Pre-railtour test run to Tonbridge
Thursday 19 March 2009
This article was created and closed on Thursday 19 March 2009
![[PHOTO: Train in station: 23kB]](20090319-Hastings1-Armitage.jpg "1001 reversing via platform 3 at Hastings
This is a link to a larger version.")
Above: Our train is seen reversing via platform 3 at Hastings station, to begin the test-run up to Tonbridge. Motor coach 60118 Tunbridge Wells is nearest the camera and will lead for the north-westward journey. All photos on this page are by Andy Armitage.
On Thursday 19 March 2009, our DEMU made a test run to Tonbridge and back in preparation for Saturday’s Wiltshire Wanderer railtour.
1001, which was formed 60118-60501-69337-60529-60116, ran as train 5Z22.
It departed St. Leonards Depot at 1050 and ran via Battle in both directions. It had been intended that the route would be via Rye, but this was altered at the last moment. 1001 reversed at Tonbridge in the West Yard during a short (15-minute) layover, before heading back to St. Leonards, arriving back at 1350. No problems were encountered, so the train is ready to go on Saturday’s tour.
![[PHOTO: Trains in railway yard: 22kB]](20090319-TonbridgeYard1-Armitage.jpg "1001 at Tonbridge West Yard.
This is a link to a larger version.")
Above & below: Our train is seen at Tonbridge West Yard.
![[PHOTO: Panoramic view of railway yard: 12kB]](20090319-TonbridgeYard2-Armitage.jpg "Tonbridge West Yard and 1001.
This is a link to a larger version.")
![[PHOTO: On-train view of railway yard: 20kB]](20090319-TonbridgeYard3-Armitage.jpg "Awaiting departure from Tonbridge West Yard.
This is a link to a larger version.")
Above: Whilst waiting to leave Tonbridge West Yard, we see Electro-Diesel 73201 on the left, and (in FirstGBRf livery) 66725 on the ‘Up Gypsum’ working from Mountfield.
![[PHOTO: Train at sunny station: 28kB]](20090319-Hastings2-Armitage.jpg "1001 awaiting departure from Hastings platform 4.
This is a link to a larger version.")
Above: Awaiting departure from Hastings platform 4, to return to St. Leonards Depot. Observant readers may notice that this motor coach is sporting a replacement chime-whistle (centred above the driver’s-side front window), which will no doubt get exercised during the railtour!