Southern Railway 377 444 approaching Lewes on 2.4.2013

When I travel to see family in Reading or Oxford, I go via Gatwick, which is less hassle than going through London, a bit cheaper, but a bit longer. The down side is that the best connections on to Oxford are the dreaded Voyagers. I can't remember what class FGW use on the Gatwick to Reading service - I think it is a Thames Turbo type. They are OK - unless you catch the wrong train out of Oxford and spend about 1hr40 trailing along on the slow line to Paddington, which I did once when we lived in London. SWT lost out when the 442s went to Gatwick Express - they were, in SWT days, very comfortable trains. Not brilliant for air travellers with lots of luggage - high steps, narrower doors and limited luggage space.
Please don't comment on my photos if you don't want me wittering on and on!!!!