Wessex Electrics: The Last Day

Back at Waterloo and some final acknowldgements and celebrations.

(left) The organising team, driver and guard - note again all volunteers - pose at the buffer stops. And this is positively the last appearance of the plush pig!

(below) The driver of positively the last class 442 railtour for South West Trains poses at the country end.

Whilst South West Trains have ended the lease on this rolling stock - which is popular with passengers for its superior comfort and smooth riding - for hard nosed business reasons all credit is due to the company for allowing the past to be celebrated. It is interesting to speculate if the controversial class 458 fleet gone off lease instead - would there have been officially sanctioned celebrations?

For 2412, a long layover at Waterloo followed before its next and final passenger working. The platform was used for other arrivals and departures including (right) a poignant meeting with new kid on South West Trains' block - though pointedly being only a few years younger - recently refurbished 159102.

Before we cover the last class 442 run in passenger service for South West Trains back to the rest of the action during the day. Above, we are back to late Saturday morning and 2405 is passing through Byfleet and New Haw with the 1B34 10.01 Poole to Waterloo working.