19th March 1967

Southern Counties Touring Society
Southern Rambler

Route :

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 Geoff Smith adds: 34056 had been requested, but was withdrawn the previous month. 34089 was the booked locomotive but a filthy 34108 substituted from the start.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 (see timings at bottom of page).
(2) Working Time Table showed 34108 being removed at the Brighton Inner Home Signal (CB.71), in order for it to be turned on the triangle via Hove, and for a diesel loco to take the train into Brighton station, although it was originally unknown if this took place. Aubrey Davey has now confirmed from his late father's photo collection that very clean blue liveried class 08, D3219, brought the train into Brighton station.

From Bob Bridgers ticket collection.

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

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

Associated Light Engine & E.C.S. Movements
(from John Debens)

Light Engine: booked for 34089 (worked by 34108)

Empty Coaching Stock: hauled by ???

Light Engine: hauled by ???

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