Trip Reports - Nonsensically typically British train to nowhere?

If you haven't seen the thread about the fact that the West London Parliamentary Trains (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/u-k-ireland/1345643-west-london-parliamentary-trains-cease.html) are to cease please go ahead and read that (even if it's just the 1st post) first. It explains what these trains are and why they are for the chop, and if you don't read it you will find the rest of this post much harder to understand. Go on we'll wait for you.........

Okay everybody back with us now? So Your friendly Mod Jenbel and myself decided to have a 'Do' and travel on one of these very odd trains. We had a stroke of luck in that the days she was in London and my days off coincided, and we decided to do a Monday morning one. We sorted out the timings over the weekend and agreed to meet at around 9:45am at the station. On the Monday morning having had various text messages from Jenbel detailing exactly where she was on her journey to Kensington (Olympia) we met at the Olympia Way station entrance.

We then tried to buy Jenbel a ticket which according to National Rail Enquiries should cost £1.90 but the ticket machine was having none of it. It suggested that we spend over £5 which is a major jump in the fare and not something I was happy about. I enquired at the ticket office and we eventually decided as she had an oyster card she could just touch in and out, as she would be making onward journeys that would cause her to reach the daily fare cap. There was plenty of time to cross over the footbridge (https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/Directory/News/Lawyers_challenge_Olympia_bridge_closure.asp) (which TFL want to close to non travelling passengers (https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/Directory/News/Lawyers_challenge_Olympia_bridge_closure.asp)) to platform 3 where our phantom service was due to depart from. I say phantom because despite the service running from the station there was no mention of it on the larger electronic information display listing the next 10 services from the station, yet there is in the timetable. A train pulled in and there was a large number of people who got off, sadly this wasn't our train as this was heading on to Clapham Junction and had lots of people on it. We were still waiting for our train and sure enough one appeared in the distance and what really confirmed this was our train is that the electronic information display said that this train was not due to stop here. There were a few other people who were waiting on the platform and we wondered if they would be travelling with us.

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/3897/stationannouncement.jpg

The train is due to leave at 10:02 and it arrived shortly before this, again no announcements are made on the platform and if you don't know to board then you'll miss it. The train stopped and the door controls lit up so I opened the door and got on, and it was then that things went from strange (whaddya mean you've not found anything strange about this yet) to downright bizarre. You are not encouraged to get on these trains and they do only open the doors for about 30 seconds, to a minute if you're lucky. However in this case it was more like 10 seconds which meant that Jenbel was trapped on the platform and I was stuck on the train. We both tried hitting the button to open the doors again but the button was no longer lit and a few seconds later the display above the door said out of order. I walked a few paces and checked one of the other doors but they all said the same thing, this was not good as it may be game over before it's really started. As I headed back to our original door I remembered that these trains have a method of communicating directly with the driver.

So as I found this and was checking for the penalty for improper use the doors bleeped and then the button illuminated. I punched it and Jenbel made it onto the train. At this point we were both laughing quite hard at how daft it all was and their attempts to keep the service unused. However we did then get other travellers board at the same time, no doubt expecting to go somewhere other than Wandsworth Road. We sat down at a set of four seats with a table in between and waited for the train to depart. Now when I've used the afternoon service a different type of train appears to the one that we found ourselves on, those trains don't have tables or first class (for the real trainspotters: a class 456 as opposed to the 377 we were on). I'd checked and despite these trains being modern they are designed for commuter services and do not have any catering (they do have a cycle policy though), so that meant providing our own. I provided refreshments for the 18 min journey and in true FT style I made sure that we wouldn't go thirsty, out of the cool bag it was chilled to perfection.

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/2334/drinksl.jpg
Taken at home before leaving for the station

This is a half bottle and both it and the full size are available at Selfridges on Oxford Street, I found it very drinkable at 10am. Despite it being fairly early in the morning we managed to open and start to consume the contents of the bottle. The service stopped at West Brompton and one of our fellow passengers got off but that still meant that we had two in our carriage and that's two more than normal. The platform display here said "Passing service please stand back behind the yellow line" and after leaving West Brompton we headed on to Imperial Wharf. The Train Manager made an appearance at the far end of the carriage and asked the other two where they were hoping to go and then advised them that the train didn't go to Clapham Junction. He then approached us and asked where we were going, I said Wandworth Road and he moved on. We consumed more of the bottle and managed to laugh again at the ridiculousness of the whole thing.

I pointed out various landmarks on the way and we then arrived at the newest station on the route, built to service Chelsea Harbour, the design centre and the surrounding area. It was at this point that the two at the rear of our carriage got off and someone else got on, heard the announcement of our destination and promptly got off again.:D Then another announcement was made by a different voice stating that the train did not call at Clapham Junction and passengers needed to wait on the platform. The doors then closed but we didn't move instead that same voice told someone unknown to get away from the door, this was then repeated to our bemusement several times getting more urgent with every repeat.

Eventually they stopped and the train moved off crossing the Thames and then heading down towards Clapham Junction but veering off on a different line towards Latchmere No 1 Junction and somewhere called Longhedge Junction which is the parts of the line that are not served by any other revenue services. These are the parts that they are trying to close in December and there is a wait at this point that is I believe built into the schedule and we duly sat there watching the world go by.

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/7048/viewfromtrain.jpg

Soon we were off again and reached our final destination of Wandsworth Road the announcement told us that this was the last stop and to please get off here. When we did so the train manager was standing on the platform at the rear of the train and we waved goodbye to him which he looked slightly confused by. It was then that we saw the reason for the announcements at Imperial Wharf, and the realisation dawned that we were not the only passengers on board this service. :eek: A group of four stereotypical looking trainspotters were heading along the platform from the front of the train towards the footbridge to the exit. :eek: :eek:

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/8950/trainatwwr.jpg

They made by way of an explanation the comment that there should have been five of them but "someone was too slow", meaning they had held the doors hoping he* would be able to join them. The train then pulled out possibly heading to a depot or goodness knows where and we decided to do the same. On the way we passed a poster explaining that the service is under threat of extinction and how you can contribute to the consultation if you want to.

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/6357/posterds.jpg

Whilst Champagne is very nice, on an empty stomach it does seem that little bit more potent so we headed to the highly recommended Savoy Café (https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ie=UTF8&cid=10605869903952788698&q=Savoy+Cafe&iwloc=A&gl=GB&hl=en) (come out of the station turn right walk under the railway bridge and then cross the road only when it is safe to do so) for breakfast. After lashings of jam covered toast, sausages inna bun, Coca Cola and Mineral Water (they do have ginger beer), we headed back to the station for the Midday service to London Victoria.

A very fun morning out and remember folks if you want to try this for yourselves you only have until the 8th of December 2012 to do so.

*Okay so it could have been a woman but looking at them I would have serious doubts about it.

And a massive thanks to Jimmie76 for pointing out these things existence, and for providing the information which enabled me to take a completely random, pointless journey just because I can now and I won't be able to do so soon. It was very cool riding a secret train :D

Great stuff, thanks for the report! I will have to give this a go before it is too late. If you're into little known about train journeys check out the London to Calais (http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=52561) (via ferry) day return tickets that the train and ferry operators are not so keen for you know about!

I could have come in the end, I got monday off as a suprise from my boss. Oh well. If anyone else would like to do it sometime i'd be keen (I normally have Tuesday and Wednesday off)

I could have come in the end, I got monday off as a suprise from my boss. Oh well. If anyone else would like to do it sometime i'd be keen (I normally have Tuesday and Wednesday off)

We'd have needed a bigger bottle of bubbly in that case :D, sadly I normally work those days.

Great stuff, thanks for the report! I will have to give this a go before it is too late. If you're into little known about train journeys check out the London to Calais (http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=52561) (via ferry) day return tickets that the train and ferry operators are not so keen for you know about!

Wish you hadn't told me that as I'm very tempted now and I really don't have time to do a day trip to France.

That´s a really weird, way off and funny TR! Great job!

That´s a really weird, way off and funny TR! Great job!

Thank you, although that could also be said about the train ;):D

Thanks for sharing the report!

I'll be in London in the middle of October and I might take this journey for sheer amusement.

I'm glad that you could just touch in and touch out with the Oyster Card. I'll plan to do the same as well.

Thanks for sharing the report!

I'll be in London in the middle of October and I might take this journey for sheer amusement.

I'm glad that you could just touch in and touch out with the Oyster Card. I'll plan to do the same as well.

Remember to check the times if coming after the Summer as the Winter timetable may have kicked in by then. Also don't forget that the doors are only open for a very limited amount of time (as we discovered) so it is best to walk towards a door as the train is coming to a halt.

Great trip report. Probably one of the shortest physical journeys to be posted! Good work Jimmie76 and Jenbel.

I'd be up for a second round - warreng24 and exilencfc - if you are interested. Always up for unique experiences.

Thanks Jimmie76 for pointing out the information about the footbridge at Olympia. I used to live in the area, and can attest it is a vital link for pedestrians in the area. I have fired off an email to TFL this morning on the subject. Used the line "TFL's mandate is to make it easier for the residents of this great city to move around her, and closing off this connection would take us in the opposite direction." :)

If I'm honest, some things sound eerily familar of trains here in Belgium. I've had times when no announcement whatsoever was made and you had to sort of guess and hope wether you were on the right train (no problem in a small station, but slightly more problematic in a 12-platform station)

I'd probably be singing that Gladys Knight song "British Train To Nowhere" during the trip.

♫♫Oh he's leaving ... on that British train to Nowhere....♫♫

If I'm honest, some things sound eerily familar of trains here in Belgium. I've had times when no announcement whatsoever was made and you had to sort of guess and hope wether you were on the right train (no problem in a small station, but slightly more problematic in a 12-platform station)

Aah I suspect that in Belgium though they actually expect you to board the train. They don't in this case they actively try and discourage it hence the platform sign that says "Please stand clear the next train is not scheduled to stop here" ;):D.

Great trip report. Probably one of the shortest physical journeys to be posted! Good work Jimmie76 and Jenbel.

I'd be up for a second round - warreng24 and exilencfc - if you are interested. Always up for unique experiences.

Thanks Jimmie76 for pointing out the information about the footbridge at Olympia. I used to live in the area, and can attest it is a vital link for pedestrians in the area. I have fired off an email to TFL this morning on the subject. Used the line "TFL's mandate is to make it easier for the residents of this great city to move around her, and closing off this connection would take us in the opposite direction." :)

If you've been using it for more than 20 years please feel free to email mark.chetwynd@rbkc.gov.uk and Chris.Bainbridge@lbhf.gov.uk at each of the councils as they are putting together a legal challenge.

Very enjoyable trip report. Interesting how passengers are discouraged! Thank you

Very enjoyable trip report. Interesting how passengers are discouraged! Thank you

Thanks, they don't want to run the service and if they can show that no one uses it then closing it isn't a difficult thing to do. If it became popular they'd have more difficulty justifying closing it, I suspect there'll be little complaint about the proposal to close it.

I may have some more pictures on my camera but I'm moving at the moment and I'll have to dig out the battery charger when I can to have a look.

I might get round to doing the afternoon one again with a camera at some point in which case I'll add that trip report to this one.

Have you written to Southern customer relations informing them that the displays were incorrectly indicating one of their services didn't stop at the station and nearly caused you to miss your train? Surely they'd then have to reply to you justifying their actions and I doubt they'd say they're doing it in order to discourage its use.

Surely telling people not to board the train should make this count as not a public service.

Have you written to Southern customer relations informing them that the displays were incorrectly indicating one of their services didn't stop at the station and nearly caused you to miss your train? Surely they'd then have to reply to you justifying their actions and I doubt they'd say they're doing it in order to discourage its use.

Surely telling people not to board the train should make this count as not a public service.

Erm I hadn't but now you mention it, I'm tempted ;). It is true that my friend Jenbel did almost get left on the platform when the doors shut prematurely and she'd travelled a long way to do this train journey. She also might not have known to get on that train if I hadn't been there.....I feel an email might need writing as I'm now dying to hear their response.

I don't think I understood it but I enjoyed the report, how very British :D

Aah I suspect that in Belgium though they actually expect you to board the train. They don't in this case they actively try and discourage it hence the platform sign that says "Please stand clear the next train is not scheduled to stop here" ;):D.

Indeed they do, the trains where it says "niet instappen" (do not board) are usally trains that have broken down (happens frequently) or are waiting to be moved to a depot.

Indeed they do, the trains where it says "niet instappen" (do not board) are usally trains that have broken down (happens frequently) or are waiting to be moved to a depot.

Aah but in this case it is a scheduled passenger service that is in the timetable and the train company are just trying to avoid carrying passengers on. However in Belgium it sounds like these are genuinely "out of service" trains that wouldn't normally carry passengers.

Aah but in this case it is a scheduled passenger service that is in the timetable and the train company are just trying to avoid carrying passengers on. However in Belgium it sounds like these are genuinely "out of service" trains that wouldn't normally carry passengers.

True, but if the NMBS would do such a thing, there'd be an outrage all over the country (the NMBS is still state-owned, so it is 100% financed with taxpayers money. Even if they cut trains, there is usually an outrage (partly because the trains that are cut are usually quite popular ones).

I could have come in the end, I got monday off as a suprise from my boss. Oh well. If anyone else would like to do it sometime i'd be keen (I normally have Tuesday and Wednesday off)

I'd be up for a second round - warreng24 and exilencfc - if you are interested. Always up for unique experiences.

I'm planning on the PM run from Wandsworth Road back to Kensington (Olympia) on Friday 19 Oct. Hopefully we'll see you (and perhaps more FT'ers) there!

Just happened to come across this on the BBC website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18644343

I'm guessing this is somewhat similar to the train you guys took?

Just happened to come across this on the BBC website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18644343

I'm guessing this is somewhat similar to the train you guys took?

Yes that's exactly what we took (although a different train) and they are a real quirk of the British railway system. Our particular one is going to be stopped in December hence the need to do the trip sooner rather than later.

I don't think I understood it but I enjoyed the report, how very British :D

Indeed......quirky but nice trip report. ^

Had to laugh at the bit Jenbel nearly got left behind on the platform.....what a shame. Would have been a hoot though had she not got on. :D

I'm planning on the PM run from Wandsworth Road back to Kensington (Olympia) on Friday 19 Oct. Hopefully we'll see you (and perhaps more FT'ers) there!
It actually runs from Clapham High Street (CLP)at 16:11 in the afternoon and then goes through Wandsworth Road, and if you want the full experience you need to start there. If I'm free I'll try and make it but no guarantees.

Indeed......quirky but nice trip report. ^

Had to laugh at the bit Jenbel nearly got left behind on the platform.....what a shame. Would have been a hoot though had she not got on. :D

We were laughing very hard when she eventually got on, might not have been doing so if she hadn't. I was seriously going to use the "talk to the driver" function and the emergency button if there was no response.

It actually runs from Clapham High Street (CLP)at 16:11 in the afternoon and then goes through Wandsworth Road, and if you want the full experience you need to start there. If I'm free I'll try and make it but no guarantees.

Really? I didn't see that in the schedule. But then again, I'm not terribly familiar with British Rail schedules. :p

So the routing is Clapham High Street - Wandsworth Road - Kensington (Olympia)?

Is the fare still the same?

Really? I didn't see that in the schedule. But then again, I'm not terribly familiar with British Rail schedules. :p

So the routing is Clapham High Street - Wandsworth Road - Kensington (Olympia)?

Is the fare still the same?

Yes the fare is still the same £1.90 and yes the routing is as you describe it although it does now stop (on both AM & PM) at Imperial Wharf and West Brompton, where the doors aren't activated for long ;):D.

Hilarious :D

Great report, I had no idea such train services existed. I'm not sure I'll be doing the trip, but it was nice to get an insight into it.

I'm planning on the PM run from Wandsworth Road back to Kensington (Olympia) on Friday 19 Oct. Hopefully we'll see you (and perhaps more FT'ers) there!

Hmm, interesting. It would be my birthday. Quite a unique birthday trip.

I'll see if I can get the afternoon off work.

If you've been using it for more than 20 years please feel free to email mark.chetwynd@rbkc.gov.uk and Chris.Bainbridge@lbhf.gov.uk at each of the councils as they are putting together a legal challenge.

Haven't been using it for 20 years, no. Only been in the UK for 4...

I did get a response from TFL:

"TfL have, however, listened to the concerns of the local community who want the shortcut from Russell Road to Olympia Way to remain and will be introducing a 'Station Permit' arrangement. This scheme will meet resident requirements at the same time protect revenue needed to fund and continue improvements of the London Overground. The permits would be provided as paper tickets, coded to only work the gates at Kensington Olympia. TfL will write to the eligible residents to explain the permit system and invite them to collect their pass once ready. Installation of the gatelines is planned shortly after the Paralympics Games."

For as long as I can remember explorers have joked, discussed and cried themselves to sleep over the possibility the Post Office Railway could be explored. Those keen to attempt entry desperately clawed at every scrap of information like a starving hobo snacking on bread crumbs. Just the idea of access, let alone the task of traversing the line seemed fraught with impossible obstacles and doubt.

With all the abandoned postal depots now converted or with a foot thick dump of concrete covering what would have been access below, all potential avenues of access pointed solely to the infiltration of live postal depots. In other words, somehow getting into a site and its central building, working your way down an unknown route through a series of passages, locked doors, workers and alarms until you somehow found your way into the basement and with it the depots Mail Rail station. In other words, impossible.



http://www.silentuk.com/?p=2792

http://www.silentuk.com/?p=2792

No offence, but I don't really see the link between the old Mail Rail under London and this thread. That said, I am quite an avid reader of urbex blogs, so thanks for pointing me to one I didn't know of before.

Hmm, interesting. It would be my birthday. Quite a unique birthday trip.

I'll see if I can get the afternoon off work.



Haven't been using it for 20 years, no. Only been in the UK for 4...

I did get a response from TFL:

"TfL have, however, listened to the concerns of the local community who want the shortcut from Russell Road to Olympia Way to remain and will be introducing a 'Station Permit' arrangement. This scheme will meet resident requirements at the same time protect revenue needed to fund and continue improvements of the London Overground. The permits would be provided as paper tickets, coded to only work the gates at Kensington Olympia. TfL will write to the eligible residents to explain the permit system and invite them to collect their pass once ready. Installation of the gatelines is planned shortly after the Paralympics Games."

Yeah except by doing that as I understand it (and that is a standard response) they've admitted that it is a right of way - Oops. The pass system also won't work if you live outside the narrow geographic areas that they would cover with passes. They could easily allow gates to be installed and allow unticketed access to the footbridge but they don't want to do that it seems, and from their attitude they'd rather annoy residents & the councils instead. I've still yet to hear back from LOROL about the closing of the refurbished ticket office and the building of a new one on the platform, after the initial we'll get back to you within 7 days reply. Southern have been similarily silent about my questions regarding the fact Jenbel nearly got left on the platform.

Time to follow them up I think.

No offence, but I don't really see the link between the old Mail Rail under London and this thread. That said, I am quite an avid reader of urbex blogs, so thanks for pointing me to one I didn't know of before.

I think this maybe a mistaken cross post with a thread on the UK & Ireland board.

No offence, but I don't really see the link between the old Mail Rail under London and this thread. That said, I am quite an avid reader of urbex blogs, so thanks for pointing me to one I didn't know of before.

You don't see the link to "typically British"?

I think this maybe a mistaken cross post with a thread on the UK & Ireland board.

Think again.

Think again.

Oh okay!

Oh okay!

?

I've only just found this. Absolutely brilliant - thanks for sharing!

Uniquely British (surely?) and, as the thread title says, utterly nonsensical. :D

I've only just found this. Absolutely brilliant - thanks for sharing!

Uniquely British (surely?) and, as the thread title says, utterly nonsensical. :D

Thanks, I keep wanting to do the afternoon service but events keep me from doing so on my day off. I'll post a few more pictures in a trip report if I do manage to do the PM one.

Have you written to Southern customer relations informing them that the displays were incorrectly indicating one of their services didn't stop at the station and nearly caused you to miss your train? Surely they'd then have to reply to you justifying their actions and I doubt they'd say they're doing it in order to discourage its use.

Surely telling people not to board the train should make this count as not a public service.

I've had a response from Southern regarding the train and they said they were concerned about the doors going out of service, then working again. I have forwarded details of the service we were on and they are going to talk to the engineers. However they said they weren't responsible for the platform display as this isn't their station and to contact London Overground. I'm going to do that shortly, although given the length of time that they have taken to answer my other question I won't hold my breath.

I've had a response from Southern regarding the train and they said they were concerned about the doors going out of service, then working again. I have forwarded details of the service we were on and they are going to talk to the engineers. However they said they weren't responsible for the platform display as this isn't their station and to contact London Overground. I'm going to do that shortly, although given the length of time that they have taken to answer my other question I won't hold my breath.

Well regarding the waste of money spent on refurnishing the now mothballed ticket office at the station, London Overground Rail Operations Limited (LOROL) did eventually get back to me. Although they've actually passed the buck on to Transport For London (TFL) for comment which doesn't fill me with confidence. I've sent one regarding the platform display but they haven't got back to me on that one yet.

It looks like a fun little trip.

I was told about these a number of years ago. I have family that use to work in the service, now retired. They know every station in the UK. :)

I know that Imperial Wharf \ Chelsea Harbour is a new station. It was only just built in the past few years, by the developers of Imperial Wharf.

Dear all,

I read this thread (and the associated 'West London Parliamentary Trains to cease' thread) with interest and enjoyment.

I work at the University of Winchester and I and one of my fellow researchers would very much like to use your experiences as an example of using of social networks in the context of Law, in this case, using Flyertalk in the context of train services being withdrawn or not. We would like to present our research at an IT Law Conference in London next month with a view to later publishing it in academic and/or professional journals.

So may I ask you:

(1) if you would agree, in principle, to our using the information in this thread in our work
(2) if any of you would be prepared to take part in a short interview, either by telephone or email.

We will, of course, respect your confidentiality and we will not reveal your identity, your handle or any personal information about you. We would like to include you in our acknowledgements but we will only do this if you would like us to.

I won't put my email address or phone number in a public post, but do please PM me if you would like to discuss further or if you would be willing to be interviewed and please do reply to this post as well.

Paul Jennings
University of Winchester

Dear all,

I read this thread (and the associated 'West London Parliamentary Trains to cease' thread) with interest and enjoyment.

I work at the University of Winchester and I and one of my fellow researchers would very much like to use your experiences as an example of using of social networks in the context of Law, in this case, using Flyertalk in the context of train services being withdrawn or not. We would like to present our research at an IT Law Conference in London next month with a view to later publishing it in academic and/or professional journals.

So may I ask you:

(1) if you would agree, in principle, to our using the information in this thread in our work
(2) if any of you would be prepared to take part in a short interview, either by telephone or email.

We will, of course, respect your confidentiality and we will not reveal your identity, your handle or any personal information about you. We would like to include you in our acknowledgements but we will only do this if you would like us to.

I won't put my email address or phone number in a public post, but do please PM me if you would like to discuss further or if you would be willing to be interviewed and please do reply to this post as well.

Paul Jennings
University of Winchester

Yes to both 1) and 2), I'll send you a PM shortly. Oh and welcome to FT. ^

Dear all,

I read this thread (and the associated 'West London Parliamentary Trains to cease' thread) with interest and enjoyment.

I won't put my email address or phone number in a public post, but do please PM me if you would like to discuss further or if you would be willing to be interviewed and please do reply to this post as well.

Paul Jennings
University of Winchester

YGPM!

BUMP

I am still planning to make the 16.11 (aka 4.11pm) departure from Clapham High Street on Friday 19 October. Anyone wishing to join me, please send a PM. Or be on the lookout for the guy with the bright yellow FT tag hanging from his shoulder-bag (aka man purse).

Fare is £1.90 with an Oyster Card.
Departs Clapham High Street [CLP] 16:11
Arrives Kensington Olympia [KPA] 16:29

Calling Points
Wandsworth Road 16:12
Imperial Wharf 16:24
West Brompton 16:26

Thanks to Jimmie76 for the fare info, routing info, and the idea!

I shall be there (PM already to you Warren). I am not sure what I will be wearing, but will look for bright yellow FT tags and just follow the crowd. :)

Well, I just found this thread...how quaint it all is! It's particularly interesting to me as I spent my formative years in Battersea and seeing the references to the Latchmere and Longhedge gave me a nice little nostalgic tingle! (For those who don't know, "The Latchmere" is a very well known pub on the main drag, 'Battersea Park Road'. But generally the area around the pub is also known by locals as "The Latchmere", so hearing someone say "I saw your mum at the Latchmere the other day" doesn't necessarily mean that she was propping up the bar, she just happened to be in the area.)

I have to say though that the way you describe the delay in the doors being allowed to open does sound about on par with Southern Trains services in general (even the publically-scheduled ones!). I recently went through a spate of catching a Southern train from Hackbridge to Victoria, and every time the train pulled in to Hackbridge I would impatiently stab away at the door opener for some time before it actually illuminated and allowed us to board.

Hmm, now I've got a bit of time on my hands I might just get myself to Olympia and jump aboard...it would be great to see Battersea from a different perspective, plus I know a great little Trinidadian takeaway near Clapham High Street that could do with a repeat visit!

Well, I just found this thread...how quaint it all is! It's particularly interesting to me as I spent my formative years in Battersea and seeing the references to the Latchmere and Longhedge gave me a nice little nostalgic tingle! (For those who don't know, "The Latchmere" is a very well known pub on the main drag, 'Battersea Park Road'. But generally the area around the pub is also known by locals as "The Latchmere", so hearing someone say "I saw your mum at the Latchmere the other day" doesn't necessarily mean that she was propping up the bar, she just happened to be in the area.)

I have to say though that the way you describe the delay in the doors being allowed to open does sound about on par with Southern Trains services in general (even the publically-scheduled ones!). I recently went through a spate of catching a Southern train from Hackbridge to Victoria, and every time the train pulled in to Hackbridge I would impatiently stab away at the door opener for some time before it actually illuminated and allowed us to board.

Well there certainly wasn't a delay in opening the doors initially, it was just once I'd got on that they shut them and then they went (which is a euphemism for were put) out of service for at least 30 seconds. The staff obviously realised that I could (and would ;)) have kicked up an unholy fuss if Jenbel hadn't been allowed on board and put the doors back in service and allowed them to be opened again.

Hmm, now I've got a bit of time on my hands I might just get myself to Olympia and jump aboard...it would be great to see Battersea from a different perspective, plus I know a great little Trinidadian takeaway near Clapham High Street that could do with a repeat visit!

Just be aware that you can only go KPA to WWR on the morning Southbound service, If you want to get to CLP you have to get another train. The afternoon Northbound service starts at CLP and goes all the way to KPA calling at WWR on the way.

BUMP

I am still planning to make the 16.11 (aka 4.11pm) departure from Clapham High Street on Friday 19 October. Anyone wishing to join me, please send a PM. Or be on the lookout for the guy with the bright yellow FT tag hanging from his shoulder-bag (aka man purse).

Fare is £1.90 with an Oyster Card.


Thanks to Jimmie76 for the fare info, routing info, and the idea!

Just sorry I can't confirm or deny if I'll be there yet.

FINAL BUMP

I am still planning to make the 16.11 (aka 4.11pm) departure from Clapham High Street on Friday 19 October. Anyone wishing to join me, please send a PM. Or be on the lookout for the guy with the bright yellow FT tag hanging from his shoulder-bag (aka man purse).

Fare is £1.90 with an Oyster Card.
Departs Clapham High Street [CLP] 16:11
Arrives Kensington Olympia [KPA] 16:29

Calling Points
Wandsworth Road 16:12
Imperial Wharf 16:24
West Brompton 16:26

Thanks to Jimmie76 for the fare info, routing info, and the idea!

Yesterday, warreng24, LondonAndy and I caught the 16:11 departure on a very rainy and grey London day.

I had half a day off work, so headed towards Clapham High Street from my house near Clapham Junction station. I caught the 345 bus towards Peckham, which handily drops me right off in front of Clapham High Street Station.

http://photos.travellerspoint.com/16695/large_2012_10_19..eet_Station.jpg

19 October, 2012; CLP - KPA; 16:11 - 16:29

warreng24, LondonAndy and I all made our way separately to Clapham High Street, and despite never meeting before were able to find each other relatively easily.

I arrived first about 5 minutes to four o'clock. I scanned the platform, and determined that as there was only one other person on the platform at the time, who was a rather bored looking woman reading a book, that she was neither Warren nor Andy.

I looked at the departure board, and saw the 16:11 to Kensington (Olympia) listed as the 2nd service. The 15:58 to Victoria came and went, and the 16:11 service moved up to 1st on the departures board for platform 2.

http://photos.travellerspoint.com/16695/large_2012_10_19.._to_Olympia.jpg

Having bent over to grab this picture, I heard behind me a voice say, "you must be Greg." I turned around to see LondonAndy coming up the stairs to the platform.

"Indeed I am," I said, and LondonAndy explaining that he guessed that someone taking a photo of a train schedule wasn't your average commuter.

Warreng24 arrived not long after, from Boston (USA) via ORD and his hotel, looking very lively for someone who had flown overnight.

The train arrived on time. Unlike Jimmie76 and Jenbel's experience, the train was never taken off the departure board, and there was an announcement of the train over the tannoy.

We made sure we were close to one of the doors once the train came to a stop, and I quickly hit the "door open" button. Luckily we had no trouble getting on, and were joined by a few other people who looked to be commuters rather than people there to experience a soon to be discontinued parliamentary train journey.

I commute from Clapham Junction into Victoria every working day, so the train itself was pretty familiar - a standard Southern commuter train.

http://photos.travellerspoint.com/16695/large_2012_10_19..in_interior.jpg

Interesting, though this train didn't have the network map, I had noticed on my daily commute that the Southern network map does show a limited service to Wandsworth Road station.

http://photos.travellerspoint.com/16695/large_2012-10-19..rn_Rail_Map.jpg

Wandsworth Road station is where we pulled into next for a brief stop. The doors go in and out of service very quickly on these trains, only being active for about 30 seconds. A few people jumped on at Wandsworth Road station, but the train remained for the most part empty.

Next up was the unusual bit, where the train departed from the main line up towards Battersea Park and Victoria, and instead took the cord off over Factory Junction and Latchmere Junction No. 1.

Quite a grey day, which meant there wasn't great views of much. However, living in the area, I was pretty sure there isn't much of a view we were missing.

http://photos.travellerspoint.com/16695/large_2012_10_19_The_Unique_Bit.jpg

There was a short delay as we sat on the track, similar to what Jimmie76 had described, so I assume it is a delay built into the schedule. We soon enough rolled on, passing not far from my house, and joining the line up towards Chelsea.

We crossed over a swollen-looking Thames, and pulled into Imperial Wharf. This station was busier than either Clapham High Street or Wandsworth Road, and we had a few people getting on, then upon hearing the announcement that the train was only going as far as Olympia, about half of them quickly jumped back off again.

The train passed by Chelsea's football grounds, quickly called at West Brompton and passed by the soon to be redeveloped Earl's Court before continuing to its final stop, Kensington (Olympia).

http://photos.travellerspoint.com/16695/large_2012_10_19_Train_Exterior.jpg

http://photos.travellerspoint.com/16695/large_2012_10_19_Final_Stop_v2.jpg

It was a short trip, but interesting. For me, beside for soothing the inner-train-geek in me, it provided a few other interesting points. First, we past close by my current house in Battersea, and ended up departing at Kensington Olympia, about a 5 minute walk from where I previously lived in London. Secondly, living near Clapham Junction, I often take the London Overground Service (http://www.tfl.gov.uk/modalpages/2688.aspx). Much of the service we took (From Latchmere junction through to Imperial Wharf to Kensington Olympia) is covered by the existing Overground service from Clapham Junction to Willesden Junction. And most of the part that isn't covered by the existing Overground service (Clapham High Street to Wandsworth Road and then to Factory Junction) will soon be covered by the new southern loop of the Overground (http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/projectsandschemes/15401.aspx). This new service starts in December, and is one of the prime factors in closing this route. It is, in essence, a preview for me of additional transport options coming to my part of town. (In fact, we saw an Overground train in trials on this route while waiting at Clapham High Street station).

Train journey over, a celebratory drink. Having been a former local (1 and a half years ago), I led the way to a local pub. I choose the Bird in Hand (http://www.thebirdinhandlondon.com/), which since I was last living in the area had changed from a gastro-pub to an Italian restaurant. Despite not having any ales on tap, we did stay and had a few drinks, though given the train spotting nature of the day - real ales and beards probably should have been the order of the day. :)

Thanks to warreng24 for organising the trip, and thanks to LondonAndy for joining. Doubt I will get an opportunity to do that route again before the closure in December, so probably my first and last Parliamentary train experience.

.....thanks for taking us along with the fine descriptions and photos.....even the raindrops make me feel nostalgic.....thanks!

Excellent stuff very pleased that you had a good time, you had a scruffier train than we did on the morning run, we had tables at seats. Shame the weather was crap, I would have loved to have been there but I was very busy that Friday and hardly had a minute to myself.

What a fun trip. Its great that they are now getting public transport to that area. The Imperial Wharf station has helped so much.

It is threads like these that make me love FT.

I may be a nutter, but at least I'm not a raving lunatic :P :D :)

So with today being the last day of operation of this service I made it onto the PM trip. Together with a serious number of trainspotters and one other genuine passenger we did the last ever parliamentary train service from CLP to KPA. Pictures will follow at some point.

I took the train round from London Victoria to London Bridge today, last day of service before it is discontinued. Figured that I would take the opportunity to ride it around (never had before) on the last day, and ride the new Clapham Junction to Surrey Quays tomorrow.

I inadvertently ended up on the same train as the Southwark Rail Users (http://www.bellenden.net/srug/news/sat-8th-dec-all-aboard-our-journey-sll)group, who were riding the trip a couple time around. They had signs and were taking pictures, and talking to people on the train. The woman I talked to said they weren't protesting, just communicating, though the information they were handing out was titled "South London's Loss".

They were handing out maps (http://www.bellenden.net/SRUG-maps)they felt better represented the new layout of the train services than the TFL tube maps, which they said don't show how Southwark is connected to central London. I didn't bother pointing out that the TFL tube map doesn't show any rail service other than the Overground, and that most of the new stops weren't on the old London maps.

These services actually are going to continue for a short while, this is due to the franchising foul up, where as the new franchise hasn't come into effect they can't legally stop the service yet. So you still have time to do this trip if you want to but the timings have changed so do check before doing it.

but the timings have changed so do check before doing it.

How do you check train times for a train that isn't advertised and not showing up on the boards? I would like to take a ride on it

How do you check train times for a train that isn't advertised and not showing up on the boards? I would like to take a ride on it

National Rail Enquiries using KPA to WWR for the morning service (departs 10:02) and CLP to KPA (departs 16:09) for the afternoon service.

What a fascinating thing. Most of the destinations listed in the Wikipedia article I have never heard of. With the odd destinations that appear to be all over the map, could one make a holiday of riding the ghost trains? Or would the timings and location make it impractical? It certainly would make an interesting tour, although I guess, by design, the destinations are nothing special for tourists (apologies to those who live there).

Cheers,
Pogopossum

What a fascinating thing. Most of the destinations listed in the Wikipedia article I have never heard of. With the odd destinations that appear to be all over the map, could one make a holiday of riding the ghost trains? Or would the timings and location make it impractical? It certainly would make an interesting tour, although I guess, by design, the destinations are nothing special for tourists (apologies to those who live there).

Cheers,
Pogopossum

No the destinations are not chosen by design it's normally by accident when they close a service, but when closing the service don't run a consultation on closing any bits of the line that this service and only this service uses. They then have to go through a closure consultation before they can close these sections of line. Hence why there are only two tiny bits of track that are being closed here after public consultation to satisfy the legal requirements. They are only doing the consultation now because the franchise was due to be reawarded and it made financial sense to do the consultation at the same time thus allowing the service to be dropped from the new franchise. There will after the franchise ends be no through service from CLP or WWR to KPA (or intermediate stations (or KPA to WWR for that matter) and all regular passenger trains will have to go to CLJ and then people change trains to continue onwards to KPA. The actual line itself will still be used for freight and charter services but no through passenger trains or regular timetabled trains will use it.