Just to clear up my whereabouts yesterday....
After arriving at Brighton, I took the shots of the ECS departing then wandered over to the platform by the depot to get a shot of 3530; no sign of anyone around when I got back down to the concourse so I got the 14.20ish back to Victoria. I was keen to jump on a train as I was freezing my *ut* off and wanted a bit of warmth.
I was undecided whether to get the 31's at Southampton (ticket validity a bit questionable) or Sailisbury (would have been fine except for very slow running to Woking). Could not believe it when the 31's were signalled in front of my train at Laverstock Junction - mean't I misssed them at Salisbury.
I had considered doing a more circular route that day (Trowbridge - Victoria - Brighton - Southampton - Trwobridge) but this cost too much.
Anyway - glad I did the Slammer - I won't pretend they were my favourite trains but I recognise their significance and appreciate what a fantastic job they did over many years. I still find it hard to believe they have now all gone.
It's also worth pausing to compare the fortunes of CIGs, VEPs and the like with that of JOPs, also soon to depart from SWT.
As for the 31's, bit peeved that I missed them but never mind - December 17th to Weymouth.