HDL Christmas Onward Tour
In conjunction with The Remembrance Line Association Ltd

Above: Our DEMU returns across the viaduct to Folkestone Harbour station, after its “shuttle” trip up the hill to Folkestone East sidings; it then ran to London Victoria and Hastings. Photo by Alan Crotty.

Above: Our train awaits departure from Hastings station, platform 3, for the start of the railtour to Folkestone via London Victoria. The specially-prepared headboard is in place, but the driver has not yet opened up his cab. Photo by Don Benn.

Above: Motor coach 60116 Mountfield brings up the rear of the train at Hastings station. Some of the modifications for Central Door Locking are visible in this view (the small illuminated “Doors Unlocked” lamp by the open door, and the slightly larger door-lock mechanism) but they are quite unobtrusive. Photo by Don Benn.

Above: Our train awaits departure-time and the closing of the level crossing at Battle station. The wholly-visible vehicle nearest the camera is long-underframe Second Open trailer 60529. Photo by Don Benn.

Above: Our DEMU, formed of 5 carriages, proudly displays its headboard whilst awaiting departure from London Victoria station for Folkestone harbour. Photo by Don Benn.

Above & below: 1001 arrived at London Victoria some 25 minutes early, giving those already on the tour plenty of time to stretch their legs and take photographs. These ones by Andy Armitage.

Above & below: The sharply-curved platforms at Folkestone Harbour station, where the railtour was met by a delegation from The Remembrance Line Association. One of the original station nameboards had been brought out and place on the opposite platform, which was a nice touch. Photos by Andy Armitage.

Above & below: Further views of our train at Folkestone Harbour, by Andy Armitage. The train was also full to capacity for a special shuttle up the branch to Folkestone East Sidings and back. As the weather was fine, there were no problems with railhead contamination and so no wheelslip on the steep gradient.