Boat Train 1C52 lead by MLV S68005 at Beckenham Junction. 1983.
Class 419 Motor Luggage Van no. S68005 leads a standard boat train formation for the period of 1xMLV 3x4-CEP EMU's through Beckenham Junction. The 13-car train is 1C52 the 13.40 Dover Western Docks to London Victoria taking 1hr 27mins to reach the capital non stop. The dedicated Boat Trains were always non stop between the Channel ports and London Victoria and catered for the high demand for foot passenger traffic before the advent of cheap airlines. British Rail had built 10 class 419 MLV's for use on these trains in two batches between 1959-61. They were 1000hp 750v DC units but were also fitted with traction batteries to work into non electrified sidings. At the port ends this allowed them to use Folkestone Harbour Pier and quayside tracks at Dover Marine. By the late 1980's Boat Train traffic was in decline with ever shortening formations and from 1988 onward the units started to be used by the BR parcels sector for royal mail and red star parcels traffic. In turn that traffic ceased and from the early 1990's the 10 strong fleet of MLV's were relegated to use as tractor units at depots before ultimately being withdrawn.
Boat Train 1C52 lead by MLV S68005 at Beckenham Junction. 1983.
Class 419 Motor Luggage Van no. S68005 leads a standard boat train formation for the period of 1xMLV 3x4-CEP EMU's through Beckenham Junction. The 13-car train is 1C52 the 13.40 Dover Western Docks to London Victoria taking 1hr 27mins to reach the capital non stop. The dedicated Boat Trains were always non stop between the Channel ports and London Victoria and catered for the high demand for foot passenger traffic before the advent of cheap airlines. British Rail had built 10 class 419 MLV's for use on these trains in two batches between 1959-61. They were 1000hp 750v DC units but were also fitted with traction batteries to work into non electrified sidings. At the port ends this allowed them to use Folkestone Harbour Pier and quayside tracks at Dover Marine. By the late 1980's Boat Train traffic was in decline with ever shortening formations and from 1988 onward the units started to be used by the BR parcels sector for royal mail and red star parcels traffic. In turn that traffic ceased and from the early 1990's the 10 strong fleet of MLV's were relegated to use as tractor units at depots before ultimately being withdrawn.