BR in the 1980s London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour Cab View in 1986

[@esconis5304]

I was born in 2004, and this video seems almost dreamlike. The 80s just feel like a totally different time

[@spompey]

You are most welcome and many thanks for watching and for commenting....best regards...MARK

[@TonyWeaving]

I was born in March 1963 and believe me it was a much better time. I used to travel this route on my way home to Havant to see my mum gran and brother for holidays from Boarding School. The trains were noisy but more comfortable.

[@MichaelPurches]

I go back to 2-BIL and 4-COR days on this route. The usual frequency was one express and two stoppers per hour each way, but summer Saturdays were exceptional. There were four 12-car expresses per hour each way. Harbour Station was a mass of adults, kids, dogs, and suitcases plying between London and their hols on the Isle of Wight. And mostly jolly with it.

[@spompey]

Yes indeed great memorable times. Even in the 80s the line was buzzing with holiday passengers......many thanks....Mark

[@lechiffre1914]

Lovely to see the old Guildford station before the modern buildings and the extra track at Petersfield!

[@spompey]

You're most welcome....Many thanks for your comment and for watching...best wishes...Mark

[@sideshowmatt7119]

It's incredible to see the changes on the route in the nearly 40 years since. I was lucky enough to be one of the resource managers at Woking during Steve's final years as a driver. A true gent!

[@karimkekhia4369]

this is a sweet post buddy. i was a woking driver too. remember dave hewson and ben cartwright? i’m not sure who the driver was though!! a lovely video matey. i remember the mid 80s..such brill days.

[@spompey]

Yes also a true friend.....much appreciated Matt.....Mark

[@OlafProt]

This is how I remember the route coming out of Waterloo!! That’s my dad’s old offices at about 5:15 on the right at Vauxhall when he worked for the GLC.

[@basingstoke63]

Pure nostalgia. I have travelled this route many times since 1968 . I would get a return ticket to Waterloo from either ,Guildford or Woking . Sometimes the return train would take what I call , the London road route , stopping at , Horsley and Clandon . The highlight of that route , was the view from the viaduct just before Guildford main . Also journeyed to Portsmouth many times , for the long gone ,Navy Days once held in the harbour , and trips to the Isle of Wight . An interesting and informative video. Thankyou .

[@spompey]

You are most welcome and many thanks...all my regards....Mark

[@pinza55007]

I used to travel this route a lot as a kid in the late 70s/early 80s, and a few times this century too. Nowadays everything stops at Fratton, back then only the stoppers did. Lots of changes over the years but also many happy memories. Thanks for posting. 👍

[@spompey]

You're most welcome....my best regards to you....Mark

[@MichaelPurches]

Me too even earlier than that. 4COR/4RES units, not stopping at Petersfield, and only a select few at Havant. Summer Saturdays were amazing. A fast every half hour, each preceded by a non-stop. Four 12-car trains per hour taking folks to and from their hols on the Isle of Wight.

[@grassytramtracks]

And now the fast services stop at Godalming too

[@brmh1667]

From 1962 until 1967 I had a season ticket, Liss to Petersfield, where I went to school. In the morning we used to wait at Liss to see a Q1 running light northwards every day. On one winters night I was late from school at Petersfield. The train stopped and I got on. It didn't stop again until Waterloo! Only time I ever knew that to happen. Just my luck!! I was late home that night! Super film, thanks so much. What days they were, when people believed they were supposed to enjoy life.

[@spompey]

What a wonderful story and experience....Many thanks and my sincere wishes to you.....Mark

[@ffrancrogowski2192]

Takes me back to the late 70s and 80s when I travelled along from Waterloo to Fratton, to visit my sister and brother-in-law in Southsea. Loved the slam door CIGs and VEPs. Many thanks for this video.

[@spompey]

Thanks for watching and remembering those good old slam doors...best regards...Mark

[@pierremartini2229]

Lovely video. I travelled from first West Byfleet then Woking to Waterloo from 1965 to 1976, seeing lots of changes, travelling behind the last steam hauled trains (17.09 semi-fast from Waterloo to Basingstoke was steam-hauled till the end)., and on the old 4-COR 'Nelsons' too.

[@spompey]

Fantastic memories......Much appreciated Pierre.......Best regards to you....Mark

[@MarksRailwayVideos]

Great video. I must have done this routes 100s of times in the late 80s and early 90s. Riding mostly Class 421 CIGs and Class 423 VEPs, and Class 442 units. Loved it and this video brings back so many fond memories.

[@spompey]

Many thanks for the comment and for your interest...You are most welcome...Best wishes...Mark

[@phwbooth]

Excellent, and with really good captions. Thanks.

[@spompey]

Thank you very much and appreciated....best wishes...Mark

[@ianjones3568]

Around 11:00 passing through the location of the crash just 2 years later. RIP all.

[@paulskilling6637]

Wow u can see how much has changed over time and some things r still there great video.

[@spompey]

Many thanks for the comment and also for watching...much appreciated....Mark

[@jms211]

Thanks for posting this film. I was 19 in 1986 and lived in Godalming so this old film is a real blast from the past. This film is so rare for its time. Nearly 40 years later, we all have a video recorder in our pocket, but this was not so in 86!

[@spompey]

Very true and many thanks....best regards....Mark

[@bozzalewis8399]

It’s so strange seeing trains I used to take regularly to work (the 455s to London road guildford) back in the 80s, also my parents live in haslemere so this is a journey I’ve taken many times. What a great video!

[@spompey]

Glad to have brought back fond memories....My best regards......Mark

[@jacksugden8190]

Was amazed that when the train departed Waterloo, it was stopped at the first red signal.

[@spompey]

Usual thing. Keen to vacate the platform at this busy time of day....Best regards....Mark

[@stephenpowell5912]

Iconic footage from 37 years ago ,Miss the 1980s along with the 1970s ,Was only a boy of 12 going on 13 back in 1986 ,Now 50 years old ,Where does the time go watching this pastime footage from back in the day ? I was heading from london Bridge back in the 1980s to East Grinstead on the Legendary Thumpers and love the sound these DMUs made ❤Great memories.Makes me feel nostalgic watching this .I miss these times ❤

[@spompey]

You're very welcome Stephen as always and many thanks for watching and best regards....Mark

[@neilmuggeridge7790]

I miss these old trains with the old BR colours. They had more character than the new ones. Thank you for posting this

[@spompey]

I totally agree. It stated BR and was what I grew up with recognising.....best regards....Mark

[@sophie1913]

Thanks for sharing. Amazing how quiet the stations are compared to today, don't think I've ever seen the platforms that empty at Woking or Guildford!

[@spompey]

I too agree, especially Woking.....Many thanks....Mark

[@Khayyam-vg9fw]

An inevitable corollary of a great increase in the population.

[@TheDaf95xf]

Thanks for the ride buddy 👍🏻 Loved the BR blue & grey era 😊

[@spompey]

Many thanks....More will come, including a ride in a Deltic on the NVR......best regards....Mark

[@vxrdrummer]

As a frequent user of this line over the years, and a Gosport resident, this was wonderful to see. Thank you. I was 3 years old at the time, but it's all still so familiar.

[@spompey]

My sincere wishes to you and thank you for your interest...Mark

[@MakeSmoke]

Thank you for this - it has moved me beyond words for many reasons.

[@spompey]

You are most welcome and I am glad the video has attracted good memories.....best regards to you...Mark

[@TheGateway37]

Travelled from Havant to Portsmouth and Southsea back in 1964 while on holiday on Hayling Island. In those days it was the lovely 4 COR's and 4 BUF's. Great memories.

[@spompey]

You're very welcome and many thanks for watching and best regards....Mark

[@railman6868]

Another great memory video Mark. Ive driven this core route many many times. Started at Fratton and transfer to Guildford depot. same traction the 400 series was a superb EMU. Happy days and we didn't realise just how happy they were back then. Thanks.

[@spompey]

You're very welcome and correct, the old stock was far more thrilling to drive......many thanks and best wishes....Mark

[@rogersankey7326]

Was based at Fratton and Waterloo mid 80s so was often on this run, brings back happy memories. Steve was a trully lovely charachter tragically taken from us far too young a few years back.

[@karimkekhia4369]

awwww a lovely post mate. i never met steve unfortunately

[@spompey]

So very true.....best wishes to you....Mark

[@bazza3643]

Hi, this video brings back so many memories, first I used to work at Waterloo in the early 1960’s when the railways still operated a courier parcels delivery service. Before that I went to school in Earlsfield and I used to walk to Durnsford Road over bridge in my lunch break, to watch the wagons full of coal pushed up the ramp by the electric shunting locomotives and into the power station. I now live in New Zealand, thank you for the video.

[@spompey]

Thank you so much for letting us know your nostalgic memories...Enjoy NZ....I will eventually post my NZ material.....Best wishes....Mark

[@GrahamChristian]

Pure nostalgia. Thanks.

[@spompey]

You are very welcome....Mark

[@jimsimpson1006]

Just a random watcher here. I love videos like this reminding of the way things used to be.

[@spompey]

You are most welcome Jim....best wishes....Mark

[@ianjones3568]

Really great. Did a family trip Reading to Portsmouth Harbour on a class 47 I think using my Rail Riders discount around this time. I remember we missed our train back and had to get a taxi to catch it up at Southsea.

[@barrywest-og9uz]

This is my dear old dad at the helm. I think he was the last Farnham driver to work this shift around 92/93 when he brought me along for the ride.

[@spompey]

Hi there Barry. I remember you as a baby....Would love to get in touch.....Your Dad was a great friend at Farnham, ....my best wishes to you and do contact.....so many tales to tell you.....SSShhhh.....details I believe can be found via YT....best wishes to all the Westies PS have a look at 1066 route and westbury in the 80's your old Dad features along with "Tusk" the faithfull Mutt He loved his wash in the sea at Hastings but Boy did he stink the carriage out..... and Tusk was not too good either!....Mark

[@keithchowney3392]

Lovely video ! Used to watch the class 33 on the bristo/ Cardiff trains at Portsmouth around 1985/87. Great memories . Video was so good to watch thank you .

[@spompey]

You are very welcome and so glad you liked the ride...many thanks...Mark

[@michaelmills2263]

What a great video, thank you so much for sharing.

[@spompey]

You are most welcome Michael many thanks.......Mark

[@duncancurtis5108]

I was at Clapham Junction in January. The London skyline is ever changing.

[@markcf83]

..... and not necessarily for the better.....

[@engleystewart4675]

@@markcf83 So true.

[@Seymourphotos]

Wow !! Really enjoyed this video, My local line ( Milford) how its all changed with stock and buildings along the route.

[@spompey]

It most certainly has....best wishes....Mark

[@stevebell480]

Just watched the Waterloo To Portsmouth video! Was at Farnham with Steve good memories! Great to see him in action That job was one of the premier jobs at Farnham at the time. We had two mileage jobs at the Depot that was one of them.

[@spompey]

Hi Steve.....I remember you my friend....How was Eastleigh? along with Thorpy and Saunders...nearly transferred there myself before becoming ill myself....We did have some laughs me and Westy....Poor ol Browny, I still see him from time to time....Best wishes to you and thanks for watching....Mark

[@BanalayerPete1972]

🌈Beautiful rainbow-coloured skies over London and on into Hampshire! I refuse to be cynical and assume a link with Chernobyl... Great video, thanks a lot.💙

[@spompey]

You are very welcome and many thanks too....best wishes...Mark

[@sundayakpan2663]

Great Footage of this video

[@spompey]

Again So Many thanks for watching and for your comment best regards....Mark

[@DavidChild-ty2od]

Nick Winfield was a superb cameraman. I have some of his work on VHS tapes and still enjoy the odd cab view occasionally.

[@spompey]

He was that David and is sadly missed.....many thanks and my best wishes....Mark

[@DavidChild-ty2od]

Thank you. I'm very much enjoying your videos.

[@spompey]

@@DavidChild-ty2od Best wishes and many thanks David...Mark

[@jackharrison6771]

"Sit back and enjoy"? I certainly did thanks. I used to travel out Waterloo to Basingstoke a lot in 1978 to 88, and it was a good time on BR. There was still a feel of the older BR around. In the mornings, office workers would be on G & Ts in the buffet. haha.

[@spompey]

Until they opened it up to the train crews....ha ha.....many thanks for watching....best regards....Mark

[@mrmrst9020]

Lovely to see this my dear friend Steve west 👍🏻

[@steveymoon]

Amazing. Some of those stations are almost unrecognisable.

[@spompey]

They look too modern.....Best wishes and many thanks Stevey......Mark

[@michellebell5092]

June 1986, the year I left Walton on Thames, lived in various places in SW London since, currently working at Woking Station.

[@karimkekhia4369]

awwwwww this SOOOOOOOOOO FRIGGGINNNNN AWWWWWESOOOMMMME!!! I LOOOOOVE THIS….brings back so may memeiries of the good old days…especially berrylands..used to always watch my chuffers steam through there..and my faavvv..headcode 92…REP free m weymth/bomo…and i know this is not connected with this but at this time..our freddie was touring with the lads..belting out radio Ga Ga at wembley!!! really such great days. this video means the word to me and i want to say a huge thankyou to whoever posted this beautiful video!! all the variety of slam doors, the old signal boxes at clapham that are now so long. gone. buildings have long gone, and now have gone up especially round vauxhall!!!!

[@spompey]

You are most welcome....Mark

[@bigcasey4143]

Ah memories.... I remember when as a young secondman my Driver shoving back into Woking Down Yard & a ballast cleaner forming part of our train derailing on a pair of hand points.... The good old days.... Now happily retired after more than 40 years on the footplate... Eastleigh drivers & secondmen never worked on the Portsmouth Direct line, but we did venture to Waterloo, Havant/Chichester & Portsmouth Harbour via different routes

[@spompey]

Many thanks for the memories Big Casey....You probably knew a few drivers that I knew, Woking, Farnham, Waterloo ,Pompey, and Eastleigh. I got to know a few of them and have fond memories ....More will come and best regards....Mark

[@bigcasey4143]

@@spompey I hope to be at the Eastleigh reunion in March this year. Sadly, many of the old drivers I worked with, & quite a few of my contemporaries have gone to join the "Top Link"... I only really knew drivers & secondmen from Eastleigh... And I spent the last 30 years of my 41 year career happily trundling around the South Wales valleys, so memories have faded somewhat...

[@spompey]

@@bigcasey4143 Hi there again...Yes same here really apart from the drivers up in scotland I knew are too old to be still around, Take care and best regards...Mark

[@OlafProt]

Any idea why it crawls through Clapham? Newly laid track? For any of us of a certain age it’s impossible at 11:24 to not think of Dec 1988. My dads train went through there about 15 mins before it happened.

[@spompey]

Possibly running on Yellow signals....or the speed was only 40 MPH......best wishes...Mark

[@bertiebassett2488]

Like others commenting on here, part this line became a regular daily commute - in the latter part of the1950's - from Walton-on-Thames to Guildford, courtesy of the 2-BILs, (and the occasional 4-COR - e.g., the 09:05 dep Walton for Woking, which with any luck, would catch up the Guildford 2-Bil, which I had just managed to miss at Walton!) Viewing the video, it was quite surprising to see just how markedly so much railway infrastructure has changed, in the intervening period. The 'transformed' appearance of some railway station buildings in particular, (though aesthetically, not necessarily for the better?) plus the marked absence of signal boxes, semaphore signals, and telegraph poles - all still extant between Hampton Court Junction and West Byfleet, well into the mid 1960's. I was also interested to see whether modern traction would have difficulty in dealing with Haslemere Bank! (Southbound) Both the BIL's and the COR's lost speed quite noticeably on the ascent, with their motors whining in protest! I often wonder how on earth a 4-4-0 'Schools' Class managed to haul 7 or 8 coaches up the bank un-aided! A really splendid cab video, and thanks for sharing.

[@spompey]

fascinating piece of history Bertie....wish I was around then too have experienced those days.....many thanks for the great info and memories....Mark

[@chriswalford9228]

1.23.25 the old Rat lane bridge now Norway road used to have traffic lights to allow one car over at a time.

[@cwp0]

In 86 I was living in Gosport. Remember the harbour station well. Catching the ferry outside over to Gosport .

[@garyodonnell9755]

Wow! What a video! Have travelled this line so many times over the years, I almost feel as though I know every hump and bump. What you don't benefit from though, when you're sat in a carriage, is the perspective; and how much these units have to work to negotiate the terrain of both the Surrey Hills and South Downs. I've often moaned about the time it takes to travel 74 miles - this one was an 1.32 with a 7 min delay and didn't stop at Godalming or Fratton. Today's services aren't any quicker, and I suppose that is due to the original track placement - it's Portsmouth Direct as direct can be, but it has a lot of geology to overcome? So I'll guess I'll stop moaning about that now, because short of a new line and a re-route through Portsdown Hill, nothing will really change in the next 37 years or so either. 🙂 It's a great watch - thanks for posting it.

[@spompey]

You are most welcome Gary....Liphook has a cut back service from that era so I think the line has depreciated.....best wishes....Mark

[@limeyfox]

A few signalling problems on the way out of Waterloo? I see some of the new signals for the Wimbledon/Waterloo area resignalling are already in place, the commissioning of which would directly cause the Clapham accident.

[@fenderac3049]

I only travelled this line once, when in 1975 I went to the Isle of Wight from Waterloo for the day with my girlfriend (now my wife), the train arrive late, but the ferry had waited for us! Now living in Romsey, I often travel to Portsmouth Harbour to go to Gunwharf Quays, stock now 158's.

[@spompey]

Many thanks and 1975....nearly 50 years ago!....best wishes to you and your wife....Mark

[@taffboyslim]

This was just before i started at Portsmouth Poly. I remember being impressed by the refurbished 4-BEPS on the Waterloo fast service.

[@spompey]

Many thanks for your interest...I remember the 4 car BEPS...they used to bounce a bit....Mark

[@forgelodge]

Lovely! Such variety. I couldn't help but notice that the first VEP just west of Wimbledon has a pair of CIG driving trailers... for those that care about such things! 🙄

[@neilcrawford8303]

Interesting to see the Thumper on 1 at Portsmouth Harbour, it's got an ex 2EPB driving trailer as an intermediate trailer. I've heard of them but seen very few images or videos of them.

[@spompey]

Thank You for spotting that I never noticed even after all this time....Much appreciated...My best regards to you....Mark

[@fenderac3049]

Yes that would have been the service to Salisbury via Romsey.

[@DasTubemeister]

I traveled this line during my navy days in the 80s. I would have been in Pompey that day, on my ship. Nice to see HMS Vernon, before it became Harbour Quays. I go back every year on this line.

[@spompey]

Many thanks for watching and your memories....best wishes......Mark

[@davethatcher4954]

My brother and I spent around 18 months in the Railwaymans orphanage in 1955/6 (on left just before it got to Woking St.). Dad got clobbered by a wagon in Nine Elms yard while working on the tracks, where he lost half a leg. I went onto become a Signalman in 1966 at Crystal Palace......my first Box. Ended my days at Twickenham West Junction box in the mid 1970s due to the upcoming resignalling......saw no future as a Signalman, and left as I had no chance due to all the new technology coming rapidly in.

[@spompey]

Many thanks Dave for sharing your story and the sad end to your career. My sincere thanks and best wishes to you, much appreciated.....Mark

[@chloecrossley9346]

Nice one.❤

[@spompey]

You are most welcome and many thanks for watching and for commenting....best regards...MARK

[@joginns778]

The signal box at Clapham junction,good friend of my husband was a signal man there in the 1960 s his name was Brian Smith great video,

[@spompey]

I remember it well...many thanks......Mark

[@Dave-r4u]

I was a box boy at Gloucester Road Junction in 1961, and there was a Brian Smith there who was also a box boy....one and the same? I also ended up as a Signalman back then. Ended my days in the job at Twickenham West Jnc Box.

[@joginns778]

@@Dave-r4u could well have been I met Brian Smith in the 19 80 s when he was a forman in charge of trains in and out of Wolverton yards he told me all about his time at Clapham junction signal box but alas Brian died in the late nineteen 80 s,

[@spompey]

@@Dave-r4u Very likely the same chap....maybe some one will know for definate...Mark

[@Dave-r4u]

Hopefully someone can verify that.......also at Gloucester Rd Jnc with me at the same time was Glen Rebello and Brian Powelly. I have photo of the four of us taken in the Signal box back then.....if anyone is interested I can email it to you.

[@CBeaumontHIGTFY]

Superb! Just two errors in the captions, the first time you pass under the M27, that is actually Jnct 5 of the A3(M), which joins the A27 just to the South of the Bridge. The 2nd time you pass under the M27, that is still the A27. The M27 starts a little further to the west. Interesting to see the old Havant layout as well as noting the non stop through Fratton!

[@spompey]

Thanks for the info!

[@CBeaumontHIGTFY]

@@spompey My pleasure! Great to see this footage, it really is!

[@frenchsteam7356]

Went to Portsmouth years ago, it was a LHCS with a Class 50 there and back, I thought I'd got on the wrong train as I was expecting an EMU. Visited the Royal Marines Museum.

[@stephenrice4554]

Great video . Memories attached from Surbiton to Woking junction from pway days . .does any one remember the ice cream shop outside the gates of Portsmouth park ? Verrechias ( ? ) Thanks for putting on

[@spompey]

You're very welcome....I Do not remember the ice cream shop....many thanks....Mark

[@cannonball2207]

As you pass through Liss on the left where the old goods yard used to be, there are 4 bungalows being built. I have lived in one of those since 1996.

[@spompey]

Many thanks for watching....I hope you enjoy living there....I always wanted to live next to a railway, but never have got near enough....best wishes....Mark

[@cannonball2207]

@@spompey You can't see them as there is a 2.5m high fence. There used to be a 3.5m high Leylandii hedge running the entire length. Unfortunately 2 years ago, someone was having a crafty cigarette near the end of the down platform and discarded it behind them as a train approached. The resulting fire wiped out a 50m long section in under half an hour

[@spompey]

@@cannonball2207 Many thanks for the update info on the EX hedge......Best regards to you and stay safe....Mark

[@MisterHampshire]

Is it me or did the train not stop at Fratton? I'd have thought that unusual. Either way, a strangely hypnotic video of a journey I've made several times.

[@ispi_video_photo]

There used to be a few trains that didn't stop at Fratton.

[@chrisboyce983]

At that time it was normal for fast Waterloo services to not call at Fratton.

[@garyodonnell9755]

Yes, as others say; it's only been fairly recently, in real terms, that all trains now stop at Fratton. Portsmouth & Southsea was the primary station.

[@golledgestravels326]

Interesting that train didn’t stop at Fratton which is a busy station nowadays.

[@PerthMRC]

What a great video, I have the Railscene Waterloo to Exeter and Portsmouth to Cardiff. This video compliments them nicely. It looks as if this one passes more Waterloo bound services than the Railscene departure from Waterloo. Keep hoping you'll find some mid 80s Edinburgh Waverley footage to compliment your Glasgow footage.😉 Thanks for uploading really appreciated.

[@spompey]

Many thanks for your comment...I do have Edinburgh Waverley footage and I will upload as it comes around. Going through my video in Chronological order and I remember Waverley is soon....Much appreciated......Mark PS I was based at Perth in the late 70's until 1981.....

[@spompey]

I do have late 80's of Waverley and Millerhill, I promise it will be uploaded as I move into that era in my archive....best wishes....Mark

[@PerthMRC]

@@spompey looking forward to it. Thanks.

[@gary5949]

Wow! This brought back some memories. My only trip on this line was back in 1985, Liverpool Lime St to Portsmouth Harbour to catch the ferry to Jersey. Thanks for the great videos.

[@spompey]

Great journeys....Many thanks for your comment I am glad and honoured to evoke such memories....Mark

[@valuetraveler2026]

would it be quicker to do that journey today? I know it would be more expensive >)

[@spompey]

@@valuetraveler2026 Not really as in 1987 most of the trains reached line speed all of the journey. Maybe slightly more comfortable. Definetely 5 time more expensive.....best wishes....Mark

[@parkandrideme]

Wow . That car park is all gone at Guildford . It's a big building now

[@spompey]

Many thanks for the comment Alan....Yes at Guildford it has changed dramatically....Mark

[@johnmiller2739]

Regularly travelled this route when stationed at HMS Victory, (now called HMS Nelson) in the 70s

[@spompey]

You are much appreciated John....Best wishes....Mark

[@ChannelReuploads9451]

This was when I lived in Portsmouth before Emigrating to Australia. I used to use the Network SouthEast day where it was 10 quid, all day within network Southeast, so I used to take the first trains out to London, visit all the landmarks, ride the underground etc, then take the Salisbury train from Waterloo that got to Salisbury in time to get the last Cardiff to Portsmouth before Midnight (Had to board the train before midnight). Then from Salisbury, the train was express to Southampton, Fareham, Portsmouth & Southsea, then I could walk home. The Cardiff Run used Class 47's and Class 50's, so the Class 47 could have very well been awaiting the arrival of the Cardiff service, which it would then follow down to Harbour, couple up, and form the next Cardiff service out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j53LaK1taLeWo5o (Class 73 arrives from Cardiff), Class 50 follows 73 down to Harbour, then attatches to form outbound Cardiff, Class 73 then follows through and returns to Fratton siding.

[@ghosthorse77]

Great video. The train would have been made up of 2 sets of Class 421 (cigs) with a class 422 (Big) which had the buffet car. Class 422 and Class 421 were the same, except it had the buffet car instead of the intermediate trailer car.

[@spompey]

Absolutely correct on the formation....Many thanks for watching and your comment....Mark

[@mohatchett8001]

The footbridges at 15.53 and16.20, I used to sit for hours trying to get all the Nos down and sometimes get a hoot from the drivers.

[@spompey]

I have stood on those bridges myself in more recent times to film a railtour with class 20's.......you are much appreciated....Mark

[@neilcrawford8303]

The Chessington branch had two coal depots at both Tolworth (Colmec) and Chessington South (Charrington's). Class 73s, 74s and occasionally 33s, then in the twilight years of coal it was 58s and finally 37s. Tolworth received aggregates for a while in HTV hoppers with class 47 haulage. Later Tolworth recieved stone from Foster Yeoman (47, 66 and 58s) and RMC at Newhaven (where Day's now have their discharge point) usually 2x73s or occasionally 2x33s. Now Tolworth is a Day aggregate bagging plant and London Concrete batching plant with aggregates from the Mendips (Freightliner) and Brett's (DB Cargo) at Cliffe. Chessington South has recently re-opened as an aggregates depot for Cappagh's (DC Rail). On a busy day there can be three freight services on the Chessington branch.

[@spompey]

That is a great piece of knowledge so many thanks...Will have to visit the branch....My best regards to you...Mark

[@jonathanphelan6627]

What's that clicking sound that we keep hearing 1hr25m & 1hr33m is an example

[@spompey]

That clicking is to do with the braking as it is electric, what you are hearing is the braking contacts opening and closing. This system is called Electro-Pneumatic Braking or EP for short....Many thanks Jonathan and best wishes....Mark

[@mdhazeldine]

How do I like this 100 times? Excellent video! I've got a big collection of cab ride videos on the Wessex/South Western route and I've never come across this one before. I guess because you filmed it yourself. I think this is probably the oldest one I've seen. Pretty darn good quality for 1986. Do you have any more? Maybe the reverse direction or another route? I've lived in Hersham, St. Margarets (Twickenham) and Godalming throughout the last 40 years (I would have been age 4 when you filmed this), so I'd be really interested if you have any other videos.

[@spompey]

Hi there thanks for the kind interest....I do have some more to upload, as I go through my archive I will make the video available. May be a few weeks but it will come. Again many thanks....Mark

[@danielheathcote5625]

Have they lengthened guildford platforms? Also couldn’t see the bits going to underpass?

[@spompey]

Not that I have noticed.....Many thanks for watching and your comment, sorry for the late response was away for 2 weeks...best wishes...Mark

[@robertgrayson2177]

Another issue is that the Video Cassette's has the failer rate of the magentic particles age with time.

[@rebeccajackson2238]

What is the clicking noise you hear when the train approaches a station? I worked out the bell rings just before a signal to alert the driver am I right? Sorry for my ignorance I’m just interested

[@spompey]

The braking on these type of stock was what was known as EP (Electro-Pneumatic) which means they were operated by a combination of Electric switches and Air. The clicking is the electric switches opening valves for the air to operate the brakes....I used to find it particularly annoying after a while so I used the other system incorporated into the trains braking system and that was by using just the Air system. A fail safe system on both accounts I hope that does answer your question to an extent, I am sure more viewers out there will explain it better than I have......Many thanks for showing an interest and my best wishes to you....Ask anything you want to if you are curious to know the answer and I expect any one will give a good answer if they know.....again many thanks...Mark

[@rebeccajackson2238]

Thank you mark for your answer

[@spompey]

@@rebeccajackson2238 No problem did jog my traction knowledge though.....Best wishes....Mark

[@Captainpubwatch]

@@spompey Ahhhh, so it’s what’s going on from 8:21 to 9:05 of this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5bGooKqeMaHjrM I didn’t realise the driver could hear that in the cab and before thought the clicking was the handle being moved about - so the EPB system in the video above was the same on 63 stock as well? Where the EP position was variable and the clicks happened with the self lapping? What threw me was that the London Underground A60 stock and 1959/62 had EP brakes too but there was no noises from the contactors. Great question above and great video, very interesting indeed 👍🏼

[@spompey]

@@Captainpubwatch Yes it is the same....1953/7 stock not so irritating though......many thanks....Mark

[@MakeSmoke]

Love this video - is there anything similar with 4-COR stock (ie a few years earlier)?

[@spompey]

I only went back as far as 1996 with video....best wishes....Mark

[@robinfryer479]

Before the war, Schools class locomotives could run Portsmouth - Waterloo expresses in 90 minutes! Obviously there were fewer stops. The Nelsons (4-COR) did it in 100 minutes. In 1967, the fare was £1-0-3d. Or 20/3d . The coaching stock had very comfortable seats. Now, they give you a slab of concrete.

[@spompey]

Many thanks Robin....in the 1980s the 421 and 423 stock did the run in 90 minutes as well.....best regards...Mark

[@Mortimer50145]

The train seems to be going very slowly (linespeed restrictions and/or adverse signals) but looking at the Network Rail site, 90 minutes seems to be the best time today.

[@spompey]

It was a 90 minute scheduled run then. yet a busy tine of day so these slow running was included into the timings......many thanks and best regards...Mark

[@ispi_video_photo]

At Farlington Junction, you will notice that the line to Cosham was not electrified. This did not happen until 1990.

[@spompey]

Yes I remember that.....Many thanks for your comment and much appreciated....Mark

[@christopheranderson435]

Lovely set of Flat Tyres

[@spompey]

Indeed but not as bad as some sets I heard......many thanks....Mark

[@class387productions3]

Can you plesse do the Hampton court line

[@spompey]

Unfortunately I did not cover that particular line....Sorry....Best regards....Mark

[@valuetraveler2026]

So the route was meant to take 1hr30 - not much difference today. Interesting stations - what a funny station Portsmouth&Southsea is.,,, did the through-line come as an afterthought with the the Harbour extension coming later?

[@spompey]

I believe it did my friend.....Mark

[@MichaelPurches]

Not really. Portsmouth used to be on the cusp, electrified to the east, steam to the west. With little room for shunting/reforming movements at Harbour Station, steamers terminated at P&S low level platforms. Most (but not all) electrics continued to Harbour Station via P&S high level platforms, bridging busy Commercial Road. Much of the present layout reflects that practice.

[@semajttam]

What happened to the track workers, did they get out of the way in time??

[@spompey]

Yes they were safe....Much appreciated....Mark

[@bowman4275]

If you are going to add on-screen comments, give us a chance to read them. They were up for too short a time even for speed-readers!

[@spompey]

Many thanks for your comment I try not to keep a lot of descriptive text up on the screen for a long time as it could spoil the scene, but I take your point on board and will try to secrete the text out of the viewers line of sight so to speak...Best regards...Mark

[@olegprovochevitch8851]

Just press the stop button and take all the time you want to read the on-screens.

[@spompey]

Thank you my friend.....best wishes....Mark

[@OlafProt]

When I was a kid, growing up in Dorking Surrey, the ‘big trains’ used to come through every day. They were for Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour (and the back 4 separated for Bognor Regis). It was so exciting, 12 coaches and the buffet car too!! (with the old red line across the top - like the yellow for 1st class). I think it came from Victoria back then. There’s some incredible footage here kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqPMpH2FgJWcb6ssi=QY7vG5bZpGJneDDJ you can even see the route on the old Boards they used to put up. I was allowed to help with making sure all the slam Doors were properly shut!! Sometimes we’d miss one and one of the station team would push the half open doors (on a latch) as the train flew out of the station. How impressed I was as a kid!!!

[@spompey]

Many thanks for sharing wonderful memories....Best wishes....mark

[@mikeursell3038]

I think the problem with your comments is that we are past the point of interest by the time we have a read them. These do add considerably to the video though.

[@spompey]

Many thanks... that is part of the reason I flash them up a bit quicker...Not sure how to form a happy medium, apart from suggesting pausing the video....Mark

[@trainrover]

by comment, I thought you'd meant this board, not channeler's captioning...so, how come nobody else seems to remark how little time those unacknowledging, absorbed workers between the adjacent rails just up from Queenstown Rd stop must've had to skirt the opposing diesel haul bearing seconds away from being on top of them while our 12-coacher strains by..! 👀👀

[@spompey]

@@trainrover The workers on the track then were at least familiar with the direction of the lines.....and very alert, they had to be.....Best regards....Mark

[@trainrover]

@@spompey I'd have imagined the custom of working with mere seconds like that as hailing from the Fifties or even possibly the Sixties, not post-donkey jacket journées...screw cleptoparasitic corporateers a.k.a. barons........

[@trainrover]

there didn't even appear to be a lookout looking Down line, f f s ;) • idly musing from Isle o' Dr-Seuss: 🍸 kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4GcZXuwapplhac ⚘

[@jonathanphelan6627]

1:33:30 you see the trolley behind the screen, thought it was a rat at first !!!!!

[@spompey]

Maybe it was a shape shifting Rat, they are the most feared......Many thanks and my sincere wishes to you Jonathan....Mark

[@robertgrayson2177]

All of the vision data always been removed before one has a chance of reading all the information (This goees for all video's and not some of the video's.

[@spompey]

I know what you mean....the descriptions I tend not to try and interfere with the visual , it is only there as a brief guide....Many thanks....best wishes...Mark

[@jonathanphelan6627]

Why's the train sticking out of Portsmouth & Southsea 1hr28m8s New Driver parking ?😂

[@spompey]

I reckon the train is waiting to make a shunt move ...maybe....Many thanks Jonathan and best regards...Mark

[@SuperMoey1]

2:32 impatient passenger 🤣

[@spompey]

Well listened to. It was actually the driver on the passing train who'd spotted "Steve" our driver with a cup of tea in hand....my best wishes to you....Mark

[@aimdrummer]

Ha ha! Did you intentionally do this on the 171st Anniversary of the battle after which Waterloo is named?

[@spompey]

No....but it could be a new way to remember these dates.....many thanks aimdrummer.....Mark

[@andrewbrown6786]

No Gunwharf Quay 🤷‍♂️😏

[@spompey]

Many thanks and best wishes....Mark

[@EpicThe112]

Let me see this is a 4REP 4TC

[@spompey]

There is a 4REP in the video, but the film was made from a regular 4CIG X 3 rake......Many thanks .......Mark

[@EpicThe112]

@spompey thank you for telling me about that and from what I've learnt in train simulator forums is that SWML would have also used a 4VEP

[@12crepello]

The REP / 4TC were used only on the Waterloo - Bournemouth - Weymouth route. I believe the current draw of a REP restricted it to certain routes?

[@MichaelPurches]

Havant station as it was with four tracks. Desperately needing a third, relief platform, and with the land for it, the geniuses in charge wasted millions making the existing two platforms reversible. Solved nothing, utterly impracticable/unusable movements.

[@spompey]

You are most welcome and many thanks for watching and for commenting....best regards...MARK

[@TrainDriver1953]

A gent or not, this train should have been taken out of service as it has got flats. Just shows how stupid some drivers are ?

[@spompey]

It seemed very minor even if it did have flats at all......I will have to listen again......The driver was not at any fault.....but You're most welcome....Many thanks for your comment and for watching...best wishes...Mark

[@basingstoke63]

I would say ,Long live the slam door trains , but that is wishful thinking . lol

[@spompey]

Quite agree, they sounded like trains then not with this beeping nowadays......best wishes Tony....Mark

[@basingstoke63]

I used to like it when they joined two trains together , and you could stand and watch the speed on the abutting cabs . And the free miniature bars of ,Palmolive soap in the toilets . lol . Cheers ,Mark .@@spompey

[@spompey]

@@basingstoke63 Great soap I must say....many thanks....mark

[@Ingramdumpkiss]

It seemed in those days that the Portsmouth line was the poor relation and all the investment went on the Weymouth line. The 4 CIGs always looked a bit grimy and a bit slower compared to the 4REP/4TC sets. Not sure if Basingstoke to Winchester had been upgraded to 100mph at this time but the REP sets flew along.

[@spompey]

So did the CEPs and VEPs in places along the pompey road..... and Many thanks for the comment and best wishes....Mark