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Post by motorman on Oct 4, 2012 21:33:21 GMT
I purchased a book last Saturday "The Great Central from the Footplate". The cover photo depicts 'Jubilee' 4-6-0 45567 'South Australia' leaving Amersham in March 1963 forming the 12h38 Marylebone - Nottingham service passing an A Stock train in the sidings just north of Amersham station. I think the leading A Stock car is 5040. As well as steam I recall a Class 40 leaving Harrow in the mid 1960's with a parcel train for Marylebone. Photos also exist of Cl 25's in use on the line. Cl 115 DMU and others subsequently ran from Marylebone. LU stocks the A Stock will have run alongside include Standard Stock, 59 Stock and 73 Stock on the Piccadilly, 38, 73 and 93 Stocks on the Jubilee plus the experimental trains. I often think of the extensive rail system which existed in 1961 compared with that of today. It all seems a world away!
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Post by motorman on Oct 3, 2012 20:04:48 GMT
The extension to Watford Jn and the extra traffic it would bring could justify a 7.5 min Watford service which would thus allow Amersham/Chesham services to again run fast south from Moor Park. Existing frequencies on the slow lines would be retained and everyone hopefully would be happy. Problem solved!!!
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Post by motorman on Oct 3, 2012 19:47:14 GMT
Family and work comitments prevented me from participating in the A Stock farewells last Wednesday and Saturday, although my thoughts very much with what was going on. I would like to thank everyone who has pasted photos on the forum as that has enable one to very much feel part of the proceedings. I made my personal farewell on the 29th June aboard 5231 the last unit built. 5034 was at the other end of the train. Whilst not perhaps the smoothest of trains the design was forward looking and did not look dated in the latest LU corporate livery. If there was ever a train suited to the line it served the A Stock would certainly be at the very top of the list. 74mpn through Dollis Hill - gosh that does bring memories from when the A Stock was in its prime. They will never be forgotton having served for over half a century. For that reason alone a working example needs to be preserved. Are there any concrete plans or ..............? Thanks again chaps for all the photos
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Post by motorman on Sept 29, 2012 20:43:14 GMT
I agree with 78019 that an operational A Stock train should be preserved and used for special occasions such as the recent events on the Amersham Heritage Open day featuring 'Sarah Siddons' and the 38 stock set. It is almost certainly too late for the remaining for sets remaining. However we have the too RAT units plus 5112/3 currently stored at Acton. It may be that a group needs to be formed to achieve this aim perhap;s on the lines of the Cravens 1960 preserved set. Whilst a static 5034 in a museum is welcome, it would be tragic if the opportunity to loose an operational set for ever were allowed to happen. Perhaps a business case could be drawn up for such a project
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Post by motorman on Sept 20, 2012 20:34:30 GMT
If money and health and safety issues were satisfied the use of Aldwych as an extension to the museum could be very exciting. How about a vintage tube shuttle running on special occasions between Aldwych and Holborn. All self contained and could allow a variety of historic vehicles to be ridden on as part of a historical deep level tube experience. All a big dream of course but not impossible
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Post by motorman on Sept 18, 2012 20:41:59 GMT
I too have thought about the use of S7+1 on the Met. Some careful diagramming could perhaps see them restricted to Uxbridge - Aldgate workings where the lack of facing seats would not be as sensative as it would on the Amersham / Chesham / Watford lines.
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Post by motorman on Aug 25, 2012 20:41:30 GMT
I bet it was'nt nearly such an exciting ride as on an A Stock at that speed!!!
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Post by motorman on Aug 23, 2012 20:36:35 GMT
I well remember northbound A Stock runs around 70mph. On a lightly loaded train sat at the front of the leading car there were occasions when one would hand onto something when the train lurched over the pointwork (now removed) just to the north of Neasden station. Exciting white knuckle times.
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Post by motorman on Aug 19, 2012 19:59:29 GMT
Very interested to see the LT fog repeater signal on platform 2. Is it operational? I presume in LT days there would have just been a signal repeater on the platform. ~Great photos - must visit
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Post by motorman on Aug 17, 2012 21:07:48 GMT
Likely the trip from Chalfont to Chesham and return will be available to usual passengers the booked Chesham train being diverted to Amersham. I think this happened when previous special trains have run to Chesham
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Post by motorman on Jul 13, 2012 20:19:18 GMT
Presumably northbound S7's stabling at Wembley will have to go to Harrow to reverse, then head to Wembley on the SB fast road. Will these trains detrain in platform 2 at Baker St or continue northbound in passenger service. It might be easier to detrain at Harrow.
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Post by motorman on Jun 30, 2012 15:20:29 GMT
Have to wait and see, I guess. Not wishing to continue any rumour which may not be correct. The updated info did also state today as being last day of A Stock operation. Certainly goes against everything mentioned yesterday
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Post by motorman on Jun 30, 2012 15:13:02 GMT
I would assume everything is formed as it were yesterday. Just curious at the update on Wikepedia. That info must have come from somewhere. Is it correct? I should of course have said six trains in service yesterday. If only those four units now survive in service that means only two trains left. I may of course be going quite mad down here on the Isle of Wight having returned home from the Met Line last night. Does anyone know where units are stabled. With this weekends engineering work it might be Monday before the real situation reveals itself.
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Post by motorman on Jun 30, 2012 14:59:55 GMT
Has there been a mega cull of A Stock overnight? The Wikepedia site updated this afternoon only shows four units remaining in service 5034 - 5112 - 5116 - 5118. I enjoyed yesterday travelling on 5022 - 5116 and finally 5231. Six units in traffic during the evening peak. Have we more or less reached the end story? Does anyone know more?
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