John Oram's photos with the keyword: VSOE

During my lockdown scanning marathon, I am editing and posting pictures the equivalent of which would not today meet my required standards. I'd be the first to admit that the quality of some leaves a lot to be desired but I hope that my followers might forgive me for, if nothing else, the subject matter. My notes from 26 March 1986 record that I travelled from Waterloo to Havant and noted the VSOE stock at the London terminus before my own departure. The buffet attendant (on the train, I assume) informed me that the stock was bound for Portsmouth 12 minutes behind my service train. I photographed the special train at Havant. 33116, the locomotive in this photograph, was at Woking mid-afternoon on my return journey. The VSOE set was due to leave Portsmouth Harbour at 1658 so I presume that it was hauled by a different locomotive. Also of historical note in this picture, are the fast through tracks which were, shortsightedly, lifted many years ago. 860504_260386E

During my lockdown scanning marathon, I am editing and posting pictures the equivalent of which would not today meet my required standards. I'd be the first to admit that the quality of some leaves a lot to be desired but I hope that my followers might forgive me for, if nothing else, the subject matter. My notes from 26 March 1986 record that I travelled from Waterloo to Havant and noted the VSOE stock at the London terminus before my own departure. The buffet attendant (on the train, I assume) informed me that the stock was bound for Portsmouth 12 minutes behind my service train. I photographed the special train at Havant. 33116, the locomotive in this photograph, was at Woking mid-afternoon on my return journey. The VSOE set was due to leave Portsmouth Harbour at 1658 so I presume that it was hauled by a different locomotive. Also of historical note in this picture, are the fast through tracks which were, shortsightedly, lifted many years ago. 860505_260386E

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. A striking sight outside the paint shop on bank holiday Sunday was VSOE (BSO) Car No. 9502. I deliberately shot this from a high angle because views from this Campbell Road vantage point (including some of my own) are frequently cluttered by signs and wires in the foreground. P1180820

The splendidly liveried DBS Class 67 67006 'Royal Sovereign' led the British Pullman back from Westbury and is seen here leaving Chichester with the empty VSOE stock for Stewarts Lane. TZ30_P1010087C

In this snatched shot, DBS Class 67 67006 'Royal Sovereign' is seen leading the British Pullman on its journey from Westbury to Chichester as it takes the Botley line at Eastleigh and passes the works there. This shot has been tweaked a bit to minimise the still visible effects of shooting through the train window. TZ30_P1010079

This is my favourite shot from our VSOE British Pullman trip from Chichester to Westbury and back. Car 'Lucille' was adjacent to ours and I wanted to photograph an empty car to better illustrate the opulence. The blur of the Wiltshire countryside passing outside is a bonus. Geotagging on this image is approximate but it was taken between Westbury and Salisbury on the return journey. TZ30_P1010076

Each Pullman car has its own characteristics. 'Lucille' was not occupied on our trip which was convenient for me as I wanted to show the luxurious appointments without the clutter of passengers. This photograph was taken between Westbury and Salisbury on the return journey. TZ30_P1010073

The table settings on the VSOE British Pullman were impressive although, as non-drinkers, we had the wine glasses cleared away to make a little more room. The geotagging on this image is approximate although it was taken on the outbound journey near Havant where we had a long wait at a signal probably in reaction to an earlier problem at Fareham. TZ30_P1010048

We were first to board car 'Audrey' for the VSOE British Pullman journey from Chichester to Westbury and the table and seats were a sight to behold. The canapés were just the start of a great deal of food! TZ30_P1010041

'Audrey' was our car for the VSOE British Pullman trip from Chichester to Westbury and return. TZ30_P1010046

This imperfect shot was really all I could get from a crowded platform 2 at Chichester as DBS Class 67 67028 led VSOE stock into the station for the British Pullman trip to Westbury and back. Understandably, many of the passengers wanted photographs at the beginning of the journey. TZ30_P1010040