Southern's Mk1 EMUs - the very last run

The platform at Victoria was crowded with both passengers off the 09.19 and those wishing to depart on the 11.06 return. Again the train was well packed, again with unwitting regular passengers and even more enthusiasts, many of whom had been unable to get to Brighton early enough for the Up run (the diversion via Lewes, with its consequential increased journey time, adding a degree of difficulty for those travelling from afar). The return run to Brighton was far more sprightly with East Croydon (platform 2) to Gatwick (platform 5) taking 15 minutes 34 seconds (achieving 87mph on the Quarry Line and 90mph after Salfords) and Gatwick to Haywards Heath (platform 2) taking 11 minutes 26 seconds. Following a further stop at Wivelsfield, Lewes was reached only two minutes late.

Following the reversal at Lewes u3535 was in the lead for the remainder of the up journey. Note the unit, pictured here at Clapham Junction, was carrying the headboard from the previous week's Sussex Slammer railtour.

photograph by Ian Docwra

The hub-bub in platform 16 at Victoria during the tight turnround. No more will passengers and operators regularly have to beware outward opening doors.

photograph by Colin Watts

Passengers boarding the train (they do not look your average enthusiasts so they must be "normal" passengers) whilst 3535 waits at Victoria's buffer stops for the last time.

photograph by Mark Andrews

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This page updated 16th April 2006 by Colin Duff.
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