27th April 1985

Bedford Bletchley Rail User's Association
South Coast Special
(B.B.R.U.A. Special Train No.3)

Loco Used 25198, 31217 (4) & 47597
Stock Used mark 1's in InterCity livery

Route :

Loco(s) Route
47597 Bedford - Kempston Hardwick - Bletchley - Leighton Buzzard - Willesden WL Jn - Mitre Bridge Jn - Kensington Olympia - Clapham Junction - ??? - Haywards Heath (1) - Eastbourne
47597 Eastbourne - (?reverse of outward route?) - Mitre Bridge Jn (3)
25198 + 31217 Mitre Bridge Jn - (?reverse of outward route?) - Bedford

Notes :
(1) A coach connection was available from Haywards Heath to visit the Bluebell Railway where a round trip behind SR 541 was enjoyed from Sheffield Park to Horsted Keynes and back. Passengers were then bussed to Eastbourne to rejoin the special.
(2) A coach was removed at Eastbourne due to it running a 'hot axlebox'.
(3) Reason for loco change not known, but 47597 may have been low on fuel.
(4) Page originally listed the class 31 as 31317, in error.

Sources : Nigel Benning, Nick Ross & Fred Lowe

Timings (Booked & Actual)
(from Nigel Benning & Nick Ross)

Location Booked Actual   Booked Actual
Bedford 08.20d 08.20   ??.??a ??.??
Eastbourne ??.??a ??.??   17.25d ??.??


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