Shortly before 23.20, the 21.50 London (Victoria) to Brighton electric passenger train, formed of 12 coaches, was brought to a stand at Signal CA.4 some 506 yards north of Patcham Tunnel. At 23.22 it was struck violently in the rear by the 21.40 Victoria to Littlehampton electric passenger train, formed of 8 coaches. The driver of this train had received a single yellow (caution) aspect at signal CA.164, just over 1£½ miles in rear of Signal CA.4, but the train's speed had not been significantly reduced by the time it passed the next signal, CA.6. This signal, which should have been showing a red aspect protecting the rear of the 21.50 train, was almost certainly unlit as the 21.40 train passed it. The train continued at speed until the driver made an emergency brake application on sighting the stationary train ahead. The brake application had little time to take effect and the train was still travelling at between 45 and 50 mile/h when it ran into the back of the one in front. The collision was very destructive and I regret to report that one passenger, together with the driver of the 21.40 train and another railwayman, who was on duty but travelling as a passenger, lost their lives. One passenger was seriously hurt, 6 were taken to hospital but were allowed home after treatment: and a further 50 received minor injuries.
Full details available here:-
http://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/eventsummary.php?eventID=767
Hastings 6B DEMU 1032 went through the buffer stops of platform 5 at Charing Cross and made an unexpected appearance on the station concourse.
These pictures show the recovery.
Thanks to Andy Smith for the following additional information:-
The cause of this accident was that the 27 way control jumper behind the leading motor coach dropped, causing a sudden loss of EP brake on the 11 coaches behind the motor coach, 11 coaches pushing the the motor coach through the stops. If I remember rightly, this was an ECS move in from Grove Park depot. Driver was Brian Clee of West Marina.
Images dated 11/1/79.
This series of photos were taken shortly after the accident. 4CIG 1710 rolled away from one of the sidings at Bognor Regis. The ever useful www.railwaysarchives.co.uk website sadly has few details.
http://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/eventsummary.php?eventID=8891
Photos supplied by Dave Sharratt who can be seen with his back to camera in the foreground of image 3.
Not sure what has hit what here. Debris from 16 ton mineral wagons and Marinex hoppers, although it appears the hoppers have derailed and cleared up the mineral wagons parked in an adjacent siding.
The Hoppers are still in service and are often seen at the Day Aggregates terminal at Purley.
Images dated 12/12/74.
The Peaks were one of my favourite locomotives. Countless trips to relatives in Nottingham on the MML plus journeys far and wide on the NE-SW route and later on Trans-Pennine services. They even reached my home town of Brighton.
This gallery will gain most of photos from the regional galleries but will just contain the Peaks in number order for easier browsing. Lots more to add.
This is basically a file store for www.1S76.com where full details of the items can be seen. However if you fancy a nose around please do.
It also includes various BR leaflets and timetables and brochures.
This gallery is just a hosting site for images that have been kindly contributed or permision given to display on my website www.1S76.com. The rise and fall of cross country train services to and from Brighton.
Please see the website for full details.