HST Railtour on London Tilbury & Southend railway in 1981

[Alfie1014]

There are 60(?) mph speed restrictions through Laindon & Pitsea, both due to curvature, but ISTR that an HST was allowed to reach 100 mph near Hornchurch many years ago. (LT&S 125th anniversary ?) Pitsea to Benfleet is straight, but possibly the somewhat soggy ground conditions might cause a problem for 100 mph running.

Here’s a pic of the ECS on its way to Southend before the high speed run later in the day. It had to run under special conditions when it exceeded the speed limit, which included double blocking and of course the 75mph on the OLE wasn’t an issue.

 

[delticdave]

75mph through Laindon, 60 through Pitsea

Thanks, I use to live in Laindon & was almost certain that that it was 60, but I moved away in 1985 so the track layout might have changed or been upgraded in the last 32 years........

 

[delticdave]

View attachment 40554
Here’s a pic of the ECS on its way to Southend before the high speed run later in the day. It had to run under special conditions when it exceeded the speed limit, which included double blocking and of course the 75mph on the OLE wasn’t an issue.

Thanks for the pix, pity I had to work on the day!

 

[MatthewRead]

View attachment 40554
Here’s a pic of the ECS on its way to Southend before the high speed run later in the day. It had to run under special conditions when it exceeded the speed limit, which included double blocking and of course the 75mph on the OLE wasn’t an issue.

Where and when was that taken may I ask?

 

[samuelmorris]

Looks like Upminster to me, presumably 1st March 1981

 

[Alfie1014]

Looks like Upminster to me, presumably 1st March 1981

Yep that’s right.

 

[Alfie1014]

Another pic from that day this time at Liverpool Street.

 

[racyrich]

Strange the LTS 125 anniversary was in 1981 when it opened in 1854.

Or maybe they just liked celebrating it. I took this picture of the 125th anniversary railtour by IC125 (Southend to York) on 24/3/79. At Basildon. 43072 / 43109.

Sorry it's so dire. My 13 year old former self couldn't afford a decent camera!

 

[Bishopstone]

Looks like a set of CO/CP District Line stock in the LU platform behind the HST, in the original Upminster pic.

By March 1981 that would have been quite rare, and worth a ride in itself.

 

[DidcotDickie]

Looks like a set of CO/CP District Line stock in the LU platform behind the HST, in the original Upminster pic.

By March 1981 that would have been quite rare, and worth a ride in itself.

Indeed, you're quite right, I hadn't noticed that. The final withdrawal of the CO/CP stock was in 1981, so it didn't have long to go.