A New Bus for London Training On Route 24
I was at the front of the top deck of a 30 bus today going past Warren Street station, when I saw a New Bus for London going towards Camden Town.
As this is along route 24, I would assume it could be driver training or route proving.
The bus wasn’t showing any signs or advertising.
Changing At New Cross Gate
Coming home, I didn’t go via Clapham Junction station, as the quickest train from Redhill went via New Cross Gate station, where I changed to the Overground.
It is not far to walk, but it is not step free and I had to walk up one tricky staircase and down another. So this would not be a route from Dalston Junction to Gatwick with a heavy case.
A Visit To Dorking West Station
Dorking West station has a reputation, as one of the least busy stations on the UK network. This was reported here on the BBC, which said it only had 16 passengers in 2011-12.
incidentally, I saw at least seven or eight passengers get off the train at Dorking West station.
The station was generally clean and tidy, although it is very short on facilities, with it would seem nothing convenient to the station, except for the scrapyard. Apparently, a few years ago, the latter caught fire and disrupted the trains, according to someone in Information at Redhill. I’ve since found this report on the BBC.
The Class 166 trains were in good condition too!
It was in some ways an interesting trip, to one of the least used parts of the rail network in the South East England.
Various things have been proposed to generate traffic from electrification, to use as a route from the Channel Tunnel to Reading for freight, but it is unlikely that much will be done.
Riding The Class 377 To Redhill
A few years ago, travelling south of the Big Sewer, usually meant a ride in some rickety old electrical multiple unit, that had seen better days.
Now though, I seem to usually get an immaculate Class 377.
It wasn’t very busy and I had a coach to myself.
The New Pedestrian Bridge At East Croydon Station
Going south from Clapham Junction station today to Redhill, staff at Clapham said it would be quicker to go via East Croydon station.
It would appear that Network Rail is creating another of their excellent pedestrian overbridges.
This one isn’t as spectacular as Reading or Leeds, but it does seem, that Network Rail have got a concept that can be applied easily in different ways at various stations.
I should hope they’re working on a standard system, that can be used on the many stations, that need better access.
There Would Appear To Be Good Connections At Clapham Junction
One of my gripes with Clapham Junction station, is that if you arrive on the Overground like I do, you have to exit the barriers to either purchase or pick up a ticket for your onward journey.
I did think it might be likely, that the obvious place for a machine, the refurbished pedestrian bridge, didn’t have proper network connections!
Cashpoints At Clapham Junction
But it’s got these two cashpoints, so that can’t be the reason!
As it was today, I was changing for Redhill and missed my train by a minute or so, because I was delayed by having to walk a long way to get the ticket.
Pudding Mill Lane Station – 6th May 2013
I passed through Pudding Mill Lane station on the DLR this morning and the new station is progressing.
Note that you can now see the lift towers.
What A Daft Name For A Railway Engine
This surely must be one of the daftest names for a railway engine.
What A Daft Name For A Railway Engine
I’m sure Colchester Power Signalbox is a worthy signal box, but to name an engine after it, is akin to calling one of your children something like BMW 5-Series.
Onto The DLR At Tower Gateway
This picture shows the entrance to the DLR at Tower Gateway station.
Onto The DLR At Tower Gateway
Sensibly, the signage mentions that Travelcards are welcome.
The Tower of London And Modern Buildings
I walked past the Tower of London on my way to get a DLR train at Tower Gateway station.
In some ways it could have been surrounded by a much worse collection of buildings. Although nothing of the quality of One New Change seems to have been built near to the Tower to blend the ancient and modern.
At least it’s impossible to see the Tower of London and the Tower Hotel at the same time.
The Anonymous Widower 