seg logo left

seg totem

seg logo right
  
click here for news click here for features click here for information about SEG publications click here for information about sales items click here for information about preserved EMUs, etc click here for information about our preserved 4 Cor unit click here for information about the Southern Electric Museum
click here for information about SEG members' activities click here for information about Railtours click here for advice about modelling the Southern Electric scene click here for information about our members' magazine SEG contact information useful links and webrings

 

Gatwick Express "Heritage" Stock - Final Passenger Workings
incoming ECS on Grosvenor Bank incoming ECS into platform 13

(left) The empty stock from Stewarts lane descending the Grosvenor Bank, photograph by James Stearn,
and (right) in the gloom under the raft entering platform 13 at Victoria, photograph by R.M. Brumé.

 

It had been a long time since the first run in regular service of Gatwick Express' new Class 460 units on the 22nd September 2000, but the time finally came to retire the faithful remaining members of the "heritage" fleet of Class 73 Electro-Diesel locomotives, Class 489 GLV Gatwick Luggage Vans and Class 488 Mk2 trailer stock.  Gatwick Express laid on a final scheduled round trip on Thursday 28th July with a seven car formation working the 1300 Victoria - Gatwick Airport and 1350 Gatwick Airport - Victoria services.  Both trains were packed with enthusiasts, journalists, staff and regular passengers; the latter must have initially wondered what had hit them!  Special announcements marking the significance of these workings were made upon departure from Victoria and Gatwick Airport.   EDL 73202, which Gatwick Express will be retaining as a "thunderbird", has been named Dave Berry after the company's longest serving employee (who can count 47 years service at Stewarts Lane).  Dave Berry travelled on the train, as did many management and staff associated with the service since it was introduced on the 14th May 1984.
73208 at Victoria Dave Berry in the flesh and metal

(top left) 73208 at the head of the formation at Victoria prior to departure at 1300, photograph by Colin Duff, (top right) the man and his nameplate at Gatwick Airport, photograph by James Stearn, (bottom left) drivers Trevor Finch and Mick Seabrook at Gatwick Airport, photograph by R.M. Brumé, and (bottom right) 73202 "Dave Berry" awaiting departure at 1350 from Gatwick Airport, photograph by Colin Duff.
both drivers for the final trips 73202 at Gatwick Airport

PAGE 2 | PAGE 3 | SLAM DOOR SUNSET INDEX

 

 

^ back to top of the page ^

 

  

This feature is brought to you by the Southern Electric Group as a service to its members and enthusiasts.  The Southern Electric Group is the only group covering all aspects of the Southern Electric System past , present and future.   If you are not a member you are very welcome to join the group.  For more details please follow the links bottom left.
Find out more about the SEG or about membership
and to print out a membership application form.

click here to return to our home page

This page updated 15th April 2006  by Colin Duff.
All text, graphics and photographs are ©Copyright