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Final days of the Hastings DEMUs on the Hastings line

1001 and 1012 at Priory Road Tonbridge on 11th May 1986 with the 18:45 Charing Cross to Hastings

All photographs on these two pages are by Don Benn

These two pages have been compiled to mark the 22nd anniversary of the final days of service of Hastings DEMU units on their home line. Fortunately Don Benn was out with his camera on 9th and 11th May to record the events.

(above) 1001 and 1012 at Priory Road Tonbridge on 11th May 1986 with the 18:45 Charing Cross to Hastings - the penultimate down DEMU working

Activity at the platform end at Cannon Street prior to the last DEMU worked 18:00 to Hastings

On 9th May the last DEMU worked 18:00 Cannon Street to Hastings was marked with an informal ceremony at the platform end.

The headboard thatw as carried by the 18:00 Cannon Street to Hastings on 9th May 1986

A close shot of the headboard that was carried by the 1800 Cannon Street to Hastings on 9th May, as posed on a seat on the train. Note the Trojan moquette.

At Tonbridge 1016 and 1035 working the 13:45 Charing Cross to Hastings on 11th May 1986

On the last day, 11th May, the 13:45 Charing Cross to Hastings service was worked by 1016 and 1035 and seen here entering the platform at Tonbridge. Don Benn traveled on this train and timed it between Wadhurst and Etchingham (timings follow on next page).

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