19th March 1967

Southern Counties Touring Society
Southern Rambler

Locos Used E6016 & steam: 34108

Route :

Loco Route
34108 London Victoria - Factory Jn - Lewisham - Selsdon
E6016 Selsdon - East Croydon
34108 East Croydon - (via Quarry Line) - Three Bridges - Keymer Jn - Brighton
34108 Brighton - Lewes - Polegate - Eastbourne
34108 Eastbourne - Polegate - Lewes - Haywards Heath - Earlswood - (via Quarry line) - Coulsdon North - Balham Jn - London Victoria

Notes :
(1) Information originally received suggested a second tour, using 34089 and called "Last Steam Train to Brighton and Eastbourne", ran on the same day however Chris Harley and Geoff Smith both confirm it was in fact the same tour (the tour brochure was titled "Last Steam Train to Brighton and Eastbourne" and the timing sheet listed 34089 as the train loco). Geoff Smith adds : 34056 had been requested, but was withdrawn the previous month. 34089 was the booked locomotive but a filthy 34108 substituted from the start. The ECS was brought into Victoria by 80085, and returned to Clapham Yard by the same locomotive - the only other steam seen on the Central Section that day. The ECS working was notable for making a 20 mile "round the houses" journey of over an hour because of engineering works,  viz :- Clapham Yard - Longhedge Jn - Factory Jn - Herne Hill - Tulse Hill - Crystal Palace - Norwood Junction - Selhurst - Balham - Clapham Junction - Victoria.


From Bob Bridgers ticket collection.

Sources : John Clifford, Chris Harley, John Broderick, Geoff Smith & Bluebell Railway Museum

Timings (Booked & Actual)
(from Bluebell Railway Museum & John Broderick)

Location Booked Actual
Victoria 10.58d [P12] 11.02
Factory Jn 11/07 11/08½
Lewisham 11/21 11/21
Woodside 11/33 11/32
Selsdon 11.40 ~ 12.00 11.38 ~ 11.55
East Croydon 12.06 ~ 12.14 11.58 ~ 12.15
Coulsdon North 12/23½ [Quarry Line] 12/23½
Three Bridges 12/39 12/42
Keymer Jn 12/53 12/54½
Brighton 13.22 ~ 14.06 13.18½ ~ 14.05
Lewes 14/20 14/18
Polegate 14/35 14/32
Eastbourne No.1 14w42a ~ 15w44d 14.38½ ~ 15.45
Polegate 14/35 15/52½
Lewes 16/06 16/09
Haywards Heath 16/22 16/29
Earlswood 16/39 [Quarry Line] 16/53
Coulsdon North 16/47 [Through Line] 17/02
Balham Jn 17/01½ 17/14½
Victoria (E) 17.12a [P7] 17.25


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