THE NETWORK SOUTHEAST ACHIEVEMENT
A CHRONOLOGY OF 12 YEARS FORWARD PROGRESS AND DELIVERY, 1982 - 1994
compiled by John P McCrickard.
January 1982 to December 1985
THE NETWORK SOUTHEAST ACHIEVEMENT
A CHRONOLOGY OF 12 YEARS FORWARD PROGRESS AND DELIVERY, 1982 - 1994
compiled by John P McCrickard
This chronology summarises the main developments and highlights during the BR London & South East and Network SouthEast sector years; place names generally refer to stations, unless otherwise stated. Those events in bold italics are not directly related to the sector but provided for background information - and hopefully to illuminate the chronology in a wider context.
4 January 1982 - BR business sectors introduced under Chief Executive Bob Reid - London & South East (L&SE), InterCity, Provincial, Freight and Parcels; David Kirby - previously Managing Director, Sealink - heads up L&SE as Sector Director, which post is combined with that of General Manager, SR.
30 January 1982 - Isle of Wight Class 486 3-TIS No 486036 is first island EMU to be repainted from blue to blue/grey livery.
14 February 1982 - London Blackfriars signal box closed and control of area transferred to London Victoria SC.
8 April 1982 - SR new Class 413 4-CAP (‘Coastway HAP’) EMU first unit No 3303 enters traffic; primarily for Coastway East services between Brighton - Eastbourne, Hastings, Littlehampton and Portsmouth the 24 4-car units are each formed from permanently coupled pairs of Class 414 2-HAP EMUs - Nos 3201-13 using 1951 and Nos 3301-11 with 1957 2-HAPs; squadron service from 17 May 1982 timetable.
28 April 1982 - Venice-Simplon Orient Express (VSOE) London Victoria - Brighton preview run; the luxury Pullman commences regular charters between London Victoria and Folkestone Harbour from 25 May 1982.
14 May 1982 - Milton Keynes Central new £4.5m station opened, served by both L&SE and InterCity services.
17 May 1982 - new timetable highlights:
-Braintree improved through electric services to London Liverpool Street;
-Peterborough - Wisbech - King’s Lynn Rail Link coach service inaugurated;
-Watton-at-Stone reopened on the Hertford loop, served by Great Northern inner-suburban services (previously closed 11 September 1939);
-Wood Green renamed Alexandra Palace - adopting the name of the former branch terminus from London King’s Cross via Highgate, closed 5 July 1954;
-Cotswold Line London Paddington through services reduced to two each way, the rest becoming DMUs from Oxford;
-Midland Suburban Electrification London St Pancras/Moorgate - Bedford ‘Midland Electrics’ - aka ‘Bed-Pan’ - service introduction delayed by continuing dispute with Trades Unions over single manning of the new Driver Only Operation (DOO)-equipped Class 317/1 EMUs; the new units thus had to be stored at locations as diverse as Bletchley, Nottingham goods yard and York plus Bedford and Cricklewood new depots until agreement was subsequently reached (see 28 March 1983).
20 May 1982 - Class 210 prototype 4-car DEMU No 210001 media unveiling at London Paddington and demonstration run to Reading; first trip in passenger service between Reading and Didcot on 30 May; 3-car sister prototype No 210002 is also delivered in 1982. Both units undertake various trials usage including London Paddington suburban duties and are finally transferred to Derby Railway Technical Centre by 1987; some vehicles from both 210001/2 are then utilised in Class 457 Networker test EMU No 457001 (see 25 June 1988).
28 May 1982 - SR hosts special train to convey Pope John Paul II from Gatwick Airport to London Victoria on arrival for his six-day Papal visit to Britain; hauled by Class 73/1 No 73142 Broadlands with headcode ‘HF’ - Holy Father! His Holinesses’ nationwide visit is a huge success for BR - with many additional ‘Popex’ services laid-on to convey the many visitors to the various papal masses and events held across Britain.
6 July 1982 - London St Pancras signal box closed and control of area transferred to West Hampstead PSB under resignalling for the ‘Bed-Pan’ electrification.
2 August 1982 - BR train crew flexible rostering national agreement with ASLEF and NUR Trades Unions.
6 August 1982 - Class 405 4-SUB EMU No 4732 unveiled at Selhurst depot repainted in Southern Railway green livery and titling in recognition of the impending retirement of these veteran units.
17 October 1982 - Cambridge power signal box opened, first stage covering the immediate station area; 56 route miles will eventually be controlled.
11 November 1982 - APTIS ticket issuing system prototype introduced at Portsmouth & Southsea.
16 November 1982 - Class 455 new EMU unveiled at London Waterloo when No 5805 is displayed to the media, 74 of these units (later re-classified 455/8) on order from BREL York.
4 December 1982 - Watford Stadium station opened, serving Watford Football Club, who contributed to the £200,000 total cost and whose Chairman - pop icon Elton John - rides in the inaugural train.
20 January 1983 - ‘Review of Railway Finances’ by David Serpell published; various options - including the most extreme of slashing the BR network from existing 10,300 to just 1,630 route miles - generate much controversy but are never fully implemented - although recommendations do form the basis for continuing cost identification and reduction under the business sectors in the years ahead.
21 January 1983 - Class 412 4-BEP EMU No 2301 unveiled at London Waterloo, the first of seven former Class 410 4-BEPs to be refurbished for Portsmouth services; the remaining 15 units have their buffets replaced by Second Open coaches to become refurbished Class 411 4-CEPs.
17 February 1983 - BR’s first female train driver is Anne Winter of London Waterloo.
28 March 1983 - Midland Suburban Electrification first Class 317/1 DOO passenger working - 317321 on a Bedford - London St Pancras extra with Driver Bill Davies - arrives at the terminus to be greeted by BR Chairman Sir Peter Parker; follows resolution of the long-running dispute with ASLEF over DOO introduction.
28 March 1983 - Class 455/8 EMUs introduced on London Waterloo suburban services.
1 April 1983 - ‘Kids Out Quids In’ Awayday ticket introduced allowing an adult if accompanied by at least one child to purchase up to four additional tickets for adults or children at a flat fare of £1 each for travel anywhere in the L&SE area; the successful promotion is repeated in succeeding years.
18 April 1983 - London St Pancras - Bedford ‘Midland Electrics’ limited services commence.
26 April 1983 - Midland Suburban Electrification - first trip to Moorgate for gauging purposes made by 317339.
16 May 1983 - new timetable highlights:
-Dalston Kingsland new station opened - on site of Kingsland closed 1 November 1865;
-Pinhoe reopened served by London Waterloo - Exeter services (previously closed 7 March 1966); first station reopened under the 1981 Amendment Act to the 1962 Transport Act - the ‘Speller Amendment’, named after sponsoring MP Tony Speller - enabling stations to be provided on an experimental basis without having to go through the full statutory closure procedure established by the 1962 Act if they are unsuccessful;
-Woodside - Sanderstead passenger services withdrawn; Bingham Road, Coombe Road and Selsdon stations closed; the weekday peak-hour only services last ran over this short 2.5m electrified section on Friday, 13 May 1983. (Part of the route is subsequently used for the Croydon Tramlink LRT which opened over this section on 10 and 23 May 2000.)
9 June 1983 - General Election re-elects Conservative Government with 144 seat majority, Margaret Thatcher continues as Prime Minister.
11 June 1983 - Tom King is appointed as the new Secretary of State for Transport replacing David Howell (in post since 14 September 1981).
25 June 1983 - Three Bridges power signal box opened, first stage of resignalling which will eventually control the main line through to Brighton under the £130m ‘Operation New Look’ modernisation project for the route (see 30 March 1985).
11 July 1983 - Midland Suburban Electrification Moorgate - Bedford inaugurated with introduction of ‘Midland Electrics’ interim timetable including opening of the new London King’s Cross Midland City station; DMUs still used on some London St Pancras peak-hour trains.
16 July 1983 - Brighton station open day and rolling stock exhibition celebrates 50th anniversary of the electrification from London by the Southern Railway.
6 September 1983 - SR Class 405 4-SUB EMUs last timetabled working after 42 years service - Central Division Nos 4279/54 on the 1021 East Croydon - London Victoria; seen-off by deliveries of new Class 455 EMUs.
12 September 1983 - Chief Executive Bob Reid promoted to BR Chairman, succeeding Sir Peter Parker who has been in post since 16 September 1976.
1 October 1983 - 4-SUB EMU No 4732 in Southern Railway green livery works farewell special to the once ubiquitous class, which finally bowed out of use on 6 September; No 4732 continued thereafter in use for occasional special workings - and now (2011) represents the class in private preservation.
3 October 1983 - timetable change highlights:
-Templecombe reopened served by London Waterloo - Exeter services (previously closed 7 March 1966);
-Coulsdon North closed; the weekday peak-hour only electric services last ran on Friday, 30 September 1983; superseded by improved service from adjacent Smitham station; part of rationalisation scheme for Brighton line modernisation.
16 October 1983 - Nicholas Ridley is appointed as the new Secretary of State for Transport replacing Tom King.
28 October 1983 - Tonbridge - Hastings electrification announced.
29-30 October 1983 - Class 317/1 EMU No 317335 displayed at Ayr railfair in advance of electrification from Glasgow Central.
5 December 1983 - Colchester power signal box opened with first stage of resignalling commissioned.
16 January 1984 - Bishops Stortford - Cambridge electrification authorised.
23 January 1984 - Midland Suburban Electrification Bedford - London St Pancras/Moorgate full ‘Midland Electrics’ timetable introduced.
28 January 1984 - Isle of Wight Class 485 4-VEC No 485042 trailer No S43 reaches 60 years in service, the oldest Underground car in passenger use, celebrated with a Ryde - Shanklin special run on the occasion of Ryde St Johns depot open day; the ex-LT vehicle (former No 7275) had entered service 28 January 1924 on the Hampstead & City (now part of the Northern Line).
5 February 1984 - London Waterloo - Vauxhall resignalling commissioned; the original Westinghouse Style L miniature power frame - the last in use at a London terminus - is replaced by a new panel in the existing 1936-built signal box (see 30 September 1990).
6 February 1984 - Radipole closed due to deteriorating platforms and low usage - last used 31 December 1983; once served the former Weymouth engine shed.
13 February 1984 - WR Headquarters re-located from London Paddington to Swindon.
12-15 March 1984 - Gatwick Express train of Class 488 newly refurbished Mk 2f coaches tours major centres to promote the forthcoming service to the travel trade; Chester, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield, Wolverhampton and York are visited.
15 March 1984 - London Marylebone - Harrow-on-the-Hill and Neasden South Junction - Northolt Junction closure announced including London Marylebone, Northolt Park, Sudbury & Harrow Road, Sudbury Hill Harrow and Wembley Complex stations - all subject to public inquiry; Aylesbury line passengers will be catered for by the LT Metropolitan Line, whilst High Wycombe services will be diverted to London Paddington.
15 March 1984 - ‘Rails into roads’ conversion study report by Coopers & Lybrand for BRB published; investigation of 10 lesser used routes in the London area concluded there would be insufficient benefit for the costs involved; London Marylebone - Northolt Junction was the main case considered - following proposals made in 1983 by Sir Alfred Sherman, policy advisor to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, that this section could be suitable for conversion to an express busway serving a new coach station on the site of the terminus, an idea being promoted by the National Bus Company.
19 March 1984 - Open station scheme extended to cover Basingstoke - Exeter and Southampton - Weymouth.
28 March 1984 - Class 127 DMUs bow out of service on the Barking - Gospel Oak route, to which they were transferred after final displacement from their original London St Pancras - Bedford duties.
-- April 1984 - Wickford - Southminster branch electrification announced.
1 May 1984 - London Victoria Signalling Centre official opening ceremony marks major stage in the £130m ‘Operation New Look’ London - Brighton line modernisation; actually located at Clapham Junction, the SC had opened on 17 May 1980 controlling London Victoria (Eastern) - Factory Junction and is fully commissioned over succeeding stages of resignalling.
14 May 1984 - new timetable highlights:
-London Victoria - Gatwick Express introduced; the accelerated half-hour service runs every 15 minutes using Class 488 refurbished Mk 2f coaches worked in push-pole mode by Class 73/1 locomotives and newly-converted Class 489 GLVs (ex Class 414 2-HAP DMBS’) - the complete sets turned out in new InterCity livery; a press run had been held on 10 May;
-London Victoria - Brighton accelerated timetable - but cuts in off-peak suburban services on Central and South Eastern Divisions;
-London Paddington - Oxford - Great Malvern route benefits from HST services;
-Bedford - Bletchley trains extended to Bedford Midland - providing direct connection with Midland Electrics services - with some continuing beyond to Kettering; also serve new Bedford St Johns station - replacing that on former Cambridge route, this crumbling edifice seeing its last trains on 12 May;
-Peterborough - Kettering Rail Link coaches withdrawn due to low usage (last ran 13 May).
14 May 1984 - SR EMU cascade effect of the new timetable sees the 12 Class 427 4-VEG Nos 7901-12 dedicated London Victoria - Gatwick Airport units restored to their original Class 423 4-VEP identity as Nos 7788-99, now redeployed on Coastway and other Central Division services; this in turn enabled Central’s fleet of 24 Class 413 4-CAPs to be re-allocated to the South Eastern Division.
17 June 1984 - Littleport - Downham Market line singled.
18 June 1984 - London Blackfriars disused 1864 Thames bridge demolition commenced.
24 June 1984 - Maidenhead - Marlow experimental Sunday services, the first for 25 years.
29 June 1984 - Oxford station redevelopment plans unveiled.
29 June 1984 - London Transport transferred from control of Greater London Control to London Regional Transport - reporting to the Department of Transport under terms of the London Regional Transport Act, 26 June 1984.
-- June 1984 - Romford - Upminster electrification authorised.
19 July 1984 - Tonbridge - Hastings electrification works launched with gold insulator pot ceremony at Robertsbridge.
23 July 1984 - SR Central, South Eastern and South Western Divisions abolished and replaced by new passenger business manager posts; Area Managers reduced in number; follows recommendations in Serpell report for BR to become more business rather than production led.
27 July 1984 - ECML long-awaited Hitchin - Edinburgh and Leeds electrification finally authorised - though BR will have to fund from existing subsidies; Great Northern suburban services will be the first to benefit with early extension from Hitchin to Huntingdon and Peterborough.
5 August 1984 - Gatwick Express service temporarily withdrawn after being thwarted by locomotive electrical arcing - serious enough to cause fire damage to several Class 73/1s; in the event, emergency substitute EMUs were only required briefly, rapid action curing the faults, allowing restoration of the popular new service.
23 September 1984 - SR 2-BIL preserved EMU No 2090 first BR passenger working since 1971 when it operates a Brighton - Portsmouth via London Waterloo special in company with ‘green’ 4-SUB No 4732.
1 October 1984 - Brighton signal box fire causes massive service disruption for three weeks until working temporarily restored pending planned resignalling of area from Three Bridges signal box (see 30 March 1985).
1 October 1984 - timetable changes include partial reversal of SR off-peak cuts introduced on 14 May after protests over resultant overcrowding.
1 October 1984 - SR Class 416/2 2-EPB ex-Tyneside EMUs remaining 12 (Nos 6281-7/89-93) taken out of service (withdrawn 12 May 1985); however, one vehicle (77113) soldiers on for another decade reformed in standard Southern 2-EPB No 6409 before that unit is withdrawn March 1994; 18 pass to the departmental fleet for various duties with - most unusually - vehicles 77106/11 both employed as temporary ‘waiting rooms’ at Oxted (1 December 1986-9 September 1987) and Paddock Wood (4 January-13 July 1988) whilst these stations are rebuilt! The 15 units were originally delivered 1954-5 for Newcastle - South Shields services but transferred to the SR in 1963 when that line was de-electrified in favour of DMUs.
4 October 1984 - London Fenchurch Street commercial redevelopment with station enhancements commences (see 22 September 1987).
11 October 1984 - Wembley Central collision between 310067/86 forming the 1754 London Euston - Bletchley and 1600 Willesden - Holyhead freightliner hauled by 86006; three killed, 18 injured; cause - signal passed at danger by 1754.
12 October 1984 (0254hrs) - IRA bombing of Grand Hotel, Brighton during Conservative Party conference kills five - but fails in attempt to assassinate Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her cabinet.
14 October 1984 - Magdalen Road - King’s Lynn line singled temporarily using former Down Main; the permanent single line over the former Up Main brought into use 10 February 1985.
18 October 1984 - BR Corporate Plan launched - large scale job cuts and subsidy reductions foreseen by 1990.
-- October 1984 - BR and Greater London Council study of cross-London rail routes recommends reopening of the London Snow Hill link between Farringdon and Blackfriars (see 1 July 1985).
20 November 1984 - North Woolwich Station Museum ceremonially opened by HM The Queen Mother, who travels to the event aboard the Royal Train hauled by no less than Gresley A3 Pacific No 4472 Flying Scotsman!
2 December 1984 - Hampstead Heath retaining wall collapse causes disruption to North London route; extensive repairs required meaning normal working not resumed until 15 April 1985 - exacerbated by the Gospel Oak signal box fire on 11 March, requiring institution of temporary arrangements until a replacement box was opened on 18 August 1985.
7 December 1984 - Class 508 EMU booked timetable use on SR ends after five years service, the fleet of 43 (508001-43) transferred to Merseyside; however, the TSO vehicles are retained for inclusion in the SR’s new Class 455/7 EMUs introduced this year.
19 December 1984 - SR London Waterloo Area Resignalling (‘WARS’) authorised, new signal box to be located at Wimbledon (see 15 April 1990).
-- 1984 - Great Northern outer suburban services - 20 Class 317/2 EMUs 317349-68 (317401-20 originally allocated) ordered to replace existing Class 312 slam-door EMUs and enable DOO working to be introduced.
6 January 1985 - BR/LT ‘Capitalcard’ joint rail/underground/bus travelcard season ticket introduced in London area.
14 January 1985 - North Woolwich electrification 3rd rail energised, enabling testing and Driver training to commence.
26 January 1985 - Popham, near Micheldever, collision when EMU 4-VEP/4-CIG 7754/03/7395 halted by a landslip is hit by recovery locomotive 33104; 12 suffer injuries; 33104 is severely damaged and subsequently condemned; cause - failure by EMU traincrew to protect the stopped unit in accordance with Rulebook requirements.
3 February 1985 - London Marylebone - Stratford-upon-Avon ‘Shakespeare Ltd’ first of a series of regular BR steam-hauled excursions from the terminus; these successful trains will considerably raise the profile of Marylebone during the period that notice of closure hangs over it.
7 February 1985 - ECML electrification works officially inaugurated in mast ‘planting’ ceremony at Peterborough station, the first of 33,000 under the complete scheme, and with commemorative plaque attached in recognition; the nearby electrification construction depot is formally opened the same day.
25 February 1985 - Class 455/8 EMUs introduced on SR Central Division services.
17 March 1985 - Eltham new station opened replacing adjacent Eltham Well Hall and nearby Eltham Park, both closed due to an impending road scheme.
17 March 1985 - Hove signal box closed and control of area transferred to Three Bridges signal box.
27 March 1985 - L&SE’s new brown/orange/beige livery debuts on Class 309 ‘Clacton’ EMU No 309605, the first of 23 refurbished units, unveiled at Wolverton works with ‘Essex Express’ titles - the new livery is quickly nicknamed ‘Jaffa cake’!
30 March 1985 - Brighton signal box closed and area controlled from Three Bridges signal box, except for platforms 4-8 at the coastal terminus out of use for remodelling until reopened 29 April; final phase of £130m ‘Operation New Look’ modernisation project for the London - Brighton route, completed six months ahead of plan.
3 April 1985 - Disabled persons’ electric buggy launched at London Waterloo - also to be introduced at Capital’s other termini.
14 April 1985 - ‘Exercise St Pancras’ joint BR/emergency services simulated accident involving two EMUs on the Moorgate line beneath the London terminus to test evacuation and other arrangements for dealing with such incidents.
15 April 1985 - SR General Manager re-established as separate post with Gordon Pettit - previously L&SE Deputy Director - first incumbent; SR GM hitherto combined with L&SE Director - David Kirby continuing in the latter role.
17 April 1985 - Colchester - Ipswich inaugural electric passenger working by first refurbished, Jaffa-cake livery ‘Clacton’ EMU 309605, in advance of regular services from new timetable (see 13 May).
27 April 1985 - Class 411 4-CEP No 1602 marks class debut in L&SE new brown/orange/beige ‘Jaffa cake’ livery, following the Class 309s. The livery is destined to have a short life, being applied only to Class 309, 411 4-CEP, 419 MLV and 421 4-CIG EMUs before superseded by NSE colours, unveiled 10 June 1986 - although refurbished 4-CEPs surprisingly continue to be turned-out in the Jaffa cake scheme for most of 1987 - No 1619 being the last in mid-October that year!
-- April 1985 - ECML electrification first rolling stock ordered - four Class 317/2 EMUs (317369-72) for extended Great Northern outer suburban services, Hitchin - Peterborough, added to existing order for 20 units (317349-68) for the route.
-- April 1985 - Gatwick Express transferred from L&SE to InterCity; the first birthday is celebrated with a London Victoria - Gatwick special on 17 May where passenger growth of 38% in the first year of the new service is announced.
11 May 1985 - Oxford - Bletchley specials mark return of passenger trains to the freight-only route for the first time since withdrawal in 1968.
13 May 1985 - BR simplified fares structure introduced; except in L&SE area, cheap day returns for journeys over 50 miles length generally replaced by Saver fares.
13 May 1985 - new timetable highlights:
-Chiltern Line marketing name launched for London Marylebone - Aylesbury/Banbury services;
-Colchester - Ipswich electrified services introduced;
-‘North London Link’ Richmond - Dalston electrified services extended to North Woolwich with Homerton reopened (previously closed 15 May 1944) by diverting these trains away from London Broad Street, due to be closed and its few remaining weekday-only peak-hour Watford Junction services diverted to London Liverpool Street via the new Graham Road curve (effected 30 June 1986); SR Class 416 2-EPB EMUs replace the Class 501 EMUs used on NLL services for 28 years - last ‘501 working by unit No 176 on 2 October; their replacement on London Euston - Watford Junction by Class 313 EMUs transferred from Great Northern duties delayed to 30 September due to Trades Union objections, resulting in temporary reprieve for Croxley Green depot.
14 May 1985 - Sanderstead - East Grinstead electrification authorised; justified by enabling withdrawal of asbestos-containing DEMUs and more efficient use of existing EMU fleet.
25 May 1985 - Mid-Hants Railway ‘Watercress line’ reconnects with BR at Alton upon opening of its extension from Medstead & Four Marks - a link broken when the track was lifted in 1976; MHR Ropley - Alton is ceremonially reopened on 24 July.
31 May 1985 - Battersea Park collision between southbound Gatwick Express and East Grinstead - London Victoria DEMU during morning peak injures 90; cause - signal passed at danger.
1 June 1985 - Moreton - Dorchester line singled.
1 July 1985 - London Snow Hill link between Farringdon and Blackfriars reopening authorised, the £54m cost including a fleet of 46 dual-voltage Class 319 4-car EMUs to work new North-South cross-London through services - and justified to enable a greater number of life-expired units - including Classes 302 and 415 - to be withdrawn through the resultant stock cascade; the cost of reinstating the link itself is only £4m.
1 July 1985 - Sandwich station refurbishment formally completed - in time for the 114th British Open golf tournament to be held at the nearby course later that month.
1 July 1985 - Godalming station improvements completed.
2 July 1985 - London Waterloo new control centre officially opened, displacing three previously separate control rooms.
8 July 1985 - passenger services are withdrawn over two unremunerative routes:
-Stratford - Tottenham Hale; Lea Bridge station closed (last trains 5 July);
-Tunbridge Wells Central - Eridge; Groombridge and Tunbridge Wells West stations closed (last services 6 July).
Note: Tunbridge Wells West - Eridge has now reopened throughout as a ‘heritage line’ - the Spa Valley Railway: Tunbridge Wells West - Coldbath Bridge (21 December 1996), Coldbath Bridge - Groombridge (23 August 1997), Groombridge to Birchden (25 June 2005-special occasions only) and Groombridge - Eridge (2 April 2011-full services).
8 July 1985 - Southampton tunnel reopened after major reconstruction work.
8 July 1985 - Bishops Stortford new rail/bus interchange opened.
20 July 1985 - London Waterloo - Bournemouth record fastest time of 83min 25sec set by special formed of Class 491 4-TC No 417 + Class 430 4-REP No 3001 as part of Bournemouth Central station centenary celebrations.
21 July 1985 - Farnham - Alton line singled.
25 July 1985 - Salisbury restoration formally completed with commemorative plaque unveiled in the booking hall by the city’s Bishop.
29 July 1985 - Didcot renamed Didcot Parkway to reflect its enhanced role a major rail/bus/road interchange upon formal opening of new station buildings this date.
31 July 1985 - London Liverpool Street/Broad Street 1.1m sq ft ‘Broadgate’ redevelopment on site launch by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
9 August 1985 - New Cross £500,000 modernisation formally completed, including new ticket hall.
17 August 1985 - Old Oak Common depot as part of GWR150 anniversary year assembles BR’s five GWR-liveried diesels together - Class 47 Nos 47079/484/500/628 and Class 50 No 50007.
17 August 1985 - BREL Wolverton holds open day.
22 September 1985 - Stewarts Lane depot celebrates its 125th anniversary with an open day.
22 September 1985 - Watford Junction new booking hall and travel centre opened; officially on 26th; first part of a commercial development at the station (see also 9 September 1988).
4 November 1985 - Wimbledon £300,000 refurbishment scheme commenced.
5 November 1985 - Class 319/0 order for 46 4-car dual-voltage EMUs awarded to BREL York, to be delivered from 1987 for new cross-London Thameslink services.
6 November 1985 - Haywards Heath collision in early hours between London Victoria - Brighton (4-CIG 7390) and Brighton - London Victoria (4-VEP 7724) services at Copyhold Junction; 40 injured; cause - wheelslide due to low adhesion resulting from leaf fall.
23 November 1985 - Frinton staff formally commended for their efforts to restore the station.
26 November 1985 - Great Northern inner suburban Class 313 services go over to DOO.
4 December 1985 - Great Northern first Class 317/2 EMU No 317349 delivered to Hornsey depot.
A CHRONOLOGY OF 12 YEARS FORWARD PROGRESS AND DELIVERY, 1982 - 1994
compiled by John P McCrickard
This chronology summarises the main developments and highlights during the BR London & South East and Network SouthEast sector years; place names generally refer to stations, unless otherwise stated. Those events in bold italics are not directly related to the sector but provided for background information - and hopefully to illuminate the chronology in a wider context.
4 January 1982 - BR business sectors introduced under Chief Executive Bob Reid - London & South East (L&SE), InterCity, Provincial, Freight and Parcels; David Kirby - previously Managing Director, Sealink - heads up L&SE as Sector Director, which post is combined with that of General Manager, SR.
30 January 1982 - Isle of Wight Class 486 3-TIS No 486036 is first island EMU to be repainted from blue to blue/grey livery.
14 February 1982 - London Blackfriars signal box closed and control of area transferred to London Victoria SC.
8 April 1982 - SR new Class 413 4-CAP (‘Coastway HAP’) EMU first unit No 3303 enters traffic; primarily for Coastway East services between Brighton - Eastbourne, Hastings, Littlehampton and Portsmouth the 24 4-car units are each formed from permanently coupled pairs of Class 414 2-HAP EMUs - Nos 3201-13 using 1951 and Nos 3301-11 with 1957 2-HAPs; squadron service from 17 May 1982 timetable.
28 April 1982 - Venice-Simplon Orient Express (VSOE) London Victoria - Brighton preview run; the luxury Pullman commences regular charters between London Victoria and Folkestone Harbour from 25 May 1982.
14 May 1982 - Milton Keynes Central new £4.5m station opened, served by both L&SE and InterCity services.
17 May 1982 - new timetable highlights:
-Braintree improved through electric services to London Liverpool Street;
-Peterborough - Wisbech - King’s Lynn Rail Link coach service inaugurated;
-Watton-at-Stone reopened on the Hertford loop, served by Great Northern inner-suburban services (previously closed 11 September 1939);
-Wood Green renamed Alexandra Palace - adopting the name of the former branch terminus from London King’s Cross via Highgate, closed 5 July 1954;
-Cotswold Line London Paddington through services reduced to two each way, the rest becoming DMUs from Oxford;
-Midland Suburban Electrification London St Pancras/Moorgate - Bedford ‘Midland Electrics’ - aka ‘Bed-Pan’ - service introduction delayed by continuing dispute with Trades Unions over single manning of the new Driver Only Operation (DOO)-equipped Class 317/1 EMUs; the new units thus had to be stored at locations as diverse as Bletchley, Nottingham goods yard and York plus Bedford and Cricklewood new depots until agreement was subsequently reached (see 28 March 1983).
20 May 1982 - Class 210 prototype 4-car DEMU No 210001 media unveiling at London Paddington and demonstration run to Reading; first trip in passenger service between Reading and Didcot on 30 May; 3-car sister prototype No 210002 is also delivered in 1982. Both units undertake various trials usage including London Paddington suburban duties and are finally transferred to Derby Railway Technical Centre by 1987; some vehicles from both 210001/2 are then utilised in Class 457 Networker test EMU No 457001 (see 25 June 1988).
28 May 1982 - SR hosts special train to convey Pope John Paul II from Gatwick Airport to London Victoria on arrival for his six-day Papal visit to Britain; hauled by Class 73/1 No 73142 Broadlands with headcode ‘HF’ - Holy Father! His Holinesses’ nationwide visit is a huge success for BR - with many additional ‘Popex’ services laid-on to convey the many visitors to the various papal masses and events held across Britain.
6 July 1982 - London St Pancras signal box closed and control of area transferred to West Hampstead PSB under resignalling for the ‘Bed-Pan’ electrification.
2 August 1982 - BR train crew flexible rostering national agreement with ASLEF and NUR Trades Unions.
6 August 1982 - Class 405 4-SUB EMU No 4732 unveiled at Selhurst depot repainted in Southern Railway green livery and titling in recognition of the impending retirement of these veteran units.
17 October 1982 - Cambridge power signal box opened, first stage covering the immediate station area; 56 route miles will eventually be controlled.
11 November 1982 - APTIS ticket issuing system prototype introduced at Portsmouth & Southsea.
16 November 1982 - Class 455 new EMU unveiled at London Waterloo when No 5805 is displayed to the media, 74 of these units (later re-classified 455/8) on order from BREL York.
4 December 1982 - Watford Stadium station opened, serving Watford Football Club, who contributed to the £200,000 total cost and whose Chairman - pop icon Elton John - rides in the inaugural train.
20 January 1983 - ‘Review of Railway Finances’ by David Serpell published; various options - including the most extreme of slashing the BR network from existing 10,300 to just 1,630 route miles - generate much controversy but are never fully implemented - although recommendations do form the basis for continuing cost identification and reduction under the business sectors in the years ahead.
21 January 1983 - Class 412 4-BEP EMU No 2301 unveiled at London Waterloo, the first of seven former Class 410 4-BEPs to be refurbished for Portsmouth services; the remaining 15 units have their buffets replaced by Second Open coaches to become refurbished Class 411 4-CEPs.
17 February 1983 - BR’s first female train driver is Anne Winter of London Waterloo.
28 March 1983 - Midland Suburban Electrification first Class 317/1 DOO passenger working - 317321 on a Bedford - London St Pancras extra with Driver Bill Davies - arrives at the terminus to be greeted by BR Chairman Sir Peter Parker; follows resolution of the long-running dispute with ASLEF over DOO introduction.
28 March 1983 - Class 455/8 EMUs introduced on London Waterloo suburban services.
1 April 1983 - ‘Kids Out Quids In’ Awayday ticket introduced allowing an adult if accompanied by at least one child to purchase up to four additional tickets for adults or children at a flat fare of £1 each for travel anywhere in the L&SE area; the successful promotion is repeated in succeeding years.
18 April 1983 - London St Pancras - Bedford ‘Midland Electrics’ limited services commence.
26 April 1983 - Midland Suburban Electrification - first trip to Moorgate for gauging purposes made by 317339.
16 May 1983 - new timetable highlights:
-Dalston Kingsland new station opened - on site of Kingsland closed 1 November 1865;
-Pinhoe reopened served by London Waterloo - Exeter services (previously closed 7 March 1966); first station reopened under the 1981 Amendment Act to the 1962 Transport Act - the ‘Speller Amendment’, named after sponsoring MP Tony Speller - enabling stations to be provided on an experimental basis without having to go through the full statutory closure procedure established by the 1962 Act if they are unsuccessful;
-Woodside - Sanderstead passenger services withdrawn; Bingham Road, Coombe Road and Selsdon stations closed; the weekday peak-hour only services last ran over this short 2.5m electrified section on Friday, 13 May 1983. (Part of the route is subsequently used for the Croydon Tramlink LRT which opened over this section on 10 and 23 May 2000.)
9 June 1983 - General Election re-elects Conservative Government with 144 seat majority, Margaret Thatcher continues as Prime Minister.
11 June 1983 - Tom King is appointed as the new Secretary of State for Transport replacing David Howell (in post since 14 September 1981).
25 June 1983 - Three Bridges power signal box opened, first stage of resignalling which will eventually control the main line through to Brighton under the £130m ‘Operation New Look’ modernisation project for the route (see 30 March 1985).
11 July 1983 - Midland Suburban Electrification Moorgate - Bedford inaugurated with introduction of ‘Midland Electrics’ interim timetable including opening of the new London King’s Cross Midland City station; DMUs still used on some London St Pancras peak-hour trains.
16 July 1983 - Brighton station open day and rolling stock exhibition celebrates 50th anniversary of the electrification from London by the Southern Railway.
6 September 1983 - SR Class 405 4-SUB EMUs last timetabled working after 42 years service - Central Division Nos 4279/54 on the 1021 East Croydon - London Victoria; seen-off by deliveries of new Class 455 EMUs.
12 September 1983 - Chief Executive Bob Reid promoted to BR Chairman, succeeding Sir Peter Parker who has been in post since 16 September 1976.
1 October 1983 - 4-SUB EMU No 4732 in Southern Railway green livery works farewell special to the once ubiquitous class, which finally bowed out of use on 6 September; No 4732 continued thereafter in use for occasional special workings - and now (2011) represents the class in private preservation.
3 October 1983 - timetable change highlights:
-Templecombe reopened served by London Waterloo - Exeter services (previously closed 7 March 1966);
-Coulsdon North closed; the weekday peak-hour only electric services last ran on Friday, 30 September 1983; superseded by improved service from adjacent Smitham station; part of rationalisation scheme for Brighton line modernisation.
16 October 1983 - Nicholas Ridley is appointed as the new Secretary of State for Transport replacing Tom King.
28 October 1983 - Tonbridge - Hastings electrification announced.
29-30 October 1983 - Class 317/1 EMU No 317335 displayed at Ayr railfair in advance of electrification from Glasgow Central.
5 December 1983 - Colchester power signal box opened with first stage of resignalling commissioned.
16 January 1984 - Bishops Stortford - Cambridge electrification authorised.
23 January 1984 - Midland Suburban Electrification Bedford - London St Pancras/Moorgate full ‘Midland Electrics’ timetable introduced.
28 January 1984 - Isle of Wight Class 485 4-VEC No 485042 trailer No S43 reaches 60 years in service, the oldest Underground car in passenger use, celebrated with a Ryde - Shanklin special run on the occasion of Ryde St Johns depot open day; the ex-LT vehicle (former No 7275) had entered service 28 January 1924 on the Hampstead & City (now part of the Northern Line).
5 February 1984 - London Waterloo - Vauxhall resignalling commissioned; the original Westinghouse Style L miniature power frame - the last in use at a London terminus - is replaced by a new panel in the existing 1936-built signal box (see 30 September 1990).
6 February 1984 - Radipole closed due to deteriorating platforms and low usage - last used 31 December 1983; once served the former Weymouth engine shed.
13 February 1984 - WR Headquarters re-located from London Paddington to Swindon.
12-15 March 1984 - Gatwick Express train of Class 488 newly refurbished Mk 2f coaches tours major centres to promote the forthcoming service to the travel trade; Chester, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield, Wolverhampton and York are visited.
15 March 1984 - London Marylebone - Harrow-on-the-Hill and Neasden South Junction - Northolt Junction closure announced including London Marylebone, Northolt Park, Sudbury & Harrow Road, Sudbury Hill Harrow and Wembley Complex stations - all subject to public inquiry; Aylesbury line passengers will be catered for by the LT Metropolitan Line, whilst High Wycombe services will be diverted to London Paddington.
15 March 1984 - ‘Rails into roads’ conversion study report by Coopers & Lybrand for BRB published; investigation of 10 lesser used routes in the London area concluded there would be insufficient benefit for the costs involved; London Marylebone - Northolt Junction was the main case considered - following proposals made in 1983 by Sir Alfred Sherman, policy advisor to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, that this section could be suitable for conversion to an express busway serving a new coach station on the site of the terminus, an idea being promoted by the National Bus Company.
19 March 1984 - Open station scheme extended to cover Basingstoke - Exeter and Southampton - Weymouth.
28 March 1984 - Class 127 DMUs bow out of service on the Barking - Gospel Oak route, to which they were transferred after final displacement from their original London St Pancras - Bedford duties.
-- April 1984 - Wickford - Southminster branch electrification announced.
1 May 1984 - London Victoria Signalling Centre official opening ceremony marks major stage in the £130m ‘Operation New Look’ London - Brighton line modernisation; actually located at Clapham Junction, the SC had opened on 17 May 1980 controlling London Victoria (Eastern) - Factory Junction and is fully commissioned over succeeding stages of resignalling.
14 May 1984 - new timetable highlights:
-London Victoria - Gatwick Express introduced; the accelerated half-hour service runs every 15 minutes using Class 488 refurbished Mk 2f coaches worked in push-pole mode by Class 73/1 locomotives and newly-converted Class 489 GLVs (ex Class 414 2-HAP DMBS’) - the complete sets turned out in new InterCity livery; a press run had been held on 10 May;
-London Victoria - Brighton accelerated timetable - but cuts in off-peak suburban services on Central and South Eastern Divisions;
-London Paddington - Oxford - Great Malvern route benefits from HST services;
-Bedford - Bletchley trains extended to Bedford Midland - providing direct connection with Midland Electrics services - with some continuing beyond to Kettering; also serve new Bedford St Johns station - replacing that on former Cambridge route, this crumbling edifice seeing its last trains on 12 May;
-Peterborough - Kettering Rail Link coaches withdrawn due to low usage (last ran 13 May).
14 May 1984 - SR EMU cascade effect of the new timetable sees the 12 Class 427 4-VEG Nos 7901-12 dedicated London Victoria - Gatwick Airport units restored to their original Class 423 4-VEP identity as Nos 7788-99, now redeployed on Coastway and other Central Division services; this in turn enabled Central’s fleet of 24 Class 413 4-CAPs to be re-allocated to the South Eastern Division.
17 June 1984 - Littleport - Downham Market line singled.
18 June 1984 - London Blackfriars disused 1864 Thames bridge demolition commenced.
24 June 1984 - Maidenhead - Marlow experimental Sunday services, the first for 25 years.
29 June 1984 - Oxford station redevelopment plans unveiled.
29 June 1984 - London Transport transferred from control of Greater London Control to London Regional Transport - reporting to the Department of Transport under terms of the London Regional Transport Act, 26 June 1984.
-- June 1984 - Romford - Upminster electrification authorised.
19 July 1984 - Tonbridge - Hastings electrification works launched with gold insulator pot ceremony at Robertsbridge.
23 July 1984 - SR Central, South Eastern and South Western Divisions abolished and replaced by new passenger business manager posts; Area Managers reduced in number; follows recommendations in Serpell report for BR to become more business rather than production led.
27 July 1984 - ECML long-awaited Hitchin - Edinburgh and Leeds electrification finally authorised - though BR will have to fund from existing subsidies; Great Northern suburban services will be the first to benefit with early extension from Hitchin to Huntingdon and Peterborough.
5 August 1984 - Gatwick Express service temporarily withdrawn after being thwarted by locomotive electrical arcing - serious enough to cause fire damage to several Class 73/1s; in the event, emergency substitute EMUs were only required briefly, rapid action curing the faults, allowing restoration of the popular new service.
23 September 1984 - SR 2-BIL preserved EMU No 2090 first BR passenger working since 1971 when it operates a Brighton - Portsmouth via London Waterloo special in company with ‘green’ 4-SUB No 4732.
1 October 1984 - Brighton signal box fire causes massive service disruption for three weeks until working temporarily restored pending planned resignalling of area from Three Bridges signal box (see 30 March 1985).
1 October 1984 - timetable changes include partial reversal of SR off-peak cuts introduced on 14 May after protests over resultant overcrowding.
1 October 1984 - SR Class 416/2 2-EPB ex-Tyneside EMUs remaining 12 (Nos 6281-7/89-93) taken out of service (withdrawn 12 May 1985); however, one vehicle (77113) soldiers on for another decade reformed in standard Southern 2-EPB No 6409 before that unit is withdrawn March 1994; 18 pass to the departmental fleet for various duties with - most unusually - vehicles 77106/11 both employed as temporary ‘waiting rooms’ at Oxted (1 December 1986-9 September 1987) and Paddock Wood (4 January-13 July 1988) whilst these stations are rebuilt! The 15 units were originally delivered 1954-5 for Newcastle - South Shields services but transferred to the SR in 1963 when that line was de-electrified in favour of DMUs.
4 October 1984 - London Fenchurch Street commercial redevelopment with station enhancements commences (see 22 September 1987).
11 October 1984 - Wembley Central collision between 310067/86 forming the 1754 London Euston - Bletchley and 1600 Willesden - Holyhead freightliner hauled by 86006; three killed, 18 injured; cause - signal passed at danger by 1754.
12 October 1984 (0254hrs) - IRA bombing of Grand Hotel, Brighton during Conservative Party conference kills five - but fails in attempt to assassinate Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her cabinet.
14 October 1984 - Magdalen Road - King’s Lynn line singled temporarily using former Down Main; the permanent single line over the former Up Main brought into use 10 February 1985.
18 October 1984 - BR Corporate Plan launched - large scale job cuts and subsidy reductions foreseen by 1990.
-- October 1984 - BR and Greater London Council study of cross-London rail routes recommends reopening of the London Snow Hill link between Farringdon and Blackfriars (see 1 July 1985).
20 November 1984 - North Woolwich Station Museum ceremonially opened by HM The Queen Mother, who travels to the event aboard the Royal Train hauled by no less than Gresley A3 Pacific No 4472 Flying Scotsman!
2 December 1984 - Hampstead Heath retaining wall collapse causes disruption to North London route; extensive repairs required meaning normal working not resumed until 15 April 1985 - exacerbated by the Gospel Oak signal box fire on 11 March, requiring institution of temporary arrangements until a replacement box was opened on 18 August 1985.
7 December 1984 - Class 508 EMU booked timetable use on SR ends after five years service, the fleet of 43 (508001-43) transferred to Merseyside; however, the TSO vehicles are retained for inclusion in the SR’s new Class 455/7 EMUs introduced this year.
19 December 1984 - SR London Waterloo Area Resignalling (‘WARS’) authorised, new signal box to be located at Wimbledon (see 15 April 1990).
-- 1984 - Great Northern outer suburban services - 20 Class 317/2 EMUs 317349-68 (317401-20 originally allocated) ordered to replace existing Class 312 slam-door EMUs and enable DOO working to be introduced.
6 January 1985 - BR/LT ‘Capitalcard’ joint rail/underground/bus travelcard season ticket introduced in London area.
14 January 1985 - North Woolwich electrification 3rd rail energised, enabling testing and Driver training to commence.
26 January 1985 - Popham, near Micheldever, collision when EMU 4-VEP/4-CIG 7754/03/7395 halted by a landslip is hit by recovery locomotive 33104; 12 suffer injuries; 33104 is severely damaged and subsequently condemned; cause - failure by EMU traincrew to protect the stopped unit in accordance with Rulebook requirements.
3 February 1985 - London Marylebone - Stratford-upon-Avon ‘Shakespeare Ltd’ first of a series of regular BR steam-hauled excursions from the terminus; these successful trains will considerably raise the profile of Marylebone during the period that notice of closure hangs over it.
7 February 1985 - ECML electrification works officially inaugurated in mast ‘planting’ ceremony at Peterborough station, the first of 33,000 under the complete scheme, and with commemorative plaque attached in recognition; the nearby electrification construction depot is formally opened the same day.
25 February 1985 - Class 455/8 EMUs introduced on SR Central Division services.
17 March 1985 - Eltham new station opened replacing adjacent Eltham Well Hall and nearby Eltham Park, both closed due to an impending road scheme.
17 March 1985 - Hove signal box closed and control of area transferred to Three Bridges signal box.
27 March 1985 - L&SE’s new brown/orange/beige livery debuts on Class 309 ‘Clacton’ EMU No 309605, the first of 23 refurbished units, unveiled at Wolverton works with ‘Essex Express’ titles - the new livery is quickly nicknamed ‘Jaffa cake’!
30 March 1985 - Brighton signal box closed and area controlled from Three Bridges signal box, except for platforms 4-8 at the coastal terminus out of use for remodelling until reopened 29 April; final phase of £130m ‘Operation New Look’ modernisation project for the London - Brighton route, completed six months ahead of plan.
3 April 1985 - Disabled persons’ electric buggy launched at London Waterloo - also to be introduced at Capital’s other termini.
14 April 1985 - ‘Exercise St Pancras’ joint BR/emergency services simulated accident involving two EMUs on the Moorgate line beneath the London terminus to test evacuation and other arrangements for dealing with such incidents.
15 April 1985 - SR General Manager re-established as separate post with Gordon Pettit - previously L&SE Deputy Director - first incumbent; SR GM hitherto combined with L&SE Director - David Kirby continuing in the latter role.
17 April 1985 - Colchester - Ipswich inaugural electric passenger working by first refurbished, Jaffa-cake livery ‘Clacton’ EMU 309605, in advance of regular services from new timetable (see 13 May).
27 April 1985 - Class 411 4-CEP No 1602 marks class debut in L&SE new brown/orange/beige ‘Jaffa cake’ livery, following the Class 309s. The livery is destined to have a short life, being applied only to Class 309, 411 4-CEP, 419 MLV and 421 4-CIG EMUs before superseded by NSE colours, unveiled 10 June 1986 - although refurbished 4-CEPs surprisingly continue to be turned-out in the Jaffa cake scheme for most of 1987 - No 1619 being the last in mid-October that year!
-- April 1985 - ECML electrification first rolling stock ordered - four Class 317/2 EMUs (317369-72) for extended Great Northern outer suburban services, Hitchin - Peterborough, added to existing order for 20 units (317349-68) for the route.
-- April 1985 - Gatwick Express transferred from L&SE to InterCity; the first birthday is celebrated with a London Victoria - Gatwick special on 17 May where passenger growth of 38% in the first year of the new service is announced.
11 May 1985 - Oxford - Bletchley specials mark return of passenger trains to the freight-only route for the first time since withdrawal in 1968.
13 May 1985 - BR simplified fares structure introduced; except in L&SE area, cheap day returns for journeys over 50 miles length generally replaced by Saver fares.
13 May 1985 - new timetable highlights:
-Chiltern Line marketing name launched for London Marylebone - Aylesbury/Banbury services;
-Colchester - Ipswich electrified services introduced;
-‘North London Link’ Richmond - Dalston electrified services extended to North Woolwich with Homerton reopened (previously closed 15 May 1944) by diverting these trains away from London Broad Street, due to be closed and its few remaining weekday-only peak-hour Watford Junction services diverted to London Liverpool Street via the new Graham Road curve (effected 30 June 1986); SR Class 416 2-EPB EMUs replace the Class 501 EMUs used on NLL services for 28 years - last ‘501 working by unit No 176 on 2 October; their replacement on London Euston - Watford Junction by Class 313 EMUs transferred from Great Northern duties delayed to 30 September due to Trades Union objections, resulting in temporary reprieve for Croxley Green depot.
14 May 1985 - Sanderstead - East Grinstead electrification authorised; justified by enabling withdrawal of asbestos-containing DEMUs and more efficient use of existing EMU fleet.
25 May 1985 - Mid-Hants Railway ‘Watercress line’ reconnects with BR at Alton upon opening of its extension from Medstead & Four Marks - a link broken when the track was lifted in 1976; MHR Ropley - Alton is ceremonially reopened on 24 July.
31 May 1985 - Battersea Park collision between southbound Gatwick Express and East Grinstead - London Victoria DEMU during morning peak injures 90; cause - signal passed at danger.
1 June 1985 - Moreton - Dorchester line singled.
1 July 1985 - London Snow Hill link between Farringdon and Blackfriars reopening authorised, the £54m cost including a fleet of 46 dual-voltage Class 319 4-car EMUs to work new North-South cross-London through services - and justified to enable a greater number of life-expired units - including Classes 302 and 415 - to be withdrawn through the resultant stock cascade; the cost of reinstating the link itself is only £4m.
1 July 1985 - Sandwich station refurbishment formally completed - in time for the 114th British Open golf tournament to be held at the nearby course later that month.
1 July 1985 - Godalming station improvements completed.
2 July 1985 - London Waterloo new control centre officially opened, displacing three previously separate control rooms.
8 July 1985 - passenger services are withdrawn over two unremunerative routes:
-Stratford - Tottenham Hale; Lea Bridge station closed (last trains 5 July);
-Tunbridge Wells Central - Eridge; Groombridge and Tunbridge Wells West stations closed (last services 6 July).
Note: Tunbridge Wells West - Eridge has now reopened throughout as a ‘heritage line’ - the Spa Valley Railway: Tunbridge Wells West - Coldbath Bridge (21 December 1996), Coldbath Bridge - Groombridge (23 August 1997), Groombridge to Birchden (25 June 2005-special occasions only) and Groombridge - Eridge (2 April 2011-full services).
8 July 1985 - Southampton tunnel reopened after major reconstruction work.
8 July 1985 - Bishops Stortford new rail/bus interchange opened.
20 July 1985 - London Waterloo - Bournemouth record fastest time of 83min 25sec set by special formed of Class 491 4-TC No 417 + Class 430 4-REP No 3001 as part of Bournemouth Central station centenary celebrations.
21 July 1985 - Farnham - Alton line singled.
25 July 1985 - Salisbury restoration formally completed with commemorative plaque unveiled in the booking hall by the city’s Bishop.
29 July 1985 - Didcot renamed Didcot Parkway to reflect its enhanced role a major rail/bus/road interchange upon formal opening of new station buildings this date.
31 July 1985 - London Liverpool Street/Broad Street 1.1m sq ft ‘Broadgate’ redevelopment on site launch by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
9 August 1985 - New Cross £500,000 modernisation formally completed, including new ticket hall.
17 August 1985 - Old Oak Common depot as part of GWR150 anniversary year assembles BR’s five GWR-liveried diesels together - Class 47 Nos 47079/484/500/628 and Class 50 No 50007.
17 August 1985 - BREL Wolverton holds open day.
22 September 1985 - Stewarts Lane depot celebrates its 125th anniversary with an open day.
22 September 1985 - Watford Junction new booking hall and travel centre opened; officially on 26th; first part of a commercial development at the station (see also 9 September 1988).
4 November 1985 - Wimbledon £300,000 refurbishment scheme commenced.
5 November 1985 - Class 319/0 order for 46 4-car dual-voltage EMUs awarded to BREL York, to be delivered from 1987 for new cross-London Thameslink services.
6 November 1985 - Haywards Heath collision in early hours between London Victoria - Brighton (4-CIG 7390) and Brighton - London Victoria (4-VEP 7724) services at Copyhold Junction; 40 injured; cause - wheelslide due to low adhesion resulting from leaf fall.
23 November 1985 - Frinton staff formally commended for their efforts to restore the station.
26 November 1985 - Great Northern inner suburban Class 313 services go over to DOO.
4 December 1985 - Great Northern first Class 317/2 EMU No 317349 delivered to Hornsey depot.