HDL Christmas Scholar railtour
Saturday 5 December 2009
This article was written and closed on Sunday 6 December 2009
![[PHOTO: Train at sunny station: 68kB]](20091205-Cambridge1-Armitage.jpg "1001 after arrival at Cambridge platform 2.
This is a link to a larger version.")
Our Diesel-Electric train upon arrival under the wires at Cambridge station, platform 2. Photo by Andy Armitage.
Hastings Diesels Limited’s 41st public railtour was from Hastings to Cambridge, via Rye. The trip ran very close to time throughout and arrived at Cambridge 8 minutes early; the train ran faultlessly and the weather did not dampen the spirits of those enjoying the outing.
Because of engineering works taking place at Tunbridge Wells that weekend, to complete a turnback siding as illustrated here in time for timetable-changes the following weekend, our railtour was routed via Rye, Ashford and Tonbridge in both directions.
Historical data
The train was formed thus: 60118-60501-69337-60529-60116, with motor coach 60118 Tunbridge Wells leading to Cambridge.
The publicity leaflet and final timings remain available.
Videos
Various photographers have taken video-footage depicting this railtour and have uploaded it to YouTube; the following are links to some starting-points but do not represent a definitive collection:
- St. Leonards Warrior Square
- Tonbridge
- crossing the Thames at Imperial Wharf
- Willesden Junction high level
- Camden Road
- arrival at Cambridge, shunt move
- departure from Cambridge
Photos
![[PHOTO: Train passing station in countryside: 70kB]](20091205-Knockholt-Staines.jpg "1001 passing Knockholt at speed.
This is a link to a larger version.")
Above: This is 1001 thundering through Knockholt on the way towards London—highly reminiscent of the dozens of thousands of similar passings that each of these trains made past this spot in times past. Photo by David Staines.
![[PHOTO: Our train approaching sidings: 93kB]](20091205-Cambridge-Levett.jpg "1001 entering Cambridge yard.
This is a link to a larger version.")
Above: Our train on its shunt movement from Cambridge station to the carriage sidings. Photo by Stewart Levett.
![[PHOTO: Two trains in sidings: 49kB]](20091205-Cambridge2-Armitage.jpg "1001 stabled beside a class 317 at Cambridge yard.
This is a link to a larger version.")
1001 was stabled in the carriage sidings at Cambridge, just north of the station. It is seen (above) beside a class 317 unit, and (below) sporting an alternative headboard proffered by local staff. Photos by Andy Armitage.
![[PHOTO: Our train in sidings: 62kB]](20091205-Cambridge3-Armitage.jpg "1001 stabled in Cambridge yard, with an alternative headboard.
This is a link to a larger version.")
![[PHOTO: Interior of train carriage: 53kB]](20091205-interior-Armitage.jpg "The interior of a Club-Class saloon.
This is a link to a larger version.")
Above: A view of the Club-Class saloon of DEMU trailer 60501, complete with festive decoration. Photo by Andy Armitage.