1066 Route commemorative badges (2).
Back in 1986 when the line from Tonbridge to Bopeep Junction at St.Leonards was electrified it spelt the end for the unique Hastings line DEMU's built to loading gauge zero because of the restricted tunnel clearances on the route. It also saw the closure of the cross country route from Tunbridge Wells to Eridge.
Local staff and British Rail produced several badges for staff associated with the route to wear. These badges produced in small numbers commemorated the passing of the old order and arrival of the new.
The badge top left was produced to mark the opening of the route to electric traction. While the one top right maked the sad closure of the Eridge line the year before. This line was closed to allow the mainline to be electrified as it was said at the time money couldn't be justified for a new junction at Grove and providing electrification through to Eridge. The Hastings line was electrified on the cheap with only two new sub stations instead of the three required. This meant south of Tunbridge Wells trains would be restricted to 8-cars only as 12-car formations would exceed the lines current index. Add to that the branch to Eridge and it was never going to survive without the third sub station or replacement stock.
The third badge (bottom) marked the closure of West Marina as a traincrew depot. It did however remain as a carriage servicing shed. The 1986 electrification saw the amalgamation of two depots on the Coast namely Ore and West Marina which moved to Hastings. The biggest loser being Tunbridge Wells West depot which shut with work moved to Norwood and Tonbridge.
1066 Route commemorative badges (2).
Back in 1986 when the line from Tonbridge to Bopeep Junction at St.Leonards was electrified it spelt the end for the unique Hastings line DEMU's built to loading gauge zero because of the restricted tunnel clearances on the route. It also saw the closure of the cross country route from Tunbridge Wells to Eridge.
Local staff and British Rail produced several badges for staff associated with the route to wear. These badges produced in small numbers commemorated the passing of the old order and arrival of the new.
The badge top left was produced to mark the opening of the route to electric traction. While the one top right maked the sad closure of the Eridge line the year before. This line was closed to allow the mainline to be electrified as it was said at the time money couldn't be justified for a new junction at Grove and providing electrification through to Eridge. The Hastings line was electrified on the cheap with only two new sub stations instead of the three required. This meant south of Tunbridge Wells trains would be restricted to 8-cars only as 12-car formations would exceed the lines current index. Add to that the branch to Eridge and it was never going to survive without the third sub station or replacement stock.
The third badge (bottom) marked the closure of West Marina as a traincrew depot. It did however remain as a carriage servicing shed. The 1986 electrification saw the amalgamation of two depots on the Coast namely Ore and West Marina which moved to Hastings. The biggest loser being Tunbridge Wells West depot which shut with work moved to Norwood and Tonbridge.