Luggage To The Fore

Image: © Martin Addison Taken: Unknown

A passenger train from Dover Western Docks, bound for Charing Cross, approaches Ashford. Leading the train is a class 419 Motor Luggage Van. 10 of these single car units were built specifically for the 'Boat Trains', entering service in 1959. They were equipped with batteries permitting them to operate in the non-electrified quayside areas of the docks. All were withdrawn from normal service in 1991/2 with the impending closure of Dover Western Docks station (finally closed in 1994). They went on to see service as departmental units and also as depot shunters before all were finally withdrawn, the last going in 2004. 8 of the original 10 have been preserved. On the right of the photo is Crowbridge Road, seen climbing to join Boys Hall Road which crosses the railway on the bridge. The bridge has been replaced by a modern concrete structure as part of the construction of the Channel Tunnel high speed rail link and Crowbridge Road now passes underneath before connecting via a slip road on the opposite side. A similar view today would show the rail link on the left of this photo.

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