Capital Crompton
Join
the footplate of 33030 for a fascinating journey across London’s
complex rail network. The Crompton is working Mainline Freight’s 7L07
departmental trip from Hoo Junction in Kent to Temple Mills in East
London.
After a leisurely run through Kent from Hoo to Hither Green via
Sidcup, the train pauses for a crew change. From then on, the Crompton
negotiates an almost endless maze of trackwork and junctions, through
Lewisham, Nunhead and Factory Junction, before crossing the Thames at
Battersea Bridge. After passing through Kensington Olympia, 33030 gains
the North London Line at Willesden High Level and then runs through
Hampstead Heath and Camden before deviating at Lea Junction to pass
behind Stratford depot. The journey concludes with arrival in the
newly-reopened Temple Mills Yard. Not only is the route complex and
fascinating, but the 7L07 passes numerous other workings during the
course of its journey - including the Capital’s last two surviving ‘Heritage’
DMU turns on the Gospel Oak to Barking service.
The journey was filmed in 1995 and therefore features a pre-upgraded
North London Line and at a time when Cromptons were still in regular
service. If you have ever wondered why drivers need route knowledge,
then wonder no more!
With around 25 junctions en-route, this video not only provides a
fascinating insight into the skills required to negotiate the rail
network around London but also captures one of the more interesting
everyday workings of the Class 33.
"Outstanding entertainment." RAIL Magazine
