John Oram's photos with the keyword: South West Trains

Displaying one of two liveries in service at the time of the franchise change, former South West Trains Class 444 Desiro emu 444035 operates the South Western Railway 0857 (0848 ex Portsmouth Harbour) service from Fratton to Waterloo. 200_3_P1020957R

Invariably on a Sunday there are a lot of trains at rest at Fratton. On this occasion, the emus of the former South West Trains were all in the livery of the defunct franchise as the changes arising from the advent of South Western Railway, around three weeks previously, were just beginning. Class 450 Desiro unit 450027 was amongst those at the much reduced site, the former expanse of which was some years ago replaced by commercial properties and new roads. 200_3_P1020952R

This is pretty much the classic shot of the approach to Havant from the Waterloo lines and much repeated online but soon to be a thing of the past in this exact composition. 20 August 2017 saw the transfer of the franchise from Stagecoach's South West Trains to South Western Railway owned by FirstGroup and MTR Corporation. Rolling stock changes are planned but, for the time being, this morning service was formed of Class 450 Desiro emu 450118 leading 450036 and 450006 all in the outgoing livery. 200_3_P1020941E

Unusually for me, I have chosen a crowded platform scene with a dominant figure in the foreground for this picture of South West Trains Class 158 dmu 158885 at platform 2, Eastleigh with the 1421 to Salisbury. 200_2_P1020720

South West Trains Class 158 dmu 158885 leaving Eastleigh with the 1421 to Salisbury. 200_2_P1020722

This hurried shot of South West Trains Class 159 dmu 159105 leaving Warminster became necessary after I failed to frame the arrival properly. The unit formed the late running 1336 to Brighton (originating at Great Malvern) which is, in fact, a First Great Western service. I understand that loans are taking place during the fitting of accessible toilets to some units. 200_P1050241

South West Trains Class 159 dmu 159014 arriving at Westbury with the 1421 to Bristol Temple Meads. 200_P1050244

South West Trains Class 158 158890 approaches its Millbrook stop on a Salisbury circular service. 200_P1040354

With more than 40 years of memories behind me, it is perhaps not surprising that I think something of the spirit, romance, whatever you wish to call it has gone out of the railways. I can never really accept Class 153 as 'a train' and, similarly the emus in the south seem utterly devoid of character. Still, I have a self-appointed mission to document what I can before it too passes into history. One can not deny that South West Trains units look bright and clean so perhaps they just need to be in a setting to produce a more interesting photograph. This was what was going through my mind for this picture of Class 450 Desiro 450025 at Eastleigh with the 1528 to Portsmouth Harbour. P1180994

Eastleigh is a place I can reach easily at short notice and I am determined to record periodically the place and its visitors in the early 21st century. Equipment and colour schemes come and go and, one day, my photographs, amongst thousands of others, might be a valuable source of reference. To take some of these photographs requires some motivation which is not immediately forthcoming from South West Trains which I find unremittingly dull in spite of the outwardly bright and clean appearance. This is Class 158 dmu 158886 standing at platform 2 with the 1454 to Salisbury (via Southampton). P1180833

Eastleigh is a place I can reach easily at short notice and I am determined to record periodically the place and its visitors in the early 21st century. Equipment and colour schemes come and go and, one day, my photographs, amongst thousands of others, might be a valuable source of reference. To take some of these photographs requires some motivation which is not immediately forthcoming from South West Trains which I find unremittingly dull in spite of the outwardly bright and clean appearance. This is Class 158 dmu 158886 standing at platform 2 with the 1454 to Salisbury (via Southampton). Although I usually exclude people from my pictures, I thought the inclusion of the conductor/guard in this shot might enliven it a little. P1180839

Eastleigh is a place I can reach easily at short notice and I am determined to record periodically the place and its visitors in the early 21st century. Equipment and colour schemes come and go and, one day, my photographs, amongst thousands of others, might be a valuable source of reference. To take some of these photographs requires some motivation which is not immediately forthcoming from South West Trains which I find unremittingly dull in spite of the outwardly bright and clean appearance. This picture is as much about the station as the train but I had doubts about posting it. I like the reflection of the waiting figure in Class 450 Desiro unit 450109 at platform 2 which was joined by the 5 cars of Class 444 Desiro 444026 before departing with the 1511 to Waterloo. P1180846

Eastleigh is a place I can reach easily at short notice and I am determined to record periodically the place and its visitors in the early 21st century. Equipment and colour schemes come and go and, one day, my photographs, amongst thousands of others, might be a valuable source of reference. To take some of these photographs requires some motivation which is not immediately forthcoming from South West Trains which I find unremittingly dull in spite of the outwardly bright and clean appearance. This is Class 158 dmu 158884 standing at platform 1 with the 1515 to Romsey. Although it seemed like a documentary duty at the time, I am quite pleased with this shot. P1180849

Perhaps when British Rail was extant they had as many vehicles as today's TOCs but caught my eye less. There are numerous vehicles in the service of South West Trains and I would dare to suggest that the colour scheme they carry is more attractive overall than that on their trains. This Vauxhall Astra estate MK12ZZC was in the Eastleigh station car park and I have chosen to finish today's series with its picture as something a bit unexpected. P1180850C