Ashford Hastings Line Part Two

This was taken over a three year period from 1992 to 1994 when the line was using slam door stock, you will notice the "original green livery" on one set during part of the video.It was my attempt in trying to show all the stations on the line plus the interesting parts in between. At one time, I believe, there was a threat to close this line, but this soon faded and now its a vital link with class171 units in use. A freight only line diverts from just outsde Appledore station for the nuclear flask train to/from Dungeness power station. The lines were never electrified.

[@neilfoord2077]

Interesting video that is blighted by unwanted music!! The music is not necessary, it's just not necessary!!

[@SussexHistory]

Yes, there was a threat to close this line under the 'Beeching Axe'. However for a line to be closed, it had to be proved an alternative bus service existed. In the case of Rye and Ashford, there is no direct route by road, so no alternative bus route between the stations that would be affected. The Railways were never really nationalized - all that really happened was that the original operators received a subsidy from the government. Beeching could axe a line by withdrawing the subsidy, but in the case of the Rye and Ashford, they could defy Beeching because they had sufficient ticket sales to maintain the line and pay the staff. Closure notices where put up, but staff and passengers ripped them down and the line continued to operate!

[@LordTantrums007]

Dreadful Network South East livery and service no thanks to the Tories who have systematically trashed the railways c1960s onwards!

[@steveluckhurst2350]

Yawn!

[@frglee]

Living in Hastings through the 90's I used to use this service a lot, especially to go bicycling in the Rye area (flat!). Used to love the engine noise of these units, but Gawd, they were getting pretty old and decrepit inside as the years passed.

[@ashfordmarketofficial9610]

⭐Great⭐
Ashford Market Boot Fair Official
Orbital Park, Monument Way, Willesborough,
Ashford Kent. TN24 0HB

[@scotch491]

I almost feel like I've been taken back in time (wish it were for real!) I like the way you just about captured the old Ore/Broomsgrove power plant (5:10) which dosen't exist anymore.

[@adecirkett5351]

Excellent remember all of this, I used the line since the 70's and still do once or twice a year.

[@tjfSIM]

Excellent video, thanks for making and uploading. Some great shots of Hastings there too! Brings back memories of the slam door stock, everything looks quite different now, and platform 1 is rarely used at Hastings nowadays.

[@scotch491]

Very interesting...I have a 7 min footage that I video-camcorded celerbrating 150 years of steam railway in sussex which included Three Oaks and Winchelsea rail stations bout '93 - unfortunately I don't know how u upload from video to youtube.

[@tjfSIM]

@Southernrailwaysfan During the 1990s, and right through to 2005, Hastings was served by several types of slam door stock. 4-CEP and 4-VEP EMUs mainly worked the Cannon Street/Charing Cross routes, while the 4-CIG units mostly ran on the Hastings to Brighton or Hastings to Victoria services. The Ashford line was operated mainly by 204/205/207 DEMUs, as featured in this film. You could often see a variety of EMUs parked in the sidings, where 377/375 units now sit.

[@supercruiser24]

205001 is at the East Kent Railway, soon to be restored

[@davidnash41]

Thanks for the video...I enjoyed both parts very parts.

[@freddielaker3494]

they should electrify this line soon!

[@nicholaswoodyat5444]

bye bye slam door