box contains an NX panel and has been a little modified from its original design by, for example, the bricking up of the round-headed locking room windows and the more recent installation of UPVC double-glazing units. The twin air conditioning units are not particularly subtle additions either!
Keywords: Chichester signal box LBSC

313213, SN 15.39 Bognor Regis-Barnham, Bognor Regis station
A fine scene at Bognor Regis sees four up starter signals at the platform ends controlled by an equally fine sixty-six lever Southern Type 13 signal box. The box dates from 1938 and was built in the Art Deco style that was very 'on-trend' just pre-war. 313213 is seen leaving Bognor station with the 15.39 shuttle service to Barnham.
Keywords: 313213 15.39 Bognor Regis-Barnham Bognor Regis station Southern

377120 & 377164, stabled, Bognor Regis station
We found Bogonr Regis is a surprisingly large and busy station for a southern coastal outpost! Looking towards the buffer stops Elecrostars 377120 and 377164 are seen awaiting their next turns of duty as staff go about their business.
Keywords: 377120 377164 Bognor Regis station Southern Eleectrostar

377162, SN 14.02 London Victoria-Bognor Regis, Bognor Regis station
Southern's 377162 arrives at Bognor Regis station with the 14.02 'fast' service from London Victoria. The rear of the train is passing a pair of Bognor's up platform starter signals. Semaphores and mechanical signalling abound at Bognor but for how long? There do not appear to be any immediate plans to abolish the signalling but I am sure that in the next few years, modernisation will render them redundant.
Keywords: 377162 14.02 London Victoria-Bognor Regis Bognor Regis station Southern Electrostar

Frontage, Bognor Regis station
The superb Edwardian frontage of Bognor Regis station is partially hidden by some trees but these cannot disguise its grandeur. It dates from 1902 replacing the original 1864 structure that burned down in a fire. The building is Grade II listed by Historic England summarising it in their citation as being 'a complete example of the seaside terminus station of the Edwardian period'.
Keywords: Frontage, Bognor Regis station

377164 & 377162, SN 15.56 Bognor Regis-London Victoria & 313213, SN 15.53 Barnham-Bognor Regis, London Road footbridge, Bognor Regis
Just to the north of Bogor Regis station is a footbridge adjacent to the superb signal box. The bridge provides a good view of the station throat and is a great place to observe railway operations. 377164 and 377162 have just left the station working the 15.56 service to Victoria as 313213 approaches with the 15.43 shuttle service from Barnham.
Keywords: 377164 377162 15.56 Bognor Regis-London Victoria 313213 15.53 Barnham-Bognor Regis London Road footbridge Bognor Regis

313213, SN 15.53 Barnham-Bognor Regis, London Road footbridge, Bognor Regis
The 15.53 Barnham to Bogor Regis service approaches its destination worked by 313213. Whilst the platforms at Bognor are long enough harking back to the days when seaside excursions would have been accommodated with the servicing platforms to the right being even longer. These are used in the night to perform light servicing and cleaning of units ready to go out in the morning heading, largely towards London. The superb Southern Type 13 signal box seen to the right was built in 1938 and is still in full operation today; but for how long I wonder before Network Rail re-signals the area.
Keywords: 313213 15.53 Barnham-Bognor Regis, London Road footbridge, Bognor Regis.jpg

Bognor Regis signal box (SR, 1938)
Still wearing its huge Network SouthEast nameboard Bognor Regis signal box is seen located at the northern end of the station throat. The iconic Type 13 boxes were built by the Southern between 1936 and 1946 in an effort to promote their go-ahead approach approach and were associated with its main line electrification schemes. This example was built in 1938 to the classic design complete with curves to both the brickwork and the glass giving them their 'Odeon' nickname. This box contains a sixty-six lever frame and there is no date for its replacement by Network Rail; for the time being that is!
Keywords: Bognor Regis signal box SR, 1938 Southern

377409, SN 15.33 Brighton-Southampton Central, Barnham station
In the middle of nowhere really Barnham station is a busy one with the branch to Bognor Regis diverging to the south at the western end of the station. Southern's 377409 arrives at the station, where most services seem to stop, working the 15.33 Brighton to Southampton 'Coastway' service.
Keywords: 377409 15.33 Brighton-Southampton Central Barnham station Southern Electrostar

377127, SN 15.13 Southampton Central-London Victoria, Barnham station
The 15.13 Southampton Central to Victoria service arrives at Barnham station worked by 377127. It is about to pass over the pointwork that marks where the Bognor branch heads off to the south. I am standing very close to where the original 1911 London, Brighton and South Coast Railway (LBSCR) box was located until December 2009 to be replaced by the modern structure to the right of the train.
Keywords: 377127 15.13 Southampton Central-London Victoria Barnham station Southern Electrostar

Barnham signal box (NR, 2008)
I hesitate to refer to the building seen in this photograph as a 'signal box'! However, at least Network Rail has made the effort to make it a familiar design rather like other recent new builds at Allington West Junction (Nottinghamshire) and Low Row (Tyne Valley). Barham opened in 2008 replacing a super platform located 1911 LBSCR box that has now been moved to the nearby Aldingbourne playing fields where it is now in use again as a community centre.
Keywords: Barnham signal box NR 2008

313213, SN 16.24 Barnham-Bognor Regis, Barnham station
Being on 'shuttle duties' 313213 was seen and photographed a little earlier at Bognor. The veteran unit is now seen at Barnham waiting to leave with the 16.24 service back to Bognor. Barnham station had a real old-style feel about it with busy mainlines as well as a traditional branch line running a short distance to the coast. The only other one that I can think of that feels like this is just along the coast at Brockenhurst.
Keywords: 313213 16.24 Barnham-Bognor Regis Barnham station Southern

Frontage, Barnham station
At sixty-three miles from Victoria (via Redhill) Barnham is a busy interchange station that has seen a steady rise in passenger numbers in recent years. It was opened by the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway in 1846 but I suspect that the station building seen here is more recent; local advice anybody?
Keywords: Frontage Barnham station

377405, SN 15.33 Southampton Central-Brighton, Ford station
Like Barnham station, a short distance to the west, Ford is also a busy one and at a junction where a branch line heads off the short distance to the south, this time to Littlehampton. However, to me it did not have quite the traditional 'country junction' feel of Barnham. 377405 arrives at Ford working Southern's 15.33 Southampton to Brighton 'Coastway' service
Keywords: 377405 15.33 Southampton Central-Brighton Ford station Southern Electrostar

377474, SN 16.54 Littlehampton-Portsmouth & Southsea, Littlehampton station
Like nearby Bognor Regis, Littlehampton remains a bastion of mechanical signalling. Taking away the relatively modern Electrostar, the contemporary signage and the telecommunications mast this scene could have been taken at any time within the last one hundred years with the superb station up starters and the tiny LBSE 1886 signal box. 377474 leaves the station with the 16.54 service to Portsmouth and Southsea.
Keywords: 377474 16.54 Littlehampton-Portsmouth Southsea Littlehampton station Southern Electrostar

377419, SN 15.17 London Victoria-Littlehampton, Littlehampton station
Southern's 377419 rattles over the point work as it arrives at Littlehampton with the 15.17 service from Victoria. Incredibly, Littlehampton remains a sea of absolute block along with neighbouring Bognor Regis where everywhere else is all fully automated. Having said that, this service will have passed through another bizarre area of mechanical signalling between Amberley and Billingshurst. Plans are afoot for resigning the latter but not for some years, as for Littlehampton and Bognor no dates for abolishing the mechanical signalling appear to be in place.
Keywords: 377419 15.17 London Victoria-Littlehampton Littlehampton station Southern Electrostar

Littlehampton signal box (LBSE, 1886)
Both Bognor Regis and here at Littlehampton were due to have been re-signalled back in 2008 but the scheme was abandoned under a spending review so mechanical signalling remains in full operation. Littlehampton box is a charming 1886 London Brighton & South Coast Railway Type 2 design structure that is largely original despite the locking room windows having been bricked up. It's rarity is compounded due to it having surviving timber valancing above the windows a very rare feature of a London Brighton & South Coast railway Type 2 signal box being a feature usually reserved for their stations.
Keywords: Littlehampton signal box LBSE 1886

313210, SN 17.11 Littlehampton-Bognor Regis & 377419, SN 17.15 Littlehampton-London Victoria, Littlehampton station
Despite being only five miles apart from each other as the crow flies Littlehampton and Bognor Regis enjoy a direct railway service that takes a more circuitous route inland via Ford and Barnham with a short dash along the Coastway route, a distance of nearly nine miles. 313210 is about to leave Littlehampton with the 17.11 evening service to Bognor whilst 377419 will soon depart with 17.15 train to London Victoria. Andy can just be seen on the platform about to board the earlier train that he would take to Ford where I was to pick him up in the car as this was virgin track for him!
Keywords: 313210 17.11 Littlehampton-Bognor Regis 377419 17.15 Littlehampton-London Victoria, Littlehampton station Southern

313216, SN unidentified Littlehampton working, Angmering station
An unidentified westbound Southern working passes through Agmering station worked by 313216. Angmering has a rather macabre and unfortunate recent history with three local people dying on or close to the station in recent years between 2006 and 2009. Our thoughts are with them and their families for their losses.
Keywords: 313216 unidentified Littlehampton working Angmering station Southern

Amberley signal cabin (BR, 1950s)
Amberley signal cabin is a charming structure located on the station's down platform. I can find precious little information about this unusual structure that was constructed by BR in the 1950s to replace an earlier box. Further information welcome!
Keywords: Amberley signal cabin BR, 1950s

52. 377123, SN 16.32 London Victoria-Bognor Regis, Amberley station

377462, SN 17.30 Bognor Regis-London Victoria, Amberley station
Electrostar 377462 leaves Amberley station deep in the beautiful Arun Valley. The station is just a few yards from the River Arun along which the county boundary between West Sussex and Hampshire runs. The 17.30 Bognor to Victoria service passes the unusually tall Amberley up home signal thats raised height enables drivers to get a clear view of the arm above the station's footbridge on which I am standing.
Keywords: 377462 17.30 Bognor Regis-London Victoria Amberley station

Pulborough sIgnal box (LBSC, 1878)
The attractive Pulborough signal box seen at the northern end of the up platform. The box is a superb and relatively unmolested example of a Type 5 London Brighton & South Coast Railway box that was opened in 1878. Apart from the steps being realigned and an enlarged porch (that contains personal needs facilities) the box is as-built down to the LBSC twenty-nine lever frame. Closure will be coming soon as this small section of absolute block signalling is to be abolished over the next year or so.

NB This box was to close on 16.03.2014 just over a year after this photograph was taken (added June 2024)
Keywords: Pulborough sIgnal box LBSC 1878

377402, SN 17.57 Bognor Regis-London Victoria, Pulborough station
377402 is seen arriving at Pulborough station working Southern's 17.57 Bognor Regis to London Victoria service. It is passing the station's down starter upper quadrant semaphore (PH27) that is controlled by the 1878 signal box located at the other end of the station. This semaphore and the others seen in the distance will soon be wiped away as another section of absolute block is removed from the network in the endless pursuit of moderation.
Keywords: 377402 17.57 Bognor Regis-London Victoria Pulborough station Souther Electrostar

377116, unidentified up working, Billingshurst station
After what had been a very grey and dull day the sun has finally decided to put in an appearance at the end of the day and is proving troublesome due to the position adopted to take this photograph at Billingshurst station. An unidentified up Southern working arrives at the station passing the signal box worked by 377116.
Keywords: 377116 unidentified up working Billingshurst station southern Electrostar

377116, unidentified up working & 377151, 17.34 London Victoria-Bognor Regis, Billingshurst station
A pair of Southern Electrostars pass as they both arrive at Billingshurst station. To the left 377116 is working an unidentified up working to Victoria whilst 377151 approaches with 17.34 London to Bognor Regis service. Notice that after a dull day the sun has come out for the last couple of hours raising the spirits!
Keywords: 377116 377151 17.34 London Victoria-Bognor Regis Billingshurst station Southern Electrostar

377151, 17.34 London Victoria-Bognor Regis, Billingshurst station
Evening commuters make their weary way along the platform at Billingshurst having alighted from the 17.34 Victoria to Bognor service worked by 377151. At forty-four miles from London it is classic commuter belt territory and a station that has recently had its platform lengths doubled to accommodate eight-car units.
Keywords: 377151 17.34 London Victoria-Bognor Regis Billingshurst station

Billingshurst signal box (LBSC, 1876)
Billingshurst signal box is an early example of a London, Brighton and South Coast Railway Type 1B built in 1876. It is a Grade II listed structure so its future is assured when the line is resignaled in the next year or so. Its windows facing towards the station are partially obscured by the footbridge that was a later addition not helping the sighting of the signalman!

PS The box was saved following closure a year after this photograph was taken and re-erected at the Amberley Museum after extensive repairs were undertaken particularly to the staircase area (added 06.24)
Keywords: Billingshurst signal box LBSC, 1876

Billingshurst station, level crossing & signal box (LBSC, 1876)
Apart from the modern signage Billingshurst station is a potential modeller's delight! With its superb 1876 LBSC signal box (now operating on limited time), its lattice footbridge and classic LBSC station (even though it was actually built by the Mid-Sussex Railway in 1859) complete with its ornate barge boarding to the canopy. Andy is seen to the right about to nip across the road to the adjacent chip shop to buy us some well-earned dinner before we head on to our final two stations of the day!
Keywords: Billingshurst station level crossing signal box LBSC 1876

Frontage, Horsham station
Horsham is approximately the midway point between London and Brighton and remains a busy station. The first station was opened by the London Brighton and South Coast Railway (LBSCR) in February 1848 and underwent various changes and remodelling during its first ninety years or so of operation. The station was completely rebuilt by the Southern Railway to its International Modern Style in 1938 coinciding with the electrification of the line. It was designed by the Souther's 'go-to' architect James Robb Scott and is now Grade II listed. It has recently undergone a refurbishment and modernisation to improve customer facilities. This image of the frontage took some doing to avoid any cars on the busy roundabout spoiling the view!
Keywords: Frontage Horsham station

Dorking signal box (SR, 1938)
As part of the new modern age of railways back in the 1930s the Southern embarked on a huge re-building programme coinciding with their third rail DC electrification. Many new structures were built including Dorking (North) signal box seen here dating from 1938. It contained a forty-four lever frame but many are now out of use. I am not sure when the box is scheduled to be taken out of use but I am confident that it will remain intact as these 'Odeon' style boxes are usually subject to preservation legislation.
Keywords: Dorking signal box SR 1938

455742, SW 20.35 Dorking-London Waterloo & 456022, SN 20.06 Horsham-London Victoria, Dorking station
A pair of EMUs stand at Horsham station in the dark of an April evening. Both the Class 455 to the left and the 456 to the right must rank as the ugliest design of train frontages out there! Both are built around a BR Mk. III coach they are cluttered and rather utilitarian with the 455 having the addition of a connecting door. 455742 will work the 20.35 South West Trains service to Waterloo whilst 456022 is about to leave working the Southern 20.06 to Victoria.
Keywords: 455742 20.35 Dorking-London Waterloo 456022 20.06 Horsham-London Victoria Dorking station Southern

455830, SN 20.59 Dorking-London Victoria, Dorking station
Constructed by BR in 1983 based around their tried and tested Mk. III coach the Class 455s have done sterling work on the Southern Region for many years even if they are the ugly ducklings of the network! 455830 stands on Dorking's platform three waiting to work the evening's 20.59 Southern service to Victoria. This is the last picture of the day so it is now time to head for home negotiating a large chunk of the western side of the M25 in doing so; let's hope that it's clear!
Keywords: 455830 20.59 Dorking-London Victoria Dorking station Southern

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