Chessington North and South opened for service 80 years ago this year (2019). The line was opened in two phases. Malden Manor and Tolworth opened in 1938. It's apparent too if you look at the canopy construction. At Malden Manor and Tolworth, the transition on the arch from the vertical section through to the canopy arch is a smooth curve, yet at Chessington North and South it's an angular transition. No doubt they found a way to save some time, concrete and money and modified the design slightly when it came to the Chessington stations. Motspur Park opened in 1925, long after the line to Epsom had already opened. That's why it's an island platform, as it had to be shoehorned in to the existing infrastructure and surrounding buildings. No sign of the class 66 on the stone train. They must have been in the process of running around the second portion of the stone train. It has to be split and run around in two portions as the run around facilities are too short for 18 wagon trains that serve Day Aggregates at Tolworth.
Is there any reason why the line wasn't extended to Leatherhead post war? You can see remains of old earthworks beyond Chessington South towards Chalky Lane so maybe that was the intention?
@@spuddlesm721 Post WW2 there wasn't the money. The entire railway system was on it's knees. Since then the land beyond the line was designated Green Belt, so that also put a stop to the line progressing to Leatherhead and beyond. It's a shame. It would have been good to have regular Guildford via Chessington services.
Chessington North and South opened for service 80 years ago this year (2019). The line was opened in two phases. Malden Manor and Tolworth opened in 1938.
It's apparent too if you look at the canopy construction. At Malden Manor and Tolworth, the transition on the arch from the vertical section through to the canopy arch is a smooth curve, yet at Chessington North and South it's an angular transition. No doubt they found a way to save some time, concrete and money and modified the design slightly when it came to the Chessington stations.
Motspur Park opened in 1925, long after the line to Epsom had already opened. That's why it's an island platform, as it had to be shoehorned in to the existing infrastructure and surrounding buildings.
No sign of the class 66 on the stone train. They must have been in the process of running around the second portion of the stone train. It has to be split and run around in two portions as the run around facilities are too short for 18 wagon trains that serve Day Aggregates at Tolworth.
Is there any reason why the line wasn't extended to Leatherhead post war? You can see remains of old earthworks beyond Chessington South towards Chalky Lane so maybe that was the intention?
@@spuddlesm721
Post WW2 there wasn't the money. The entire railway system was on it's knees. Since then the land beyond the line was designated Green Belt, so that also put a stop to the line progressing to Leatherhead and beyond.
It's a shame. It would have been good to have regular Guildford via Chessington services.
@@neilcrawford8303 I would’ve loved that I don’t see it happening in my lifetime
I love the class 455 ive been on them lots and its just cool when you or in the cab and your driving its nice
Makes me happy that you actually left the station stops in
Great video but my eyes from that wiper going back and forth 😳
what's that got to do with wipers
British Railways are the best! Class 455/9 is my favourite :)
Many a time, when I used to live in Merton and catch the train no18 to Chessington to go to the Zoo or to see relatives
I imagine the class 455 will be be withdrawn in the near future being nearly 40 years old?
Can anyone tell me what those round structures are at 17:32 ?
They are gas holders. They hold most of the gas for South West London.
There has been no gas in them for around 20 yrs now.
Most enjoyable ride, shame about the weather, I must take the same ride some day, as got a 60+ Oyster Card, 64 in February 2020.
Quite like railways in the rain. Adds a certain atmosphere.
@@meijiturtle3814 Getting soaking wet to get to the station, sitting on a train full of drenched people to/from work’s not a good start.
South Western Railway Class 455