Over 250 people joined a special Southeastern rail tour on Saturday 27th September, travelling through lesser-used routes and historic stations across south-east London on the special Railway 200 Network SouthEast Networker train.
The special event was timed to coincide with the national day of Railway 200 celebrations – recognising the 200th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway's opening in 1825 – widely recognised as the birth of the modern railway.
The three-hour trip departed London Victoria at 10 am and travelled through some of south-east London's most historic stations, some lesser-used sections of the railway and through the train wash facility at Grove Park Depot before returning to London Cannon Street just before 1 pm.
In addition to coinciding with the wider Railway 200 celebrations, the tour was also designed to recognise and celebrate the role of the Networker trains in connecting south-east London over the last 30 years while also raising £9,944 for the Railway 200 charities: Alzheimer's Research UK, Railway Benefit Fund, Railway Children, Railway Mission and the Transport Benevolent Fund CIO.
Steve Higham-Gray, Southeastern Operations manager, who organised the tour, said:
“Now, we can all look at the Networker and see its dated technology and the scars of time, but in its day, it was the train that revolutionised Network Southeast’s metro area. It was truly a game changer for staff and customers alike.
“So, it felt incredibly fitting to be recognising a key part of our history on the same day the country comes together to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the modern passenger railway.
“I hope the guests had a fantastic day, enjoyed the opportunity to see some rare sights and perhaps met up with old friends, colleagues or others who fondly remember the introduction of this train and the history of Network SouthEast.”
The Class 465 Networker fleet was first introduced to passenger service by Network SouthEast in 1992. Network SouthEast was created by Chris Green OBE, who at the time was the British Rail Sector Director for London & South East.
The organisation aimed to improve service quality and ridership, as well as providing a recognisable brand for customers with the distinctive red, white and blue livery, which has been recreated this year on 465908.
Route: London Victoria, Brixton, Herne Hill, Kent House, Beckenham Junction, Bromley South, Orpington, Chislehurst, Grove Park, Slade Green, Woolwich Arsenal, Charlton, London Bridge & London Cannon Street
