Brighton

[STEVIEBOY1]

I went to Brighton last Friday, I have not been there for many years. When I was leaving on the 1519 train, I noticed a small green diesel shunting type loco just outside the station. I just wondered what that is used for?

It's interesting too the different type of rolling stock that is used on the Brighton services, I travelled down on the 1012 from Clapham Jct, which was an 8 coach green train, with 2 & 3 seating, and travelled back on a former Wessex Electric train which was really good, it only stopped at E. Croy and Clap Jct, I was surprised that this type of train was used on that service as I thought they were for the Gatwick Expresses, some of which I understood were extended to Brighton. the one I was on went through LGW at quite a speed. Great fast journey anyway. It's a pity SWT got rid of them in favour of the the blue and white Desiro trains which IMO are not nearly as good.

 

[Schnellzug]

Would it have been 09026, Southern's shunter which is based at Brighton?

 

[trentside]

I used the Brighton line for the first time earlier this year. The first trip I had time to kill in the early evening (needed the 21:30 off King's Cross) and so decided to catch a Southern stopper, formed of a 377 back to Victoria. I really liked the train, despite it being a bit dirty from the days service.

A few weeks later I decided to try out a 442 from Gatwick, and that proved to be a very enjoyable experience. Sadly, never had an opportunity to use the 442s in Wessex but I did like the unit - I've heard some people say that they are worse for their refurbishment. Shame if that's true.

 

[STEVIEBOY1]

Would it have been 09026, Southern's shunter which is based at Brighton?

Yes, that looks like the one I saw-Tks.
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I used the Brighton line for the first time earlier this year. The first trip I had time to kill in the early evening (needed the 21:30 off King's Cross) and so decided to catch a Southern stopper, formed of a 377 back to Victoria. I really liked the train, despite it being a bit dirty from the days service.

A few weeks later I decided to try out a 442 from Gatwick, and that proved to be a very enjoyable experience. Sadly, never had an opportunity to use the 442s in Wessex but I did like the unit - I've heard some people say that they are worse for their refurbishment. Shame if that's true.

The 442 I was on last week seemed fine to me, I walked through most of the 5 coaches, there was a choice or airline style seating and also some with 4 around a table with good full window views which I had and prefer. I think they have altered the position of the first class coach from what is used to be on SWT.

 

[Schnellzug]

I used the Brighton line for the first time earlier this year. The first trip I had time to kill in the early evening (needed the 21:30 off King's Cross) and so decided to catch a Southern stopper, formed of a 377 back to Victoria. I really liked the train, despite it being a bit dirty from the days service.

A few weeks later I decided to try out a 442 from Gatwick, and that proved to be a very enjoyable experience. Sadly, never had an opportunity to use the 442s in Wessex but I did like the unit - I've heard some people say that they are worse for their refurbishment. Shame if that's true.

I think Southern took out the bar area and the little "saloon bar" section next to it, which would be a pity.

 

[Matt Taylor]

Yes, first class now occupies what used to be the 'snug' area, the former first class coach is now an open standard saloon.