33116 + VSOE at Havant (1) - 26 March 1986

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.

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